Philadelphia, PA (September 14, 2015) – 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.  Although similar to the talent curation and pre-programming for The Festival of Families, the performances preceding the Holy Father’s arrival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be more spiritual in nature as these acts will help to prepare the audience for the much anticipated Papal Mass, which will begin at 4:00 p.m. EDT. 

All performances on Sunday, September 27 will take place on the Eakins Oval Stage prior to Pope Francis’ second parade (Exact parade route remains TBD) on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which will occur before Mass begins:

In performance order; Performances begin at 12:00 p.m. EDT

• Joybells of Melmark
• Firehill Worship
• Geechee Gullah Ring Shouters
• Margaret Keys
• Divine Hand Ensemble
• Melanie R. Hill
• Martin Doman – Christ Music
• The Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale
• Anthony Kearns

These performances, which have been specially identified for this event by ESM Productions, will be shown across the Francis Festival Grounds on the 40 Jumbotrons.

“The Papal Mass is the capstone event of the World Meeting of Families and we are absolutely delighted to have such incredible talent prelude this momentous event,” said Donna Crilley Farrell, Executive Director of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015.  “From the Joybells of Melmark to Irish soprano Margaret Keys to the beloved Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, such beautiful and spiritual performances will truly set the tone for the Papal Mass and herald the arrival of Pope Francis on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the most joyful way.”

For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org. You can also engage the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia on Facebook (World Meeting of Families 2015) (Encuentro Mundial de las Familias – Filadelfia 2015), Twitter (@WMF2015) (@WMF2015ES) and Instagram (WMF2015).

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.

###