With first-class relic of Saint John Paul II presented for veneration at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul,
the patron saints for this international gathering of families were unveiled
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. officially announced Saint John Paul II and Saint Gianna as the Patron Saints for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015. First made public during the July 20th Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Archbishop Chaput’s announcement was made in conjunction with the unveiling of the first-class relic of Saint John Paul II for public veneration.
The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 selected Saint John Paul II as one of its’ Patron Saints as he is inextricably linked to both Philadelphia and this world gathering. In 1979 Saint John Paul II was the first Pope to ever visit Philadelphia, celebrating Mass on Logan Circle for nearly one million. 15 years later, in 1994, Saint John Paul II celebrated the first World Meeting of Families, which aimed to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe. Upon his canonization, he was declared “the pope of the family.”
Saint Gianna was also chosen as a Patron Saint for the 2015 World Meeting of Families as she encompasses the conference’s 2015 theme, “Love is our mission: the family fully alive.” A pediatrician and mother of four, Saint Gianna is best known for her selfless love as a mother, giving her life to bear her fourth child in 1962. She was beatified in 1994 – the first year the World Meeting of Families was ever held – by Saint John Paul II and canonized in 2004. Saint Gianna is the Patron Saint for mothers, physicians and unborn children.
“Saint John Paul II and Saint Gianna have been chosen as the two worthy Patron Saints to guide all in preparation and participation of this international event as they fully embody the history, mission and theme of the World Meeting of Families 2015,” said Archbishop Chaput. “Saints John Paul II and Gianna had a deep and abiding commitment to strengthening the family and sustaining it with love. This historic event will give thousands from around the globe the opportunity to share in the same commitment of our Patron Saints.”
To commemorate the announcement, Archbishop Chaput concluded Mass with a blessing of the Relic of Pope Saint John Paul II asking for his heavenly intercession. The Relic is the Holy Father’s blood, which remains in a liquid state. The Knights of Columbus have been entrusted with this Relic to foster devotion to Pope Saint John Paul II.
About World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.
Contact
Kenneth A. Gavin
Communications Director
215-587-3747