Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia, has accepted an invitation from the Republican National Committee and campaign of Texas Governor George W. Bush to give the closing prayer at the Republican National Convention.

The benediction, or blessing, will be given by the Cardinal from the stage of the convention floor at approximately 11:00 p.m., following the acceptance speech by Mr. Bush the evening of Thursday, August 3, 2000.

Text of the Cardinal's benediction will be available from the Office for Communications after 5:00 p.m. on August 3rd. Please call 215.587.3747 if you would like the text faxed to your newsroom.

Contact
Catherine L. Rossi
Director of Communications
215-587-3747