The bells of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia will begin to toll at 11:50 a.m. as several hundred Archdiocesan priests process into the Cathedral for a Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope John Paul II. Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist.

The first reading will be done in Polish and students from Archdiocesan high schools will read the Prayers of the Faithful (intercessions) in various languages. Six students from Saint Thomas Aquinas School in South Philadelphia, representing the diversity of the Archdiocese, will present the gifts at the Offertory to the celebrant. Seminarians from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary will assist with the ceremonies. 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

Prelude music will be provided by the Bishop Shanahan High School Choral Department at 11:20 a.m. Music during the Mass will be provided by the Cathedral Choir.

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 will also be closed.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia,
will concelebrate the funeral of the Holy Father in Rome.
The Cardinal will be available to the media at the North American College at 4:00 p.m. Rome time.


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