Pittsburgh Diocese Offering Packages To See Pope In Philly
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The faithful have flocked to his gatherings around the world.
A record crowd of 6 million worshippers turned out in the Philippines on Sunday, where Pope Francis celebrated an outdoor Mass.
In September, thousands from this area are expected to travel to Philadelphia to attend what some call a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Now, the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese is helping local Catholics make the cross-state trip.
More than a million people are expected to descend on Center City, Philadelphia, to see Pope Francis.
"I expect that Pittsburgh will be there en masse displaying the joy and enthusiasm that we do at all major events," Helene Paharik, of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, said. "Oh big time. I think it will be like the Steelers with Paul McCartney at halftime. It's that big."
The Diocese of Pittsburgh is eager to assist attendees and is offering several so-called "pilgrimage packages," including a premium package that will put you and your family in Center City for the week-long World Meeting of Families Congress and within walking distance of the big event.
The Papal Mass on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum will be held on the final Sunday.
"It'll be that iconic scene of Ricky at the Art Museum that will be the backdrop and the faithful will be on that grassy -- they call it the parkway," Paharik said.
That premium package known as Package A will run you from $2,750-$3,300.
It includes a motor coach to and from Philadelphia and six nights at an upscale hotel.
Package B would give you a downtown hotel for the World Meeting of Families only and would cost $2,100 for a king room.
"That package is just for Tuesday to Friday and you can get out of dodge before the millions descend and you can watch the Pope on TV," Paharik said.
Package C is for the papal events only and would give you three nights hotel accommodations outside Philadelphia in Morgantown. A motor coach would shuttle you in and out of the city. That package runs from $1,900-$2,800.
If you are interested in the Diocesan packages or would like to pursue other arrangements visit:
"The best news is we've found a benefactor who has stepped forward to help with families who find it a little burdensome," said Paharik.
Parish vicars will be able to help families in need of assistance in footing the bill and the Diocese is looking for dorms and gymnasiums to shelter young people who might want to take the trip.
In all, they'd like to accommodate about 1,000 local people.
"We're already asking all of our religious, all of our brothers and sisters to pray for good weather, but like we saw in the Philippines whether there is a typhoon or a hurricane, Catholics come out to see this Pope and be edified by his example of simple, humble, honest, generous living for the sake of others," Paharik said.
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