1979.  As I recall, our pope of fond memory, who we're about to bury, was on American soil in October of that year.

I have memories that I'd almost rather forget, but they're important for that "J" word--my spiritual journey.  After a contentious summer, a social worker from my parents' church arranged for us to see a family counselor at a children's home (Baptist, that is), to try to talk me out of this obsession with Catholicism.  To make a very long story short--at least forbearing to the space allotted here--the counselor (a Baptist) told my parents that if they believed that I was saved, to let me convert.

My first Mass was televised from somewhere, and JPII was the celebrant.  We were at my sister's house, and she suddenly got the idea to take me somewhere downtown to find a shop her friend had recently opened in new "mall" in an old convent.  The day was overcast, and continuously threatened rain.

The building complex had been known as the Ursuline Academy of the Immaculate Conception, and was comprised of a chapel building, convent, and "gym."  A lovely courtyard was hidden behind the buildings.  A statue of Mary--this particular representation I had never seen before--stood watching over the courtyard.  Her head was inclined, and her hands were folded in prayer.  I addressed her as "Our Lady of the Cloister," since "The Cloister" was the name of the "mall."  A restaurant called "Raposo" had been put in the chapel.

On the ground floor, a photographic display had been set up, showing the Ursuline community which had conducted the academy.  I barely remember the parlors, but the door leading to the chapel was incredibly thin.  I have no recollection of the second floor.

Up on the third floor of the convent building, my jaw dropped to see the scarred outside walls where the cell dividing walls once stood.  I couldn't help but be disgusted.  The cells were very thin, also.

I forgot about Our Lady of the Cloister for a few years--until I and the other discerners started the SOLC.

So, what's all this got to do with St. Malachy's papal prophesy, "the Glory of the Olive?"  It could have a lot to do with it.  The next pope will more than likely be the one to give approval to the Monks and Nuns of Our Lady of the Cloister.

I've done a lot of thinking about "the Glory of the Olive."  Some have thought perhaps it would be a Benedictine.  However, there are no OSB Cardinals.  Educated by the OSBs?  Doesn't look like it.    From a region of the world known for olives?  Maybe.  Perhaps an Italian.   Within Lombardy is Lucca from whence the olive oil in my cabinet hails.

Olives on his coat of arms?  I haven't seen any coats of arms, so I can't answer that  one.  Glory of the olive--olive branch meaning peace.  JPII was a peacemaker, so the next pope could be one of his cardinals.  That leaves out only about six.

I was stumped until one of our aspirants clued me into another possibility--olive skin.   From the "darker" regions of the world.  A non-"caucasian."  She told me of another prophesy I wasn't aware of --that of the black pope.

My prayer is that the Holy Ghost chooses a cardinal who is supportive of the Tridentine Mass, and has at least some of the charisma that JPII had.

Ironically, there will be a major moon, sun, and earth eclipse the day of the pope's funeral.  There will also be a lunar eclipse the seventh day after the start of the conclave.   From what I heard, JPII was born during an eclipse.

Pax, bonum, et caritas, Gemma