By David Karas | Correspondent
Preparations are underway in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, and in Philadelphia, Washington and New York for the visit of Pope Francis. Organizers have launched a special website for the momentous occasions, www.WorldMeeting2015.org, and the constantly updated web platform includes everything you need to know about the events.
We are also keeping tabs on plans throughout the region, as well as in parishes across the Diocese of Trenton, and will be sharing news as soon as it is available. Be sure to read The Monitor and visit www.TrentonMonitor.com for updates. And if you know about a parish event you would like to share, email us at Monitor-News@DioceseofTrenton.org.
Here are some of the latest updates:
Maple Shade parish offers bus
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Maple Shade, has announced that it will be arranging for a bus to the Papal Mass. The bus is set to leave from the parish parking lot, and the fee is $50 per seat. Reservations and payments are currently being accepted and those interested can contact the parish office at 856-667-8850 or stop by the parish office to reserve their place.
As of press time July 29, the bus was already half full.
The Monitor will continue to share news of buses and other trips to Philadelphia for the visit of Pope Francis as we learn about them.
Hamilton parish announces Holy Hour for Families
In preparation for the visit of Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and the Marian Servants of the Holy Father will hold a Holy Hour for Families on the first Thursday of each month leading up to the occasion. The gatherings will be held Aug. 6 and Sept. 3 in the parish chapel from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the special hour of prayer and Eucharistic Adoration for the needs of families.
‘Papal Playbook’ in the works
As Philadelphians and area residents prepare to welcome visitors from around the globe for the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis, organizers are putting together a special guide – the Papal Visit Playbook. The guide will be designed to help ensure that those living in the Philadelphia area are ready for September, particularly the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27.
Those interested can sign up to receive the playbook when it is finalized, by visiting www.worldmeeting2015.org/papalplaybook/ and filling out an online form.
Getting social with the Pope
While Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia is still a few months away, the occasion has already earned its own hashtag on the popular social media platform, Twitter. Organizers of the World Meeting of Families and the papal visit are encouraging users to use the hashtag #PopeInPhilly when tweeting about the visit.
Apps available for visitors
Organizers of the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis have unveiled a pair of smartphone apps that will assist those visiting Philadelphia for the momentous occasions.
The Go Philadelphia! application is designed to help visitors to the City of Brotherly Love to find key events and activities taking place throughout the metropolis during the World Meeting of Families event. It includes a map of museums, Philadelphia landmarks, religious sites and locations of the Papal visit. The app is sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Visit Philadelphia and IBM.
The World Meeting of Families Congress App has been billed as “the digital accessory” for the meeting, which will run from Sept. 22-25. The application allows visitors to create their own, personalized schedule for the Congress. It also provides information on sessions and speakers, assists visitors in locating exhibitors and allows for the rating of sessions.
Visitors to Philadelphia are encouraged to download these apps to make the most of their visit and to be more prepared for the historic week.
Both apps are available for Apple and Android users. For more information, visit http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/the-latest/mobileapps/.
WMOF registration open
Registration remains open for the World Meeting of Families, with online options and discounts on various packages for early registration. Various pricing levels are available, depending on the number of days of attendance as well as the level of amenities that come with registration.
Visit www.worldmeeting2015.org/plan-your-visit/register/ for more information and to register.
Pope Francis will not be attending the World Meeting of Families; he will be arriving in Philadelphia for a visit following the close of the meeting. Registration is not necessary to attend events during the papal visit.
The World Meeting of Families is an international conference on the family, initiated by St. John Paul II and sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Family, Rome, as well as the Philadelphia Archdiocese. The program will feature internationally known speakers offering discussions on how the sacred bond of families can be strengthened across the globe. Thousands are expected to attend, and there will be a special track for youth attendees.
Mural to mark historic visit
Philadelphia has earned the designation as a “city of murals,” and in keeping with this moniker, a special public mural will be created to celebrate the World Meeting of Families and the historic visit of Pope Francis in a way that will long outlive the occasions themselves.
The WMOF and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program have commissioned world-renowned artist Cesar Viveros to develop a beautiful, family-themed mural to capture the theme of the gathering: Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”
The completed mural, which will carry the title “The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century,” will grace the façade of the new St. Malachy School campus. And the process of painting the mural, organizers say, will mobilize individuals and groups across the region. Mural panels will be created individually, with participatory paintings, or “Paint Days,” scheduled to take place throughout the region.
For more information, visit http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/about-the-event/mural-arts/, and to view a video about the project from Catholic News Service, visit https://www.facebook.com/CatholicNewsService.
Papal pride banners available
Parishes, schools, organizations and families seeking to welcome Pope Francis upon his arrival to the United States in September now have the opportunity to order customized banners. Each can be personalized with a family or organizational name along with the recognizable World Meeting of Families logo and a photo of the Pontiff.
Banners are sized 3’ x 7’ and are available in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Each costs $100, and can be ordered online by visiting www.worldmeeting2015.org/get-involved/welcome-pope-francis-banner/.
Families invited to share stories
With family at the center of the agenda for programming in Philadelphia, this September, organizers are inviting individuals and families to share the story they bring with them to the World Meeting of Families.
Visitors and others are encouraged to share the story of their pilgrimage to the meeting, how they might be helping their community, experiences overcoming challenges through faith and family, and instances when a family might have shown someone kindness in a time of need.
Stories submitted to the World Meeting of Families, if selected, can be published on the meeting’s website and social media platforms, identified with the first names only.
Visit www.worldmeeting2015.org/get-involved/stories-fully-alive/ for more information and to share your story!