Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will bless a life-sized bronze statue of Pope John Paul II on the front lawn of the rectory at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia. The statue commemorates the visit of then Cardinal Wojtyla to the Parish Church in 1976 during the International Eucharistic Congress. Cardinal Wojtyla prayed at the Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes in the Grotto Chapel.

8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish
63rd Street and Lancaster Avenue
Overbrook

The entire parish community is invited to attend the blessing. The Pope John Paul II statue was donated by Mr. and Mrs. John and Debbie McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy is an alumnus of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish School. The Student Council Executive Board will present Cardinal Rigali with a gift on behalf of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish and School. Eighth grade students will hold flags and lead the Prayer of the Faithful. In addition, the Archbishop John Carroll High School band will provide music.



###

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747