How to Celebrate the Feast of St. John Paul II with Kids (October 22)

Celebrating the Feast of Pope St. John Paul II with Children

The feast of St. John Paul II, celebrated on October 22, is a wonderful opportunity to honor one of the most beloved popes in recent history. Known for his warmth, wisdom, and deep love for humanity, St. John Paul II inspires us to live our faith fully and joyfully. Celebrating this feast day with kids can be both fun and meaningful! Here are some engaging activities, tasty foods, and ways to reflect on his legacy.

1. Coloring Page and iSpy JPII Game

Start your celebration by having the children color a picture of St. John Paul II. Once they’ve finished coloring, engage them in the iSpy JPII game. This fun activity challenges kids to find iconic images related to St. John Paul II, helping them become more familiar with his legacy in an entertaining way.

2. Enjoy Food Related to St. John Paul II

Food can be a delightful way to celebrate, so consider incorporating some Polish-inspired dishes, as St. John Paul II was from Poland. Here are some ideas:

• Pierogi: These stuffed dumplings can be filled with a variety of ingredients, like potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut. They’re fun to make and delicious to eat!
• Polish Sausage: Grill or pan-fry some Polish sausage and serve it with mustard and fresh bread.

3. Decorate with White Roses

There are a variety of white roses that are actually named Pope John Paul II roses. They’re beautiful and fragrant. Consider decorating your home or your table with white roses. This not only beautifies your space but also serves as a reminder of his legacy and the love he had for Mary, as the rose symbolizes purity and devotion.

4. Look at Old Photos of St. John Paul II

Spend some time looking at old photos of St. John Paul II with your kids. It’s not very often that your kids can see actual real life photos of saints. This can spark discussions about his life, the important events he participated in, and his love for people around the world. 

5. Get Out in Nature

St. John Paul II had a deep love for the outdoors, and spending time in nature can be a wonderful way to honor his memory. Plan a family outing to a local park, garden, or nature reserve. Encourage the kids to observe the beauty of God’s creation, just as St. John Paul II appreciated the wonders of nature. You might even organize a nature scavenger hunt to make it more interactive!

6. Print and Decorate “Totus Tuus”

Print out the bubble letters “Totus Tuus” for free with our printable, and have the kids color or paint the letters. Once they’re decorated, hang them up in your home as a celebration of St. John Paul II’s devotion to Mary, encapsulated in his phrase “Totus Tuus,” which means “Totally Yours.”

Celebrating the feast of St. John Paul II with kids is a great opportunity to learn about his life and teachings while enjoying fun activities, delicious food, and appreciating God’s creation. By incorporating these ideas, you can create a memorable celebration that honors this beloved saint.