Devotion, Protection and Radical Trust:

What JP2 means when he says, “Totus Tuus”

One of the most enduring legacies of St. John Paul II is his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother. The motto of his papacy, and the rhythm of his spiritual life, was Totus Tuus – Totally Yours. These two words capture his trust in Divine Providence through suffering, unknown, and many twists and turns in the life of this great saint.

The Devotion of “Totus Tuus”

St. Louis de Montfort wrote extensively of entrustment to the Jesus Christ through his mother. His consecration flows from our Lord’s words on the cross; in final moments, he gave his mother to his beloved friend and disciple, John. This is the greatest gift Jesus could give to love his friend. A deep relationship with Mary bears fruit! A loving relationship with Mary changes our hearts and makes us holy.

In fact, true devotion to Mary allows her to bring us even closer to Jesus. The full Latin phrase encapsulates this: “Totus Tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt.”

A Mother’s Love Stops an Attempted Assassination

On May 13, 1981 – the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima – Pope John Paul II is shot in St. Peter’s Square by an assassin. Multiple theories exist on the gunman’s motives, but the effect of this violent act is not disputed. Those who watched the pope fall as the bullet ripped through his abdomen feared they were losing their Pope.

Pope John Paul II is rushed to the hospital, hovering on the edge of death.

The lead surgeon – not originally on call – hears the news on the radio and somehow makes it through the packed Italian streets to treat the pope.

The bullet miraculously missed his vital organs. The team of surgeons fights for his life.

The hand of grace is at work.

“One hand fired the bullet, another hand guided it.”

The Fatima Connection

Pope John Paul II believed that Our Lady of Fatima saved his life. Through her protection, the bullet was not fatal. A hundred tiny miracles surrounded the day. The security team, medical personnel, the Pope’s inner circle, each provide accounts of small unexplainable moments in the day that led to the Pope’s survival.

In 1917, the Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She shared a message of repentance and warning, calling the world to turn back to God through prayer. Our Lady offered prophetic details of events of suffering that later came to pass in the 20th century. One of these details involved a vision of a “bishop in white,” shot and falling to the ground.

After the events of May 13, John Paul II came to believe that he was the bishop in that vision. Our Lady intervened in history, and in his own life, to show mercy and the power of God. After his recovery, he placed the bullet in the crown of Our Lady’s statue at the Fatima shrine. A testimony to her protection. A symbol of his love and trust in her.

A Life Given, A Life Protected

An Image of Entrustment

Totus Tuus, original art by Kate Capato, tells the story of St. John Paul II’s total trust to Mary. In his right hand, he bears the cross of Christ, letting Jesus lead him forward. In his left, the rosary anchors him, and reveals his devotion to Our Lady. He stands under her mantle, in her grace.

As we face our own trials, fears, or uncertainties, we too can echo his devotion: Totus Tuus.

A Reminder to Be Not Afraid!

It can be hard to trust that Our Lady is at work in our lives. Surround yourself with beautiful art to serve as reminders of this truth. Explore more Kate’s work for original sacred art meant to bring joy and peace to your heart. Totus Tuus is available now in the shop!