Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will make a pastoral visit to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in Philadelphia to celebrate Mass, visit with children and greet administrators and staff. The Cardinal is visiting St. Christopher's Hospital for Children at the invitation of Dr. Daniel Schidlow, M.D., Physician-In-Chief. While on vacation in Rome, Dr. Schidlow and his wife met the Cardinal. Dr. Schidlow told Cardinal Rigali of the work of St. Christopher's Hospital and the very special young patients in its care. St. Christopher's Hospital for Children has a 132-year history of caring for children in the Philadelphia region.

During Mass, Cardinal Rigali will receive a presentation by Ms. Bernadette Mangan, CEO of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. He will also be presented with a bouquet from Tommy and Samantha Geromichalos. Tommy, a patient of Dr. Schidlow's at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, is also a student at St. Cyril of Alexandria Parish Elementary School in East Lansdowne, Delaware County. Tommy's story of how he brought a community together to support his school attracted national media attention last year.

Following Mass, there will be a photo opportunity. After a presentation by Ms. Mangan, the Cardinal will visit with patients and their families.

Mass 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Angelo DiGeorge Teaching Center, Atrium
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Erie Avenue at Front Street
Philadelphia

Cardinal Rigali will visit children and their families in the Intensive Care Unit, the Special Care Unit and the Oncology Transplant Unit.

Editor's Note: In order to protect patient confidentiality, coverage of this portion of the visit will be very limited. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

For more information regarding St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, please contact Lorrie DiStefano, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator, at 215-427-5000.

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747