Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will preside at a Divine Mercy Hour of Prayer sponsored by the Knights of Columbus. A rare oil painting, blessed by Pope John Paul II, of the Divine Mercy image will also be on display. The painting is on loan to the Knights of Columbus from the Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland and is traveling to cathedrals of several archdioceses throughout the United States during 2004. The national tour begins in Philadelphia.

Divine Mercy Hour of Prayer
Sunday, January 25, 2004
3:00 p.m.
(Painting will remain on display until approximately 5:00 p.m.)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia

The image of Divine Mercy is a portrait of Jesus' appearance to Saint Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938) of Poland in 1931. Pope John Paul II canonized Saint Faustina in 2000 and announced that the second Sunday after Easter will be called Divine Mercy Sunday. Through this devotion, Catholics acknowledge God's mercy and love.

The painting will be carried into the sanctuary of the Cathedral during the procession prior to the Divine Mercy Hour of Prayer. It will be on display for approximately one hour following the hour of prayer. All are welcome.

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Editor's Note: For more information regarding the painting or the tour, please contact Mr. Stephen Feiler, Knights of Columbus Communications Specialist, at 203-752-4068.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747