Month: September 2015
Live Streaming Link for Pope’s Visit to Philadelphia
Pilgrims have started lining up to see Pope Francis already
Crowds started lining up at 7AM at Independence Hall to see Pope Francis speak at 5PM later today. You can expect long security lines all day at Indpendence Hall as 50,000 tickets have been issued for his speech.
Pope Francis is Here!
Photos from the city
The World Meeting of Families Mural Painting attempts to set a Guinness World Record
The World Meeting of Families is hoping to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records by the end of the week. It has been months in the making and many hands have played a part in finishing a special mural commemorating the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. The mural is broken into panels which are being… Read More The World Meeting of Families Mural Painting attempts to set a Guinness World Record
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Where will The World Meeting of Families convene in 2018? Ireland is a Front Runner
The Emerald Isle with almost 85% of the population identifying as Catholic is one of the three contenders on the short list to host The World Meeting of Families in 2018 and a visit from the Pope.
You Can Bring Your Own Chair for Events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Pope’s Visit
From the Secret Service: -The smaller or more compact the chair, the easier and quicker it is to verify that it is safe. -Individuals may not arrive at security checkpoints with numerous or cumbersome chairs because screening these items will unreasonably slow the screening process for everyone else. -Chairs that are composed of metal poles… Read More You Can Bring Your Own Chair for Events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for Pope’s Visit
Aretha Franklin to Sing Amazing Grace for Pope Francis
Franklin will be singing Amazing Grace, her biggest selling record and the largest selling gospel record of all time. The second selection is a surprise. Franklin says she’s excited to perform for Pope Francis, a man she calls a humble leader. Franklin will present the Pontiff with a special gift; a box set of her sermons written… Read More Aretha Franklin to Sing Amazing Grace for Pope Francis
Pope Francis to Receive a Custom Bicycle from the City of Philadelphia
Pope Francis will be given a custom Breezer bike when he arrives in the City of Brotherly Love this weekend. Advanced Sports International, which produces Breezer bikes, is based in Philadelphia. Mayor Michael Nutter and the Philadelphia Bicycling Advocacy Board presented the gift to Archbishop Charles Chaput in a ceremony held at the Philadelphia Convention… Read More Pope Francis to Receive a Custom Bicycle from the City of Philadelphia
Saint Maria Goretti is in Philadelphia for the First Time
Adding to the excitement of a week-long celebration for The World Meeting of Families, seeing Saint Maria Goretti’s remains a highlight of the week. The fact that it’s her body, her remains, is very attractive to the pilgrims. They see her as a powerful symbol of forgiveness and innocence. Saint Maria Goretti was one of… Read More Saint Maria Goretti is in Philadelphia for the First Time
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Pope Francis Papal Parade Route Map for Saturday, September 26
Pope Francis will tour the Parkway on Saturday, Sept. 26, before his evening appearance at the Festival of Families near the Art Museum. The route in red is the preliminary route planned. From Philly.com
Comcast will use Bicycle Technicians during Pope’s Visit
Comcast, the Philly-based broadcast giant, is making 24 technicians available for emergency calls – and they’ll be traveling by bike. The two dozen workers will travel to calls in the traffic box, where vehicles aren’t allowed to operate. The technicians are not taking scheduled appointments, but will be available to restore unexpected service problems.
Pope John Paul II resides over The World Meeting of Families Exhibit Hall
Here is a 3 panel glass image installation on the floor of the Exhibit Hall of Pope John Paul II.
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New Light Fixtures being installed around Philadelphia for Pope’s Visit
A small Lititz, Pennsylvania business will help to shed new light on Pope Francis when he comes to Philadelphia this weekend. Keystone Koating has applied a powder-coating finish to 274 new street lights that have been installed in the city for the pontiff’s visit. Once the object is coated, the object is placed in an oven,… Read More New Light Fixtures being installed around Philadelphia for Pope’s Visit
Parking Available at Camden Waterfront for Pope Francis’ Visit
8,000 Parking spots are available at The Susquehanna Bank Center on the Camden Waterfront for the Papal Weekend. To able to get your car past security and road closures, you must pre-register online and purchase a special permit at a cost of $43.78. Once you park, you have three options to get to Philadelphia: PATCO,… Read More Parking Available at Camden Waterfront for Pope Francis’ Visit
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Philadelphia Orchestra releases Playlist for Pope Francis’ Visit
This is a tentative list of the music The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform for Pope Francis: Beethoven “Welten singen Dank und Ehre,” from Christ on the Mount of Olives Brahms Third movement from Symphony No. 3 Mendelssohn “Verleih’ uns Frieden” Dvořák Second movement from Symphony No. 9 (“From the New World”) Latona “Look Up and… Read More Philadelphia Orchestra releases Playlist for Pope Francis’ Visit
AMOR Sculpture Coming to Philadelphia for Pope’s Visit
A bilingual version of Maine-based pop artist Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” sculpture with the leaning letter O is going on display next week outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, near where the pope’s altar is being built. Amor means love in the pope’s native Spanish and in Latin, a traditional language of the Roman Catholic Church.… Read More AMOR Sculpture Coming to Philadelphia for Pope’s Visit
Over 500 Banners will Greet Pope Francis in Philadelphia
More than 550 banners are to be installed throughout the city on light posts, serving as reminders of the Holy Father’s true message of “hope, unity and love for the family.” His words give meaning not only to his papacy, but also to his visit here in Philadelphia. These are the words that touch our hearts.”… Read More Over 500 Banners will Greet Pope Francis in Philadelphia
City of Philadelphia Parking, Security, Logistics & Transportation Information for Pope Francis’ visit
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RELEASES INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES AND PAPAL VISIT Philadelphia, September 16, 2015 – The City of Philadelphia released details about its preparations for the World Meeting of Families – 2015 Philadelphia from Tuesday, September 22nd until Friday, September 25th, and the Papal Visit during the weekend of… Read More City of Philadelphia Parking, Security, Logistics & Transportation Information for Pope Francis’ visit
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Vice President Joe Biden to bid farewell to Pope Francis in Philadelphia
Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, will lead the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis in Philadelphia next Sunday, the White House has announced. Biden, who is weighing whether to run for president in 2016, will also join President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in welcoming the pope when he lands at… Read More Vice President Joe Biden to bid farewell to Pope Francis in Philadelphia
Septa Has a New Clickable Map for Regional Rail Lines during Pope Francis Visit
Visit this link to click on all the information you need about the Regional Rail Lines and their service, schedules and hours of operations. http://septa.org/fares/papal-map.html
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Local Parish Spotlight – Diocese of Scranton
When you walk into Travelworld in Scranton you are greeted by none other than Pope Francis. The real version of the cardboard cut-out version of the Pope has been a popular topic at the travel agency this year. Travelworld staff has spent six months organizing more than 20 buses of parishioners headed to Philadelphia next weekend… Read More Local Parish Spotlight – Diocese of Scranton
Lego Replica of the Vatican on Display at The Franklin Institute
As a segue between the Franklin Institute’s Art of the Brick exhibit and their Vatican Splendors exhibit, the museum now has a huge Lego replica of the Vatican on display in their atrium. Father Bob Simon is a priest who dabbled in Legos. He recently completed a replica of The Vatican, now on display at… Read More Lego Replica of the Vatican on Display at The Franklin Institute
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Rookie Baseball Card featuring Pope Francis Given away by Philadelphia Phillies
he Philadelphia Phillies are kicking things off early with a specific card for the popular pope. The simple card is part of a giveaway for the September 16 tilt against the Washington Nationals. Fans can obtain the Phillies-themed Pope Francis at the First Base and Third Base Kiosks.
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One Family to meet Pope Francis in Person
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has selected one family to greet Pope Francis when he arrives in the city at the end of September. The Bowes family were shocked to hear the announcement following the 10:30 a.m. mass Sunday at St. Christopher’s Parish in Somerton. Bowes wife, Bernadette, whose mother just passed away, was overcome with emotions… Read More One Family to meet Pope Francis in Person
Road, Highway & Bridge Closures from Penndot & DRPA for Pope Francis’ Visit
Major highways and the Ben Franklin bridge will close and traffic will be restricted in the city during Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. MAJOR HIGHWAYS The following highway closures will start at 10 p.m. on Friday, September 25th: *I-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95 *I-76 westbound from I-95 to US Route 1 *I-676 will be… Read More Road, Highway & Bridge Closures from Penndot & DRPA for Pope Francis’ Visit
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Cunningham Piano Company to provide Organ for Papal Mass
The Cunningham Piano Company of Germantown will provide The Rodgers organ. It is well known for being closest to the sound of a pipe organ, which by definition is not portable; they are built into a structure and cannot be moved. The Rodgers organ is favored by the Holy See for its outdoor Masses in Italy. The Cunningham… Read More Cunningham Piano Company to provide Organ for Papal Mass
Pope Francis’ Papal Mass Stage & Independence Hall Stage Renderings Released
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Official Street Parking Clearance Schedule – Tow Zones for Cars, Trucks
See the “Tow map” above which displays the days and times at which secured areas will be cleared of cars parked on the street prior to establishing secured perimeters. The Secure Vehicle Perimeter at Independence Mall / Old City will be cleared of vehicles on Tuesday 9/22 starting at 6:00 pm