April 5, 2005
FOR OUR HOLY FATHER, POPE JOHN PAUL II
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announces that Friday, April 8, 2005 will be observed as a Day of Mourning throughout the five county area of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All parish elementary, special education and secondary schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be closed in honor of the funeral of the Holy Father. The Archdiocesan Office Center at 222 North 17th Street in Philadelphia will also be closed.
The funeral of Pope John Paul II will take place in Rome at 4:00 a.m. Eastern time. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate a Mass in memory of the life and death of the Holy Father at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul at midday. All priests of the Archdiocese are encouraged to concelebrate the Mass. Catholics as well as those of other faiths are invited to attend the Mass.
Friday, April 8, 2005
12:05 p.m. (Eastern time)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia
Editor's Note: An audio/video mult-box feed will be provided for electronic media outside of the Cathedral. Television crews will not be permitted inside. There is parking available for live trucks in the Cathedral parking lot -- live trucks please enter on 17th Street between Vine and Race Streets.
Print photographers will be allowed inside of the Cathedral with limited movement. Staff from the Office for Communications will be available to assist.
Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747