Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will be the celebrant and homilist at the closing Mass marking the end of the year-long Bicentennial celebration. Cardinal Rigali will be joined by five cardinals, 32 archbishops and bishops, 300 priests, 75 deacons, men and women religious and over 5,000 lay faithful of the five-county Archdiocese will attend the Mass. A 400 member chorus will sing during Mass.

The Archdiocese began celebrating its Bicentennial one year ago. During the year there has been an emphasis on a recommitment of service as the Archdiocese recognized its establishment as a Diocese in 1808. This Closing Mass is the culminating event of this year-long jubilee celebration.

3:40 p.m. Procession
4:00 p.m. Mass
Sunday, April 13, 2008
The Pavilion at Villanova University


The Quinn Family from Saint Francis De Sales Parish in Lenni, Delaware County will carry the gifts in the offertory procession. The Quinn's have six multiracial adopted children and one foster daughter from Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese. Mr. Quinn is also a candidate for permanent diaconate. The Quinns are a testament to the Catholic faith of the Church of Philadelphia and to the mission of the Catholic Church.

For those unable to attend this Bicentennial celebration it will be streamed live at www.archphila.org.

Editor's Note: Media are welcome inside of The Pavilion. There will be an audio and video mult-box feed will be provided in the rear of The Pavilion - please use the Ithan Avenue entrance.

Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747