A group of 17 from Greenwood’s Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic churches will make a pilgrimage to see Pope Francis this week.
“I’m excited,” said the Rev. Greg Plata, who is one of the 17. “I saw Pope John Paul II in 1981, and there was a lot of energy and excitement then.”
Plata said several parishioners ap-proached him about planning the trip.
“They are very excited,” said Plata. “I don’t think any have seen a live pope before, so this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have that experience.”
The pope was to arrive in Washington, D.C., today, following a brief visit to Cuba. On Wednesday, he will meet with President Barack Obama at the White House. Thursday, Pope Francis will visit with Congress before traveling to New York, where he will address the United Nations General Assembly and take part in a multi-religious service at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. His final U.S. destination is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the World Meeting of Families.
“There’s several things going on,” said Plata. “People have already started gathering this week in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families.”
That meeting starts today and will be held until Friday, with festivities that last through Sunday. The event was established by Pope John Paul II in 1994.
“People are coming from all over the world to discuss situations that affect families,” said Plata.
The local papal pilgrims will leave Greenwood on Thursday and travel to the City of Brotherly Love. Plata, a Philadelphia native, will give the Greenwood parishioners a tour of his hometown and some of its historical sites.
The group will also attend the Festival of Families, which will be held throughout Saturday and Sunday morning.
“I see it as a time for people to come out and celebrate their faith,” said Plata. “It’s not just for Catholics; it is for all Christians.”
Actor Mark Wahlberg will host the festival, and some of the featured performers include Aretha Franklin, Andrea Bocelli and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Pope Francis will attend the festival and is expected to make remarks Saturday evening.
“I think Pope Francis is really going to challenge us as Christians, especially how we regard the poor and treat them,” said Plata. “I think Pope Francis is a messenger of peace, especially with all the turmoil the world faces today.”
On Sunday, the Greenwood group will attend a papal mass at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which will conclude the World Meeting of Families.
“Some see Pope Francis as political, but he’s not. He’s not left or right,” Plata said. “He is Christ-centered, and that’s the message I think he is going to bring.”
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
