To kick off the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 Congress, a series of media availabilities have been scheduled to provide media an overview of the Congress and its engaging programming. With a World Meeting of Families record crowd of more than 17,000 pilgrims attending the Congress, representing over 100 countries, the weeklong event will celebrate family and the sanctuary of love and life.

A decree granting to Christ’s faithful the favor of indulgences on the occasion of the Eighth World Meeting of Families, to be observed in Philadephia from 22 to 27 September 2015.

The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and Greater Philadelphia Film Office released the schedule of events for the World Meeting of Families Film Festival presented by Beneficial Bank. Tickets are now available.

Exhibit coincides with the momentous Papal Visit and the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 Congress. Extended hours September 21-24.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will host a number of events and programs for all ages during the week of the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit. The Young Adults of the Cathedral Parish have organized an evening of song and prayer on September 19 called Night Fever in anticipation of the festivities of the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia.

Limited edition, co-branded Beneficial Bank & World Meeting of Families- Philadelphia 2015 promotional cards will provide Congress participants with a secure method of making purchases during the week of Pope Francis’ visit in September

The blessing of the cross symbolizes the journey of faith of Hispanic and Latino Catholics in the United States.

The World Meeting of Families –Philadelphia 2015 today announced that pre-programming on the Eakins Oval Stage prior to the Papal Mass on Sunday, September 27 will feature nine artists/groups and will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. EDT.

Beyond the addition of Mr. Wahlberg, Ms. Franklin and The Fray, pre-programming for the Logan Square and Eakins Oval Stages was also announced with comedian, Jim Gaffigan as the final act before the Papal Parade.

The hanging of the first World Meeting of Families Banners at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul kicks-off the largest single installation of banners since the 2000 Republican National Convention