The World Meeting of Families (WMOF) has officially begun! The congress was opened with a beautiful ceremony presented by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with local school children having a large part in the ceremony. Philadelphia is know as the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection. This was quite apparent when the Mayor presented Pope Francis' representative with a custom bicycle!
The keynote speaker was Bishop Robert Barron from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He gave a very effective speech that empowered families to praise and worship the right in our world. Bishop Barron stressed the point that when the family breaks down, so does society. In order to have a strong society, we need strong families.
An incredibly moving mass followed Bishop Barron's talk. The memorable mass was con-celebrated by nearly 400 priests, and close to 150 bishops and cardinals. The processional alone was 25 minutes long, lead by the Knights of Columbus in their full regalia.
All of the opening festivities were on the heals of very our own morning private tour of Philadelphia led by Fr. Eric Augustine who went to La Salle University in Philadelphia. We saw many local sites including Rittenhouse Square, City Hall, Logan Circle, the incredibly beautiful Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul where we tied intentions at the Our Lady Undoer of Knots shrine and also visited relics of Saints Gianna Beretta Molla, Saint John Paul II, and Saint Therese of Lisieux.
We were able to enjoy the local flavor by having a Philly Cheesesteak for lunch and had dinner at the oldest establishment in Philadelphia- McGillin's since 1860, who has been serving their customers since Pope Pius IX!
The keynote speaker was Bishop Robert Barron from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. He gave a very effective speech that empowered families to praise and worship the right in our world. Bishop Barron stressed the point that when the family breaks down, so does society. In order to have a strong society, we need strong families.
An incredibly moving mass followed Bishop Barron's talk. The memorable mass was con-celebrated by nearly 400 priests, and close to 150 bishops and cardinals. The processional alone was 25 minutes long, lead by the Knights of Columbus in their full regalia.
All of the opening festivities were on the heals of very our own morning private tour of Philadelphia led by Fr. Eric Augustine who went to La Salle University in Philadelphia. We saw many local sites including Rittenhouse Square, City Hall, Logan Circle, the incredibly beautiful Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul where we tied intentions at the Our Lady Undoer of Knots shrine and also visited relics of Saints Gianna Beretta Molla, Saint John Paul II, and Saint Therese of Lisieux.
We were able to enjoy the local flavor by having a Philly Cheesesteak for lunch and had dinner at the oldest establishment in Philadelphia- McGillin's since 1860, who has been serving their customers since Pope Pius IX!