Official Prayer, Iconic Image Released for World Meeting of Families

Image courtesy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

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An official prayer and iconic image for the 2015 World Meeting of Families were unveiled by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M., Cap. during the Sunday evening Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

“The prayer and iconic image will inspire everyone as we continue to prepare for the 2015 World Meeting of Families,” Archbishop Chaput said. “With their focus on enriching and reenergizing the spiritual life of families -- both Catholic and non-Catholic alike -- I’m hopeful that this prayer and image can help all of us to examine our minds and hearts and deepen our relationships with God and our families in meaningful ways.”

The official prayer, according to the Archdiocese:

God and Father of us all,

in Jesus, your Son and our Savior,

you have made us

your sons and daughters

in the family of the Church.

May your grace and love

help our families

in every part of the world

be united to one another

in fidelity to the Gospel.

May the example of the Holy Family,

with the aid of your Holy Spirit,

guide all families, especially those most troubled,

to be homes of communion and prayer

and to always seek your truth and live in your love.

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!

The World Meeting of Families will also have an iconic image, painted by local artist Neilson Carlin of Kennett Square. According to the Archdiocese, the oil painting depicts the Holy Family, “Mary, Joseph and Jesus, as a small child, as well as Mary’s parents, Saints Anna and Joachim.”

The event, which promotes traditional Catholic family values, is set for Sept. 22 to 27, 2015, in Philadelphia. Pope Francis is expected to make an appearance.

The World Meeting of Families was started by Pope John Paul II in 1994, and past events have been held in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009), and Milan (2012).

Gov. Tom Corbett’s office said the event is expected have an economic impact on the region of about $100 million.

About 300,000 people are expected to attend the event each day, but that number would swell into the millions if the Pope is in attendance.