World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 is reaching out to residents from across the Philadelphia Metropolitan region including South Jersey, Delaware, and the Lehigh Valley to participate in the “Host a Family” Program. In partnership with global travel company, Homestay.com, this accommodation alternative provides residents within 120 miles of Philadelphia the opportunity to open their homes and offer lodging to visitors from across the country and around the world for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.

The World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, being held September 22-27, 2015, and featuring Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, has debuted the official hymn for this international gathering. Entitled “Sound the Bell of Holy Freedom,” the hymn draws inspiration from the theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, “Love is our mission: the family fully alive,” as well as the Roman Missal and Sacred Scripture.

The 27th Annual Retirement Fund for Religious Collection will be held at parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on the weekend of December 6-7, 2014.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary welcomes all to attend an Open House followed by an evening of religious music and prayer during this year’s Advent season at the 27th annual Christmas Concert.

Preliminary Congress Agenda for the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015 today rejoiced as Pope Francis officially confirmed his visit to Philadelphia, PA for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, set to be held September 22-27, 2015.

Today is one of great joy for our Archdiocese, our City, our Commonwealth and our country! It was a privilege to be in the presence of our Holy Father this morning in Rome when he announced to the world that he will be with us in Philadelphia next year for the World Meeting of Families.

In remarks offered today in Rome, Pope Francis formally announced his intention to attend the World Meeting of Families - Philadelphia 2015, set to be held September 22-27, 2015. This visit will mark his first to the United States as pope. He will be only the fourth reigning Pontiff to visit our nation in its history.