Feast of Saint John Paul II

Although Pope John Paul II died on April 2, once he was canonized as a Saint, October 22 was selected as his feast day. Most other saints are celebrated on the day of their death, he was not.

So why did the Church choose a day in October to fix his Memorial Feast? For on thing, a memorial feast is not an obligation, other more pressing events would take precedence over his feast day. Early April is a very busy time in the Church schedule. Any number of far more important observations could easily cancel his feast completely. April 2 could be during Lent, or a day in the Easter Season, or even Easter itself. All of these far outweigh celebrating the feast day of a pope no matter how popular. So why October 22? Why not the typical fallback date of his birth, May 18?

May 18 is already taken by another pope, Pope John I, a sixth century papal martyr. The Church felt that if Pope John Paul II were to share a date with another saint, especially another Pope; it might be confusing. Another possible date would have been the date Pope John Paul II was ordained. Once again, it was impossible. John Paul II was ordained as a priest on November 1, All Saints Day. He was consecrated as a bishop on September 28, another date already occupied. October 22 was chosen because it was the day he celebrated his first Mass as pope.

Pope John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II is probably the most well known and recognized of the 263 Popes before him. He might just prove to be the most popular and well-liked Pope of all time. He did much to bring young people back to the church, to strengthen worldwide influence and guide Christ’s people in an ever changing world.

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It’s no secret that in the kitchen, timing is everything. The best way to insure that the Mesquite Pork and Mushroom Top Potatoes are ready to serve at the same time is to do the prep work for both. Then start the potatoes with a timer set for 15 minutes. Shake the potatoes, then start the pork. Should the potatoes finish a few minutes ahead of the pork, that’s great. Just shut off the oven; hold potatoes until ready to serve. It’s much easier to hold the potatoes than it is to dry out the pork.

Weeknight Mesquite Pork Tenderloin
1 lb Pork Tenderloin
Mesquite Seasoning to taste
Onion Powder to taste
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1/4 cup Chicken Stock
1/4 cup Water

Slice pork in half crosswise; season each half with Mesquite Seasoning and Onion Powder. Turn Instant Pot to Sauté setting and heat oil. When oil is shimmering and the pot has reached temperature, add pork. Sear until beautifully browned, about 3 minutes per side. Remove pork to a plate and set aside.

Cancel Sauté setting, remove insert from the pot. Whisk chicken stock with a little Mesquite Seasoning, pour into the insert, scraping any browned bits into the seasoned stock. Add water. Place trivet into pot insert. Arrange pork side by side on the trivet. Return insert to the pressure cooker; lock lid and set PRESSURE COOK – HIGH – 7 MINUTES. Press start.

Once the time is up allow pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.

Transfer pork to a rimmed serving platter. Slice, fan out. Arrange the Mushroom Top potatoes around the sliced mesquite pork. Pour pot drippings over the meat. Serve and enjoy.

Roasted Mushroom Top Potatoes
20 medium-small Yukon Gold or Baby Red Potatoes
2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray, set aside.

Scrub potatoes. Insert an apple corer mid-way up the potato. With a sharp paring knife, cut around the top of the corer insert. Remove bottom section of potato. Remove corer. Repeat until all the potatoes have been carved into mushroom tops. Arrange on the prepared pan.

Melt butter. Add olive oil to the butter. Drizzle over the potatoes, gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Place in the heated oven to roast until tender and cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes, turning as needed for even browning. Hold in the warm oven until ready to serve.

Delicious with green beans for an easy yet satisfying weeknight supper.

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The plan of the LORD stands forever;
the design of His heart, through all generations.
Blessed the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people He has chosen for His own inheritance.
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.