Held every three years and sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world’s largest Catholic gathering of families. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme that energizes and enlivens the event while adding great depth of meaning to our understanding of families. The theme of the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society. Since its inception by Saint John Paul II in 1994, the World Meeting of Families has strengthened the sacred bonds of families across the globe.
On June 30th, 2015, the Vatican released the comprehensive itinerary for Pope Francis’ journey to the United States, including his schedule for Philadelphia on September 26-27, which will close the 6-day Apostolic Journey. And ever-since that day I, (along with millions of others) have anticipated his arrival. I am still pinchity-pinching myself that I will be there!
Call me a fanatic, Jesus-freak, (did you know this is described in the urban dictionary???) Pope-stalker, or the likes; but really…it’s not that dramatic nor romantic! I’m just in awe of my God. I’m in awe of His love for me. His love for others. And the deep-desire He has to reign down his grace and His mercy upon us. God can never be outdone in His generosity & as I have opened my heart to Him more & more I have seen this great love FOR US…Every. Single. Day.
My enthusiasm for Our Holy Father is rooted in his “YES” to God to lead us in this endeavor. Pope Francis’ trust in God, strengthens my trust in him and in my Church. He leads me, guides me, & reminds me what the Gospels teach. I am grateful for the courage he embraces to be challenged, mocked, judged, and ridiculed for this trust in a God he knows intimately. And I am inspired that Pope Francis encourages, invites, and WELCOMES everyone to partake in this same unconditional love our Heavenly Father offers, as we place our trust in Him. The Pope reminds each of us: we are ALL sinners, himself included, BUT that Jesus stands AT the door of our hearts & knocks. However, WE must open the door!! The door-handle is ours to hold, to turn, to open. And I pray, if it hasn’t already been done, countless people, through the blessings of the Holy Father’s visit, find themselves pulling open the door which separates them from receiving God’s great love for them. This is what Christs’ vicar is showing us how to do in his papacy and I am so grateful…I cannot wait to be in Philly so I may tell him so!
My first prayer, after delivering all the others brought from each of you, will be as I said earlier, my gratitude. However, my biggest prayer is inspired by the tender-little-one shown below. Her message tugs at my heart for personal reasons. And her message is so very poignant to what the theme for The World Meetings of Families is all about…LOVE IS OUR MISSION. May it remain a theme in our lives forever…for the sake of our families…for the sake of one another.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
hugs n’ blessings to all the little-ones who: “try to do my best in my heart.”
So that everyone can smile…
hugsnblessings 
Dawn, will you please take my prayer requests with you? For my grandmother who is not well and far too stubborn for her own good, my sister who is praying for another child, for my family and for a special intention close to my heart?
thank you so very much. safe travels and enjoy every minute of this trip.
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Sarah, I am honored to take your requests to the Holy Father in Philadelphia! May God grant you the good favor of preparing your hearts for His answer, whatever that may be. Hugs!!
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Thank you!
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Hi Dawn, I just received this blog, so you are most likely in Philly getting to see Pope Francis (I’m so jealous!). I LOVE him!!!!!!!! Can you say a prayer or give a prayer request for me? I’m not in a good place right now and need to get back to that great place I’ve come from. Best! You are kind and good and MY kinda Jesus freak! XOXOXOXO!!!!!
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Catherine! Our pilgrimage to Philadelphia began this morning with great enthusiasm! Be assured I take your prayers with me. Be ready to listen to God’s reply. I am certain He is already pleased with your desire to come back Home to Him! Warmest Hugs!!
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Dear Dawn,
I am glad to know you are having a wonderful time in pilgrimage. 🙂
I have shared this post in the Alumni forum and requested members to visit your blog and read it. I also request you to take my prayers with you. May everyone be healthy, prosperous and free from all ailments 🙂
This video also brought tears to my eyes. Such a cute kid with immense wisdom.
Love and light ❤
Anand 🙂
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Vibrant,
You are an Angel! And be assured your beautiful prayers will go with me that healing body & spirit be granted to all those in need!
Tiana is wise beyond her years and I pray those who need her message listen to her words of love, forgiveness, & peace.
I hope you follow along with my pilgrimage updates! I appreciate when you are reading.😉
Hugs!
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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I honored your request & placed your prayers into the hands of Mary to present to her Son at the Marian grotto on Friday! May each one of them be fulfilled ! 🙏🏻
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Thank you so much Dawn. You are doing this for us. I shall remain indebted.
Hope you have a wonderful sojourn and journey back to home 🙂
Love and light ❤
Anand 🙂
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I saw photos of the grotto there but we never made it over in that direction. How lovely! I found a prayer to Our Lady Undoer of Knots that has quickly become a favorite of mine. Its not the same one as in the link you provided but it has been attributed to Pope Francis and I find it very beautiful. If you’re interested it can be found here: http://www.thedivinemercy.org/news/Our-Lady-Undoer-of-Knots-Pray-For-Us-5740 (you have to scroll down a bit for the prayer)
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Thank you for the referral of prayer…i loved it and have copy & pasted it already into my prayer folder!! It is beautiful… hugs!!
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