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Dear Sisters and Brothers in the Lord:
The big news item this week of course is the first visit
of Pope Benedict XVI to the USA. Even though the Holy Father’s trip
situates him mainly in New York and Washington there is still a Chicago
connection. Cardinal George, as president of the USCCB (United States
Conference of Catholic Bishops) will be his primary escort and host
while His Holiness is here in our country. Please pray for His Holiness,
particularly on April 16th, his birthday and for a successful
and fruitful trip. The Pope’s itinerary is:
v Tuesday, April 15
Arrival at Andrews Air Force Base. Greeting by President Bush and Mrs.
Bush. Also present will be local dignitaries of the church and apostolic
nuncio.
v Wednesday, April 16, 10:30
a.m.
President Bush and the First Lady meet the Holy Father on the south lawn
of the White House. This is only the second time in history that
a pontiff has visited the White House. A private meeting is scheduled
for the Holy Father and the President.
v Wednesday, April 16, 5:30
p.m.
Private prayer service and meeting with the 350 bishops of the United
States at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception. Before the prayer service, held in the crypt of the
Shrine, there will be outdoor photo opportunities of the public
welcoming the pope to this national church.
v Thursday, April 17, 10:00
a.m.
The pope will offer Mass at the new Nationals Park in Washington.
This will be the first non-baseball event in the park.
v Thursday, April 17, 5 p.m.
The heads of the more than 200 Catholic colleges and universities in the
United States and superintendents from the 195 Catholic dioceses have
been invited to an address by Pope Benedict XVI on the importance of
Catholic education. The address will be on the campus of The Catholic
University of America, the only college in the United States
operated by the bishops.
v Thursday, April 17, 6:30
p.m.
Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and representatives of other religions
will meet the Holy Father at Pope John Paul II Cultural Center.
v Friday, April 18, 10:45 a.m.
Pope Benedict XVI will address the United Nations, after an early
morning flight to New York.
v Friday, April 18, 6 p.m.
Prayer service with leaders from other Christian denominations at St.
Joseph's Church, founded by German Catholics, in Manhattan.
v Saturday, April 19, 9:15
a.m.
Mass for priests, deacons and members of religious orders at St.
Patrick’s Cathedral in the heart of New York City.
v Saturday, April 19, 4:30
p.m.
The Holy Father will meet with young Catholics, including 50 youngsters
with a range of disabilities, at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers.
Thousands of young people, and hundreds of seminarians, will participate
in a rally/prayer service and hear the pope speak.
v Sunday, April 20, 9:30
a.m.
The Holy Father will visit Ground Zero, the site of the disaster at the
World Trade Center.
v Sunday, April 20, 2:30
p.m.
Mass at Yankee Stadium will bring this historic visit to a close.
The 200th anniversary of the Baltimore Archdiocese’s designation as an
archdiocese, as well as the birth of four dioceses – Boston, New York,
Louisville and Philadelphia – will be highlighted during the Mass.
v Sunday, April 20, 8 p.m.
Shepherd One lifts off from John F. Kennedy airport in the Brooklyn
Diocese, heading east to the Eternal City.
Happy Easter! Alleluia! Alleluia! Let’s
give our minds and hearts to the Lord!
Father Joe |
