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Rise, Let Us Be on Our Way
An inspirational memoir from the recently canonized Pope Saint John Paul II.
Following the success of the international bestseller Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II provides the world with a glimpse into his past in Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way . Chronicling the years he spent as a bishop and later archbishop in Krakow, Poland through his election as the first Polish Pope in 1978, he recounts everything from communist efforts to suppress the church in Poland to his efforts to adopt a new and more open style of pastoral ministry. With recollections on his life as well as his thoughts on the issues facing the world now, Pope John Paul II offers words of wisdom in this book that will appeal to people of any faith looking to strengthen their spirituality.
Following the success of the international bestseller Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II provides the world with a glimpse into his past in Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way . Chronicling the years he spent as a bishop and later archbishop in Krakow, Poland through his election as the first Polish Pope in 1978, he recounts everything from communist efforts to suppress the church in Poland to his efforts to adopt a new and more open style of pastoral ministry. With recollections on his life as well as his thoughts on the issues facing the world now, Pope John Paul II offers words of wisdom in this book that will appeal to people of any faith looking to strengthen their spirituality.
230 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
44 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
Pope John Paul II
1,058 books628 followersSaint Pope John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus II), born Karol Józef Wojtyła was elected Pope at the Conclave of 16 October 1978, and he took the name of John Paul II. On 22 October, the Lord's Day, he solemnly inaugurated his Petrine ministry as the 263rd successor to the Apostle. His pontificate, one of the longest in the history of the Church, lasted nearly 27 years.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
Driven by his pastoral solicitude for all Churches and by a sense of openness and charity to the entire human race, John Paul II exercised the Petrine ministry with a tireless missionary spirit, dedicating it all his energy. He made 104 pastoral visits outside Italy and 146 within Italy. As bishop of Rome he visited 317 of the city's 333 parishes.
He had more meetings than any of his predecessors with the People of God and the leaders of Nations. More than 17,600,000 pilgrims participated in the General Audiences held on Wednesdays (more than 1160), not counting other special audiences and religious ceremonies [more than 8 million pilgrims during the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000 alone], and the millions of faithful he met during pastoral visits in Italy and throughout the world. We must also remember the numerous government personalities he encountered during 38 official visits, 738 audiences and meetings held with Heads of State, and 246 audiences and meetings with Prime Ministers.
His love for young people brought him to establish the World Youth Days. The 19 WYDs celebrated during his pontificate brought together millions of young people from all over the world. At the same time his care for the family was expressed in the World Meetings of Families, which he initiated in 1994. John Paul II successfully encouraged dialogue with the Jews and with the representatives of other religions, whom he several times invited to prayer meetings for peace, especially in Assisi.
Under his guidance the Church prepared herself for the third millennium and celebrated the Great Jubilee of the year 2000 in accordance with the instructions given in the Apostolic Letter Tertio Millennio adveniente. The Church then faced the new epoch, receiving his instructions in the Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio ineunte, in which he indicated to the faithful their future path.
With the Year of the Redemption, the Marian Year and the Year of the Eucharist, he promoted the spiritual renewal of the Church. He gave an extraordinary impetus to Canonizations and Beatifications, focusing on countless examples of holiness as an incentive for the people of our time. He celebrated 147 beatification ceremonies during which he proclaimed 1,338 Blesseds; and 51 canonizations for a total of 482 saints. He made Thérèse of the Child Jesus a Doctor of the Church.
He considerably expanded the College of Cardinals, creating 231 Cardinals (plus one in pectore) in 9 consistories. He also called six full meetings of the College of Cardinals. His most important Documents include 14 Encyclicals, 15 Apostolic Exhortations, 11 Apostolic Constitutions, 45 Apostolic Letters. He promulgated the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the light of Tradition as authoritatively interpreted by the Second Vatican Council. He also reformed the Eastern and Western Codes of Canon Law, created new Institutions and reorganized the Roman Curia.
In the light of Christ risen from the dead, on 2 April 2005 at 9.37 p.m., while Saturday was drawing to a close and the Lord's Day was already beginning, the Octave of Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday, the Church's beloved Pastor, John Paul II, departed this world for the Father. On April 1, 2011, he was raised to the glory of the altars and on April 27, 2014 canonized.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews
December 31, 2018
Very inspiring book. Looking forward to reading many more of John Paul II.
December 19, 2021
El libro es puramente autobiográfico. Describe la labor del obispo mezclando sus numerosísimas anécdotas, repasando con su asombrosa memoria detalles preciosos de su vida en su amadísima Polonia.
Un personaje indescriptible, un artista, místico , filósofo, padre, que ama estar entre la gente . Visitó casi todas las parroquias de Roma y Cracovia (en Roma eran 333 y visitó 317 en 2003).
Sorprende su optimismo, su intensidad , la fuerza de su carácter..el libro está escrito en 2003, y eso que no estaba bien de salud como sabemos (falleció en abril de 2005)
También es interesante para conocer la historia de Polonia. En resumen manual para el obispo, autobiografía, historia de Polonia y una pluma fuerte e indeleble de un hombre que ha marcado la historia para siempre.
Un personaje indescriptible, un artista, místico , filósofo, padre, que ama estar entre la gente . Visitó casi todas las parroquias de Roma y Cracovia (en Roma eran 333 y visitó 317 en 2003).
Sorprende su optimismo, su intensidad , la fuerza de su carácter..el libro está escrito en 2003, y eso que no estaba bien de salud como sabemos (falleció en abril de 2005)
También es interesante para conocer la historia de Polonia. En resumen manual para el obispo, autobiografía, historia de Polonia y una pluma fuerte e indeleble de un hombre que ha marcado la historia para siempre.
January 30, 2011
As expected, JPII is very insightful and shows his genuine love for Jesus in this book. He paints a beautiful picture of what it means to be a bishop in the Church. At first, I thought it would be very informative, but I wasn't sure how relevnant I would find it for my own life. I was overwhelmed with what I learned just by reading about this Pope's interactions with his people, and (as I should have known), came away with some beautiful quotes to live by.
January 21, 2024
I can’t give my spiritual grandpa less than four stars because he’s a king. But, this was hard to read because I think it’s geared towards the clergy. But love him always!
April 16, 2022
In this follow-up book to Gift and Mystery, which gave memories and reflections about his early priesthood, John Paul II writes about his memories and reflections of being a bishop in his native Poland. He goes through his acceptance of the call and the ordination ceremony, dwelling on the significance of different details, like the meaning of the mitre (the bishop's hat) and crosier (the bishop's staff). He writes about his life as a bishop, which was very challenging under the communist government of the 1950s and 1960s. He traveled a bit and participated in Vatican II. His daily life as a bishop included visiting parishes and working with various religious organizations in the diocese, along with providing the sacraments to his flock. He writes warmly about the traditions of Catholic Poland, their favorite saints, and the various other priests and bishops who had an influence on his life.
The book reads rather quickly. It's not an in-depth meditation about the episcopacy, but an nice historical, personal, and theological overview. He describes his own experiences, how those helped him to be a better shepherd to his flock and made him ready to become pope. I found it interesting and inspiring.
Highly recommended.
The book reads rather quickly. It's not an in-depth meditation about the episcopacy, but an nice historical, personal, and theological overview. He describes his own experiences, how those helped him to be a better shepherd to his flock and made him ready to become pope. I found it interesting and inspiring.
Highly recommended.
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December 28, 2019this book is about Pope John Paul II's reminiscences of his time in the Bishopric in Poland, and his exhortations about the proper duties of a bishop, as he puts it 'the shepherd of the sheep' who must be first in line 'to sacrifice himself for the sheep'. In this book one can witness his placid and straightforward piety and devotion toward God and Catholicism, seemingly untroubled by the questions of modern times, apart from the impact of Communism.
October 29, 2022
I wish more bishops would read this and take it to heart. Especially in the United States.
August 18, 2011
Pope John Paul II writes about his time as a Bishop in Krakow and a little bit about being the Pope. I feel this book is meant more for the clergy than for lay people but it still is interesting. One thing that stands out to me is when he decided to become a priest in Poland, he was told by a mentor "not to waste his talents on the priesthood." All I can think of is thank God, he wasted his talents on the priesthood. Can you imagine where the Church would be if he hadn't?
July 21, 2015
....a concise biography of St. John Paul II... its very inspiring... his vocation... got to know a little background on Poland's politics during his days... This is a perfect book for those searching their vocations....
August 17, 2011
This is John Paul the Great's reflection on his vocation and his vision of the role of the bishop. Even for those among the laity will find wisdom in its reflections. Read, and be on your way.
March 26, 2019
I have found myself in the last few months in the spiritual presence of Saint Pope John Paul II...first in a book that I didn't get to finish when we left TN in January...had to return it to the library...then in an interview with former Swiss guard Andreas Widmer, who has written a book about the lessons the Pope taught him.
So, I found this book at the library sale and decided to continue to journey with him. This one is about his years as the Bishop and Archbishop of Krakow. His love for God, the Catholic faith, the people of Poland and all of humanity drench every page.
I believe I will return to his thoughts again and again.
By the way, if you can look carefully at the cover of the book, there is, I believe, a bit of humor there as he peeks out at the world while leaning heavily on his staff...the cross.
So, I found this book at the library sale and decided to continue to journey with him. This one is about his years as the Bishop and Archbishop of Krakow. His love for God, the Catholic faith, the people of Poland and all of humanity drench every page.
I believe I will return to his thoughts again and again.
By the way, if you can look carefully at the cover of the book, there is, I believe, a bit of humor there as he peeks out at the world while leaning heavily on his staff...the cross.
September 5, 2020
Love this book, but then I love all St Pope JPII’s writings as I hope with God’s grace to grow up to be like him someday. The former is great because even though I love Weigel’s bios of him, it’s great from time to time to get the direct autobiographical POV. The flow is engaging as it starts with his life and then goes on to his pastoral influences.
I love the part about how he didn’t need to see saints growing up as he just needed to watch his dad in prayer and at Mass! And as a bishop he had an open door policy, which makes me think that even as Pope he would’ve kept the doors open if it weren’t for security issues that would put any of the Swiss guards in cardiac arrest!
I think I might’ve enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book Crossing the Threshold of Hope. But as it’s been a few years, I’m going to re-read the first one now!
I love the part about how he didn’t need to see saints growing up as he just needed to watch his dad in prayer and at Mass! And as a bishop he had an open door policy, which makes me think that even as Pope he would’ve kept the doors open if it weren’t for security issues that would put any of the Swiss guards in cardiac arrest!
I think I might’ve enjoyed this sequel even more than the first book Crossing the Threshold of Hope. But as it’s been a few years, I’m going to re-read the first one now!
March 20, 2023
John Paul II Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way is Pope Saint John Paul II’s account of his priesthood and his rise to becoming Pope. These are his thoughts and reflections about his faith and the duties of the clergy, especially bishops. He shares the struggles to keep the faith in his home country of Poland during the Nazi occupation and then later the communist occupation.
What I like most about this book is learning the insight of Pope Saint John Paul II as he shares his faith. He is all about the youth as the future of the Catholic faith. He’s about meeting the people and truly listening to their struggles. John Paul II believes in the power of families as I do. He tells the reader to “understand the unity and love that characterized the Holy Family: three hearts, one love.” [p-138, hardback ed.]
John Paul II helps me understand the deeper meaning of my Catholic faith and to believe that “whatever [God] asks of us, He provides the help that is needed.” [p-215] Yes, He does. Thank you, Pope Saint John Paul II, for reminding me. An inspirational read for sure.
What I like most about this book is learning the insight of Pope Saint John Paul II as he shares his faith. He is all about the youth as the future of the Catholic faith. He’s about meeting the people and truly listening to their struggles. John Paul II believes in the power of families as I do. He tells the reader to “understand the unity and love that characterized the Holy Family: three hearts, one love.” [p-138, hardback ed.]
John Paul II helps me understand the deeper meaning of my Catholic faith and to believe that “whatever [God] asks of us, He provides the help that is needed.” [p-215] Yes, He does. Thank you, Pope Saint John Paul II, for reminding me. An inspirational read for sure.
February 23, 2025
This is a book based on vocation and the experience of one who is ordained. Much of his discussion is towards and dedicated to the clergy and the importance of their commission to 'go out' into the world. I do agree with lower comments about this: the writing is geared more towards clergy. But there are many tidbits that are just universally applicable, particularly on a section he has dedicated to human formation and how it is applied in a pastoral setting.
It's not something I'd really recommend for an 'average reader' but for someone inquiring into vocation and wanting to get the mind of Pope St. John Paul IIs experience, then it's certainly for you! Well, that and your priest.
It's not something I'd really recommend for an 'average reader' but for someone inquiring into vocation and wanting to get the mind of Pope St. John Paul IIs experience, then it's certainly for you! Well, that and your priest.
April 26, 2020
It is a small book and yes John Paul II may have been addressing it to the bishops and their task, but it is a message to all of us. The title “Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way”, are the words Jesus said to His disciples in the garden. We must all rise and be about the work/mission of the church. As John Paul II said we do not know where it will lead us but God is with us and only God knows the goal. Let us now spread the gospel and love of Christ with others . It is well written and easy to read.
July 4, 2025
Pope John Paul II is one of the wisest men of our time. The Catholic Church was blessed to have been led by someone who was as dedicated to his faith as he was for nearly 30 years as pope. He has a unique story from his days in Poland and rising in the ranks of Catholicism. He was not only an important religious leader, but also one of the world's most influential political leaders too. Though he has been gone for 20 years now, his impact as pope still rings fresh today.
August 6, 2018
An interesting look at Pope John Paul II's understanding of ministry. While I am not Catholic, there was plenty in here to take away and apply to the pastorate. With Pope John Paul II being such a large figure in history, this was a satisfying and enlightening read.
November 18, 2020
Good read, moves quickly through Saint John Paul II’s experience and understanding of the episcopacy. The role of a bishop as he understood it and his personal experience are intermixed. Good insights into post war Poland and some insights into collegiality.
September 27, 2022
The thoughts and story of Pope John Paul II. From tales of his time as a priest and later a bishop and cardinal in a communist nation to his thoughts on Christianity and the true messages of Christ, his words remind us to not allow fear or uncertainty to lead us off of our true path.
November 2, 2024
Ah I loved this book! JPII wrote it for the clergy but the whole time I was reading it I felt like we were just sitting down having coffee and my he was just telling me his stories. I love the way he wrote it, it felt very personal. Would definitely recommend this read to everyone!
July 20, 2025
Wspaniała książka, niezwykle inspirująca. Pokazuje nam wszystkim jak możemy kroczyć przez życie wraz z Chrystusem, który zawsze przy nas jest.
Możliwość bliższego poznania osoby papieża Jana Pawła II niezwykle inspiruje, pozwala zagłębić się w jego życie i poznać jego powołanie.
Możliwość bliższego poznania osoby papieża Jana Pawła II niezwykle inspiruje, pozwala zagłębić się w jego życie i poznać jego powołanie.
January 23, 2019
Definitely reignited the fire!!!
December 31, 2019
Saint John Paul II. He was so intelligent, compassionate and faith filled. Definitely want to read more of his works.
January 7, 2021
Somber and hopeful
January 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book immensely. I love how depicts the life of Pope John Paul II.
March 15, 2021
Precioso relato de los años de obispo de Juan Pablo II. Inspirador para no temer, Dios puede todo, siempre puede
October 17, 2021
I need to know a lot more about Poland before I can appreciate this book!
December 5, 2022
Beautiful, accessible, and to-the-point meditations and reflections by St John Paul II on a variety of topics pertaining to his vocation as priest, bishop and pope.
August 2, 2023
Lectura religiosa con una visión particular del Papa Juan Pablo II con alusiones continúas a Polonia y que aunque interesante y reflexiva se centra demasiado en ese país y sus singularidades.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 59 reviews