Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop of Philadelphia will co-host the 13th American Cardinals Dinner with the Very Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M., President of Catholic University, on Friday, April 26, 2002. Prior to the dinner, which will take place at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel, a Mass will be concelebrated by the American Cardinals at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

Each year a different diocese hosts the dinner. Philadelphia last hosted the dinner in 1995. All proceeds benefit Catholic University's scholarship funds. As many as 800 people are expected to attend.

Media Availability
Friday, April 26, 2002
2:45 p.m.
Valid press identification must be presented for entry
Press packet will be distributed
Auditorium of Archdiocesan Office Center
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA

4:00 p.m. Mass*
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Homilist: Very Reverend David M. O'Connell, C.M.
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA


MEDIA MUST NOTIFY THE OFFICE FOR COMMUNICATIONS IF PLANNING TO ATTEND THE MEDIA AVAILABILITY AND/OR MASS NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2002. PLEASE CALL 215-587-3747 OR E-MAIL COMMUNOF@ADPHILA.ORG


*Video cameras will not be permitted in the Cathedral during the Mass. Reporters and still cameras will be allowed. There will be a mult-box feed (audio and video) provided outside of the Cathedral. Television/radio crews will need a bnc connector and recording deck.


Editor's note: The dinner begins at 7:30 p.m. It will not be open to media but video clips will be provided after 9:00 p.m. Beta tapes will be available upon request in the lobby of 222 N. 17th Street, the Archdiocesan Office Center.
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Contact
Catherine L. Rossi
Director of Communications
215-587-3747