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WASHINGTON (August 26, 2003) -- Book launch parties, museum exhibits, pilgrimages to Rome, anniversary editions of diocesan newspapers and special liturgical events will mark U.S. celebrations of the silver jubilee of the pontificate of Pope John Paul II.
October 16 marks the 25th anniversary of the election of Pope John Paul II. Events noting the occasion in Rome will coincide with the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, October 19.
Celebrations in Washington begin September 10, when the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops introduces two books – John Paul II: A Light for the World, a coffee table/resource book published by Sheed & Ward in conjunction with the USCCB, and The Poetry of John Paul II Roman Triptych: Meditations, published by USCCB Publishing, at a reception in the USCCB garden and atrium.
Less than a month later, on October 6, Cardinal Edward Egan of New York will host the national unveiling of A Light for the World during a reception at the New York Archdiocesan Pastoral Center's Dillon Hall.
Museum exhibits include the opening of a year-long photo display at the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, in mid-September. The museum of the Chicago Archdiocese will also feature a photo exhibit, sale of a Reuters book about the pope as well as Sheed & Ward's A Light for the World. The archdiocese expects the exhibit to open in late September.
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington will lead a pilgrimage of 260 people to Rome, October 12-20.
Several Catholic publications will devote extensive coverage of the pope for the occasion. The October issue of St. Anthony Messenger will run excerpts and photos from A Light for the World. The Northwest Indiana Catholic of the Diocese of Gary, Indiana, will devote its entire October 12 edition to the anniversary celebration. The Observer, the newspaper of the Diocese of Monterey, California, will highlight the pope's visit to the diocese in 1987 in its September issue.
The Criterion, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, will devote its entire October 31 edition to the anniversary.
In Cleveland, on October 22, Bishop Anthony Pilla will commemorate the anniversary of the pope's installation at a 7:30 p.m. service at St. John's Cathedral. The diocesan and civic community is invited to the praise and thanksgiving service for the mission and leadership of the pope.
In Washington, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, will have a special noon Mass, October 26, for the Holy Father's anniversary. The Diocese of Youngstown, which this year celebrates its sixtieth anniversary, will close its anniversary celebrations October 16 with a Mass marking both the diocese's anniversary and the pope's jubilee.