The World Meeting of Families –Philadelphia 2015 today announced that The Philly POPS Festival Brass will perform “Fanfare for the Common Man,” as Pope Francis arrives on stage at Independence Hall for his highly anticipated address on immigration and religious liberty on Saturday, September 26.

The following statement is from Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 in celebration of Labor Day

The World Meeting of Families –Philadelphia 2015 today confirmed two papal parades with Pope Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The first parade, which will take the Holy Father from Eakins Oval to/around City Hall, will be prior to the Festival of Families on Saturday, September 26th and will allow all gathered on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and beyond to see the Holy Father up close.

Project HOME has commissioned a public art installation inspired by one of Pope Francis’ favorite religious images, Mary, Undoer of Knots. It will be dedicated today at 11 a.m. outside the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

In follow-up to the press release issued earlier today by the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015:
Eighty-five percent of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is open to the public.

Following the release by the United States Secret Service today of its walking map, including pedestrian entry points for the Papal events on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and at Independence Hall, Jumbotron placement on walking routes and its list of prohibited items, the World Meeting of Families –Philadelphia 2015 is providing updated information regarding public access to all events with Pope Francis during the weekend of September 26-27.

Casa del Carmen of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been awarded a 15,000 dollar grant by PNC Bank for a new Literacy Learning Lab. The lab will primarily serve the children of Casa del Carmen Academy, who are between the ages of three and five years old.

As you know, Pope Francis will join us for the World Meeting of Families later this month, and immigration is an issue close to his heart. So I’m pleased to be here and to share this time with you.

Como ustedes saben, el papa Francisco se unirá a nosotros para el Encuentro Mundial de las Familias a finales de este mes, y la inmigración es un tema cercano a su corazón. Así que, estoy contento de estar aquí y compartir este tiempo con ustedes.

Pope Francis’ recent remarks on absolution for the sin of abortion demonstrate his commitment to all those in need of healing. With a special “Jubilee Year of Mercy” set to begin in December, the timing is very welcome.