World Meeting of Families Prayer - Philadelphia 2015
Join together with families from around the world in prayer. Pray the World Meeting of Families prayer each day with your family for the success of the event and for your family’s personal intentions.
God and Father of us all,
in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,
you have made us
your sons and daughters
in the family of the Church.
May your grace and love
help our families
in every part of the world
be united to one another
in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Family,
with the aid of your Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those most troubled,
to be homes of communion and prayer
and to always seek your truth and live in your love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the price for the trip to Philadelphia for the Papal mass with St. Luke's parish?
The cost is $135.00 per person for 4 to a room - 2 full size beds - 2 people to a bed. $180.00 per person 2 to a room - 1 king bed.
2. Should I bring additional money?
Yes, with limited space and millions of people going to Philadelphia - we may have to take a train to get into town. At this point in time, the organizing group in Philadelphia has not made public the information regarding bus drop off locations or public transportation, much construction going on in town. Will need $ for this as well as to purchase souvenirs and to pay for food.
3. What is the average temperature in Philadelphia on the day of the Papal mass?
Temperature can vary widely - please come prepared for inclement weather. On a positive note - it has never snowed on this date in recorded history. Average high 74 - record high 91 in 1998, Average low 56 - record low 36 in 1947.
4. What do you mean by pilgrimage trip and physically demanding?
We are staying in budget hotels - which are limited - there will be 2 people to each bed. Please list your roommate requests on registration form. We will be getting on the bus early to increase our chances of seeing the Pope and having a shorter walk. We may have to walk 5 or more miles in to Ben Franklin Blvd from where the bus drops us off, and then carry everything you need for the day - meals, drinks a chair or blanket, or able to sit on the ground. Then at the end of an exhausting day may have to walk 5 or more miles back to meet the bus. We want to do this at an average of 20 minute miles, and have everyone stay together. It will be a long ride on a full bus, with a variety of ages aboard.
5. What is the schedule once we get to Philadelphia?
The organizing group in Philadelphia does not have any events or times listed as of yet, so we must be flexible and ready to adjust our schedule as necessary, details may not be known for a while and may change at a moment's notice. They are currently expecting over 2 million people from around the world, usually where the Pope goes, crowd size far exceeds estimates.
6. Can I bring a stroller?
Limited space for an umbrella stroller which you may have to put under your seat if necessary on the bus, need to be able to maneuver in crowds.