Friday, September 25, 2015

Several groups totaling 1,500 "Pittsburgh Pilgrims" arrived "near" Philadelphia and shared a meal together. Fr. Michael, recently ordained in June, gave the blessing.

Papa Francis joined us for coffee and a quick photo shoot before retiring for the night!!

Renee and Pat met Sister Mercy from Nigeria. Sister teaches at St. Agnes Catholic School in Oakland. She hopes to visit Holy Trinity School on October 20 to learn more about FEHH to begin them at her school. Today is Gary Rooney's birthday. He is director of the diocese Youth & Young Adult Ministry. Rooney was very inspired by the many providential doors God opened to bring the FEHH to fruition. His department will lead over 100 youth, plus 13 seminarians, going to WYD 2016. He liked the idea of the Ghana youth praying/singing The Divine Mercy Chaplet in reverent motion.

Linda Nevins and the Legion of Mary gave more than 1,300 rosaries and booklets, "How to Pray the Rosary" for us to evangelize the homeless throughout the city.

We prepare for tomorrow when we will embark on the World Meeting of Families and Papa Francis's arrival in Philadelphia.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

We were in downtown Philly ready to greet Papa!! The police kept order on the Pope's route. Once again, our awesome God gives His "corona rainbow" over City Hall!!

The following are highlights from Papa's talk at Saints Peter and Paul...”Everyone has been given a "Mission!" Do we share our enthusiasm and joy of the Lord with others? Be missionaries of the gospel. Spread the joy of the gospel! The call for an active participation of the laity. Catechesis and collaboration are necessary. I encourage you to be renewed in the joy of that first encounter with Jesus. Reflect on our ministry to the families and support them in their journey of faith. Pray for the upcoming synod of the family. Turn to Mary and the power of her son's cross. “

The corona continues as Papa speaks to us.

We watched Mass from the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on the jumbotron.

Mass with Bishop Zubik of Pittsburgh and diocese at St. John the Evangelist Church.

Sharing our "box lunches."  

Met our OFS brother, Don Kirkwood and Br. Michael previously from St. Augustine Friary in Pittsburgh where we donated our first statue of St. Pio.

Beautiful mural.

We shared the icon with Bishop Jaime Fuentes from Uruguay, South America.  He immediately prayed a blessing upon it and we told him a 36 inch statue was rendered in Columbia.

Renee was interviewed for local WMMR radio.

The parade began without us!  We were 10 blocks away and watched it on the jumbotron.  Tens of thousands lined the parade route.

The Holy Father was entertained at a concert with artists, Andre Boccelli, Jackie Evanko, Jim Cavizel.

Kids breakdancing on the subway and a sweet family with 5 children and 1 on the way! 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

An "angel" gave Renee and I two tickets this morning!  Glory to God!!  We are in the 1st section! Praying for all.

Closing Mass and farewell to Pope Francis:

Next WMF in DUBLIN in 2018

Peter and his family from the Philippines

Dominican Sisters Vietnamese from Houston TX Byzantine

Deacon Robert Cripps from Parma, Ohio

A wonderful family from Tennessee

 Wheels up for Papa! We love you Papa Francis!