Blessed John Paul II Shrine to Celebrate Canonization Announcement

USA - English

• USA - English

Date expected to be set at Consistory in Rome Sept. 30 

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pope Francis is expected to announce the canonization date for Blessed John Paul II following a meeting of cardinals, also known as a consistory, in Rome on Monday, September 30.  The Blessed John Paul II Shrine has scheduled a special program for the faithful throughout the area and visitors to our nation's capital to celebrate this historic day.

Scheduled activities will include the Rosary at 11:10 a.m., Mass at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., and the Angelus at Noon.  Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be celebrated from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., concluding with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction.   A newly-remodeled interim exhibit entitled "Be Not Afraid: The Life and Legacy of Blessed John Paul II," which includes many artifacts and photographs from the late Pontiff's life, also will be open.

In addition to the above mentioned activities, the Shrine's first-class relic of Blessed John Paul II will be available for veneration from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  The relic is a blood-stained piece of the cassock he was wearing when an attempt was made on his life on May 13, 1981. 

"As the premier site dedicated to Blessed John Paul II in the United States, we look forward to celebrating the announcement of his canonization date in a very prayerful way," said Shrine Executive Director Patrick Kelly. "His lifelong witness to the Gospel transformed our world and our Church and has inspired a generation of Catholics to live out their faith more fully."

The Shrine will announce additional events surrounding the canonization that will highlight Blessed John Paul II's life and legacy.  In addition, the Shrine is currently constructing a world-class, state-of-the art 16,000 square foot permanent exhibit dedicated to Blessed John Paul II, which will include museum quality artifacts and original devotional art.

For more information, visit www.jp2shrine.org.

SOURCE Blessed John Paul II Shrine