In the April 25th issue of National Review, Michael Novak includes this statement in his tribute to John Paul II:
To the best of my knowledge, we at Crisis magazine early on were the first to put the name "John Paul the Great" in print, and new editor Deal Hudson emblazoned it on the front cover in 1997.
I know I remember Daniel Nichols using that phrase–with the addition of "Saint"– in conversation long before 1997, and indeed before 1990, unless my memory is wrong. And I thought I remembered it occuring in Caelum et Terra. Which it did: Daniel has located it, in the Summer 1995 issue.
Upon re-reading Novak’s statement, I see that it’s not clear as to whether the 1997 cover was the first appearance in of the phrase in Crisis. But at any rate let it be noted that we used it before the instance he mentions.
Daniel’s piece is just a few paragraphs, so I think I’ll take a few minutes and type it in as a separate post.
–Maclin Horton
This is an interesting tussle, but there is no accomplishment to be the “first” to honor a human being of great faith and accomplishment. Crisis or none of the other competitors designated John Paul as “the Great” or “Saint,” for the original grace comes from God. Would that people were more intent on cooperating with God’s grace to be “Saints” and “Greats” themselves, rather than be satisfied with being the first to pin the acclamation on another.
Fair point, Todd. Have to admit it does smack a bit of the disciples arguing over who will be greater in the Kingdom.
I don’t know; Caelum et Terra was consistently prophetic. There is nothing wrong with taking note of that.