Pastor's Corner, September 21, 2014

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

World Meeting of Families icon

This Sunday we are pleased to welcome to the Cathedral the Most Reverend John McIntyre, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Bishop McIntyre will celebrated the 9 am Mass. He will then speak at the Women’s Alliance Communion Breakfast immediately after Mass about the World Meeting of Families (WMOF). This meeting will take place in Philadelphia from September 22 – 27, 2015. The concluding Mass may possibly be celebrated outdoors by Pope Francis! If his Holiness comes, it will be his first pastoral visit to the United States.

WMOF was started by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1992. He wanted these meetings to be an occasion for strengthening the bonds of the family across the globe. The first WMOF took place in Rome in 1994, the International Year of the Family. These Meetings have happened every three years in places like Rome, Manila, Mexico and most recently (2012) in Milan.

During the days of the conference, families share their thoughts, dialogue and prayers, working together to grow as individuals and families. Families can participate in discussion groups on the Christian family’s role in the church and society, led by many distinguished speakers. The days of the meeting usually conclude with a Mass celebrated by the Holy Father.

We look forward to the WMOF in Philadelphia next year. For more information, please visit http://www.worldmeeting2015.org

In Christ,

Msgr. Baker