HOUSTON – Millions of people all over the world, including in Houston, celebrated the canonization of two popes credited with changing the Catholic Church forever.
"I would even dream that something like that in my life would happen, that I would have my personal -- almost friend -- as a saint," said Adam Golunski, a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church.
It was a special day for Catholics around the world but for Golunski, it is a day he will never forget.
"He was my professor during my Philosophy College in Poland, later on I met him in St Peter's Square and I remember holding his hand," said Golunski.
Two pontiffs were elevated to sainthood for the first time.
John XXIII and John Paul II were canonized Sunday by Pope Francis on Sunday in Vatican City.
And Catholic Church's all over Houston celebrated.
St. Matthew The Evangelist Catholic Church invited its parishioners to watch the celebration live at 3 a.m. About 150 people showed up to see history in the making.
"To have two men do what they did for the world, not just the church, but bringing Christ to the world, to be a part of that is amazing," said Nick Diehl, St. Matthew The Evangelist Catholic Church member.
Across town at St. Edith Stein Catholic Church, parishioners celebrated with a party and took photos with life-size cutouts of both saints.
And at Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church, Archbishop Joseph Fiorenza celebrated Mass and then dedicated a new monument to the late Pope John Paul II.
"I look into the statue's eyes and it is the same thing, you can feel his presence," said Golunski.