Approximately 2,000 people are expected to take part in the fifth annual May Procession and Prayer Service at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on Mother's Day. May is the month designated to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. The May Queen, Susanne McClellan of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, East Goshen, Chester County, will crown the statue of Mary during the Prayer Service.

Sunday, May 13, 2001
1:30 Procession Begins*
2:00 p.m. Prayer Service Begins
Steps of Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia

Adults and children from all of the parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia were invited to tell the organizing committee "Why My Mom Should Be May Queen," and over 2,000 essays were received. Susanne McClellan, the 2001 May Queen, was nominated by her son, Kevin McClellan, Saint Gabriel Parish Norwood, Delaware County. Mrs. McClellan recently retired after 25 years as a secretary at Ryerson Steel and she and her husband attend Mass and pray the rosary daily.

The May Procession will last approximately thirty minutes and will be followed by a thirty minute Prayer Service. Reverend Monsignor John A. Close, Pastor of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will lead the Prayer Service, noted marian expert Reverend Frederick L. Miller, S.T.D., will serve as homilist and the Archdiocesan Boy Choir will provide music.

*Editor's note: The May Procession participants will walk around the block where the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is located: North from the steps of the Cathedral on 18th Street then East on Vine Street, South on 17th Street and West on Race Street then the Procession will enter the Cathedral for the Prayer Service.

For more information please send e-mail to mayprocession@yahoo.com

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