Meet Pope Francis At The Vatican: IfOnly and Killerspin to Offer Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity To Join His Holiness At World UnPlugNPlay Festival

 Shaking hands and even snapping

 a photo with Pope Francis at the

 World UnPlugNPlay Festival in

 Vatican City might seem outside

 the realm of reality. However, this

 bucket list experience is actually

 available to anyone who purchases

 a once-in-a-lifetime package

 unveiled today on experiences

 marketplace IfOnly. 

Killerspin, the world's only luxury

 table tennis experience brand,

 has partnered with IfOnly, the

 leader in one-of-a-kind

 experiences that benefit charitable causes, to create an exclusive package offering the opportunity to

 meet Pope Francis at the Vatican as part of the World UnPlugNPlay Festival August 29-31st, a

 celebration to encourage people to play table tennis with loved ones and unplug from electronic

 devices for 15 minutes a day. 

In addition to a meeting with His Holiness, the IfOnly/Killerspin Package includes table tennis

 tournaments, several exclusive gatherings including the Connect21 Ping Pong cocktail reception,

 gala dinner and panel with thought leaders discussing "digitization and humanity." In addition, the 

excursion includes private VIP tours of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Palazzo Colonna, a two-night

 stay at a luxurious Sardinian resort and a host of limited edition memorabilia and products from Killerspin.

About World UnPlugNPlay Day

UnPlugNPlay Day on August 29, 2016 was created by Killerspin in partnership with the Italian Table

 Tennis Federation to encourage family and friends to put away their computers and mobile phones -

 unplug in order to have fun, and connect with those they love and who need their love. The event

 will launch in Vatican City attended by the Pope, along with a series of other grassroots events in

 major cities around the world.

According to Killerspin CEO Robert Blackwell Jr., the idea behind UnPlugNPlay grew out of a

 conversation he had with Pope Francis earlier this year about the growing alienation of humanity

 caused by an increasingly digitized society. As he explains, "The Pope and I spoke about how

 technology is changing the way we communicate, to the detriment of our relationships with

 others and our health. For at least this one day, we hope people will put away their devices in order to

 have fun, and connect with those they love."

IfOnly Vatican Package Details

Two packages are offered exclusively on IfOnly.com and start at $15,000. The "Vice-Chairman

 Package" for two includes a tour of the Sistine Chapel, tickets to the Connect21 Ping Pong 

Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner, and panel discussion with thought leaders. The "Chairman"

 package can be purchased for one or two persons, starting at $25,000, and includes a meet

 and greet with Pope Francis, tickets to the Connect21 Ping Pong Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner

 and panel discussion, a three-day, two-night stay at a world-class Sardinian resort where the

 UnPlugNPlay Table Tennis Championship will be held, as well as the Revolution SVR Bianco

 table, one of only 37 replicas of the Killerspin Table Tennis Table gifted to the Pope.

In keeping with Pope Francis' lifelong dedication to public welfare, this experience will benefit

 Best Buddies, a nonprofit dedicated to providing opportunities for people with intellectual

 and developmental disabilities.

About IfOnly

From unique everyday offerings with local experts to once-in-a-lifetime connections with

 lauded luminaries, IfOnly provides access to a curated selection of extraordinary experiences

 that benefit worthy causes around the world. IfOnly was founded in 2012 by serial entrepreneur

 Trevor Traina and is funded by Khosla Ventures, Founders Fund, AMEX Ventures, Triple Point

 Capital, and others.

Pope Francis' Fiat Used In Philadelphia Sells For $82,000

Michael and Kate Chapman, with Bishop John McIntyre, smile after the Chapmans paid $82,000 for the pope’s Fiat 500L. ELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer

Jessica Parks

POSTED: FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2016, 9:36 PM

It's official:  A car that has carried the pope is worth four times as much as a car that has not carried the pope.
Bidding for the shiny, black Fiat 500L that carried Pope Francis around Philadelphia in September began just after 9 p.m. Friday, at the Philadelphia Auto Show's Black Tie Tailgate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
About 100 people filled the auction room, including Mayor Jim Kenney, Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, and Bobby Hill, the 14-year-old singer who was a hit at the Festival of Families.  Before bidding began, organizers showed a video of the car and its famous passenger, to get the bidders' mouths watering.

The opening bid: $35,000.  In less than a minute it was up to $55,000.  $70,000.  $80,000.  $81,000.  The auctioneer, Max Spann, offered to throw in the cardboard cutout of Pope Francis.  That did it.

"Sold for $82K to the gentleman way in the back!"


— Brian X. McCrone (@BrianXMcCrone) January 30, 2016
After 11 minutes and 19 bidders, the winning bid went to both a local guy and a car guy:  Michael Chapman of Chapman Auto Dealers.  He says he'll put it on display at his dealership in Horsham.
The reason is obvious:  "I'm a Chrysler dealer," he says.

Bidding underway. "Historic evening of biblical proportions," Auctioneer says.

— Brian X. McCrone (@BrianXMcCrone) January 30, 2016

"You won't get a ticket in this car." Auctioneer says

— Brian X. McCrone (@BrianXMcCrone) January 30, 2016

No idea how much this Fiat 500L is going go sell for, but sticker price is about $20K. Pope-use not included. pic.twitter.com/sayBLkkBSd

— Brian X. McCrone (@BrianXMcCrone) January 30, 2016

The car retails for about $20,000 new. This one, of course, was used.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reached out to the archdiocese in December to donate the two cars, which the Secret Service had returned to the company after the pope's visit to the World Meeting of Families in September.
Half of the proceeds from the auction will go to the Catholic Charities Appeal to help the homeless and poor. The other half will be split among Mercy Hospice, Casa Del Carmen and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's special education schools.
“What a magnificent spirit of generosity we witnessed this evening,” Auxiliary Bishop John J. McIntyre said in a statement. “This incredible outcome allows us to spread Pope Francis’ message of love and care in a concrete way by supporting the charitable works of the Archdiocese."
The second Fiat used by Francis in Philadelphia will remain on display at the auto show, which runs through Feb. 7 at the Convention Center. That car may be auctioned off later, said Archdiocese spokesman Ken Gavin.
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle briefly owned and signed by the pontiff -- a gift from a Davidson descendant -- sold for $327,000 at a Paris auction in 2014.
Staff writers Brian X. McCrone, Julia Terruso and Dana DiFilippo contributed to this report.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/real-time/Opening-bid-for-Popes-Fiat-.html#7LJMIdMazqd4DFPA.99

Pope Francis' Philadelphia Fiat To Be Auctioned Tonight, Friday January 29th

Getty Images

WYNNEWOOD, PA - SEPTEMBER 27: A Fiat 500L, the car for Pope Francis when traveling in his motorcade, sits parked outside Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, September 27, 2015 in Wynnewwod, Pennsylvania. After visiting Washington and New York City, Pope Francis concludes his tour of the U.S. with events in Philadelphia on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

 Here’s your chance to drive a small car with big history.

One of the famous Fiat 500Ls used by Pope Francis during his visit to Philadelphia will be auctioned to the public at the Philadelphia Auto Show Black Tie Tailgate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Jan. 29.

The auction will be hosted by Max Spann Real Estate & Auction Co. and will allow for both in-person and remote bidding, beginning at 9:00 p.m.

The “Pope Francis’ Philly Fiat” auction will benefit select ministries and missions of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Pope Francis' Papacy

A second Fiat 500L used by Pope Francis will be on display to the public for the duration of the auto show, but the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may opt to auction the second Fiat during the Black Tie Tailgate.

"No other Auto Show in the U.S. has such a display and we are hopeful that this will drive even greater attendance in Philadelphia. An opportunity like this is truly once in a lifetime," David Kelleher, Chairman of the Philadelphia Auto Show, said in a statement.

By Deana Harley

Read more: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Pope-Francis-Philadelphia-Fiat-to-be-Auctioned-This-Month-365914661.html#ixzz3xpQGILod
Follow us: @nbcphiladelphia on Twitter | nbcphiladelphia on Facebook

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, American Airlines, And Philadelphia International Airport Plan Special Welcome For ‘World Meeting’ Guests

            PHILADELPHIA (September 2015) – Visitors coming through Philadelphia International Airport on Monday, September 21, will receive a special welcome courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, American Airlines, and Philadelphia’s Division of Aviation.

            As they pass through the Terminal B-C Baggage Claim area from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors will be presented with carnations and walking-tour maps of the city’s public gardens. The distribution will be near the PHS/PHL Welcome Garden in Baggage Claim.

            The floral giveaway is intended as a warm welcome to visitors arriving in the city for the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis. An estimated 1.5 million visitors are expected to come to Philadelphia for the Pope’s appearances on September 26 and 27. More than 14,000 travelers are expected to arrive at the airport each day during the week leading up to the Pope’s visit.

            “We look forward to welcoming the many visitors from all over the world who will be coming through our Airport for the World Meeting of Families and the visit by Pope Francis. Providing our guests with flowers creates a positive impression and adds a thoughtful touch to their arrival in our city,” said Airport CEO Mark Gale. “I want to thank the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for participating in our hospitality efforts during this special time.”

ABOUT PHS

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1827, dedicated to creating beauty and building community through gardening, greening and learning. PHS offers programs and events for gardeners of all levels, and works with volunteers, organizations, agencies and businesses to create and maintain vibrant green spaces. Proceeds from the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show -- which was named the top event in the world by the International Festivals & Events Association -- and donations from foundations, corporations, government and individuals support PHS programs, including PHS City Harvest. For information, visit PHSonline.org.

Pennsylvania's Governor Announces Launch Of Papal Visit travelers' Website

HARRISBURG, PA - Governor Tom Wolf announces that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike launched a detailed travelers' website to assist people headed for the historic visit by Pope Francis to Philadelphia Sept. 26 and 27.

The site at www.papal511.com is linked both to PennDOT's 511PA site and the Turnpike's travelers' information site.

"With enthusiastic crowds expected to converge on Philadelphia, this site will offer up-to-the-minute information to assist visitors and make their experience as enjoyable as possible," said Governor Tom Wolf. "This site reflects the hard work my administration has put in supporting and preparing for the Pope's visit. We hope this site will be a useful tool for both residents and visitors to be informed and prepared to travel during this important visit."

The site's home page offers options to see information about real-time traffic conditions on highways in the Philadelphia region and details on how to reach the papal venues or take diversion routes for those who are merely traveling through or around the region. The site is accessible from both desktop and mobile interfaces.

Inside pages have health tips for visitors and information on which highways and streets are closed, the latest information releases pertaining to the visit and color coded maps showing how traffic is flowing.

"I urge visitors and through travelers to avail themselves of this resource to keep abreast of changing conditions during the visit," said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. "Knowing what is going on will help visitors and travelers make good decisions so their experience during this special time will be top-notch."

Turnpike Chief Executive Officer Mark Compton said that the site will be helpful for anyone traveling in southeastern counties and surrounding areas, including those not bound for Papal events.

"This website will be an indispensable tool for those who may just be passing through during the pope's visit," Compton said. "In addition to the latest traffic conditions, it details the alternate routes for anyone who may need to travel to other destinations during this historic visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia."

Tickets For Papal Mass And The Festival Of Families During Pope Francis' Visit To Philadelphia Available Wednesday September 9th

PHILADELPHIA --

Tickets for the papal mass and the Festival of Families during Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia will be available Wednesday.

10,000 tickets will be made available for the Festival of Families beginning Wednesday, September 9, at 4:00 p.m.

10,000 tickets will be made available for the papal mass beginning Wednesday, September 9, at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis and individuals are limited to four tickets per person.

The Festival of Families will be held at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26th and the papal Mass will be held on Sunday, September 27th at 4 p.m.

A link will be available at WorldMeeting2015.org/Tickets

10,000 tickets were made available on Tuesday for the pope's speech at Independence Hall starting at 12 p.m. They were claimed within two minutes.

Tickets from the giveaway were being sold on eBay within the hour, with some sellers asking upwards of $1,000. However, an eBay spokesperson told Action News that the listings were being removed because the listings violated their ticket policy.

Still, a number of listings could still be found on sites such as Craigslist.

Tickets were on a first-come, first-serve basis and individuals were limited to four tickets. The pope will speak at Independence Hall on Saturday, September 26th.

A separate set of tickets were being distributed to the 219 parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, as well as surrounding parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Some church social service programs will also get tickets, as will other faith communities, church officials said.

It was not known how many tickets, in total, would be issued.

A map released by the United States Secret Service showed a red zone, for ticket holders, surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art and extending to 20th Street.

From 20th Street and extending to City Hall is a purple zone, where no ticket will be needed.

The ticketing announcement came just a week after a new marketing campaign, "I'll Be There," was unveiled to encourage attendance at the papal events, driven in part by fears that months of discussions about tight security restrictions had scared many people away from attending.million people will attend the papal Mass.

Tickets For Pope Francis' Speech On Independence Mall Available Starting Tuesday September 8th At Noon

PHILADELPHIA --

The Philadelphia Archdiocese says tickets will be available starting today for Pope Francis' speech on Independence Mall later this month.

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, 10,000 tickets will be available to the public for the September 26th event.

You can claim tickets online by visiting www.worldmeeting2015.org/tickets

Tickets are on a first-come, first-serve basis and individuals are limited to four tickets.

Specific ticketing information has yet to be released for two other events, the Festival of Families and Pope Francis' Mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway. We do know those tickets will be made available on Wednesday, September 9th.

A total of 30,000 tickets will be made available for the public events.

The tickets will be divided up as follows:

For Pope Francis' speech at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 26th on Independence Mall, the total number of tickets available to the public has been increased from 5,000 to 10,000. The tickets will be available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis on Tuesday, September 8th.

For the Festival of Families on Saturday, September 26th, 10,000 tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis on Wednesday, September 9th. The Festival of Families event begins at approximately 12:00 p.m.

For the papal Mass at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27th, an additional 10,000 tickets are being made available. The tickets will also be available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis on Wednesday, September 9th.

The announcement about the need for tickets came as something of a surprise on Wednesday. When we asked on Thursday what changed, the executive director of the World Meeting of Families, Donna Crilley Farrell said:

"We had always predicated some limited ticketing, and as we worked through security arrangements and plans were being made final, we knew how the Parkway was going to be laid out. For security reasons and crowd management, we have ticketed areas."

When asked how tickets make the event safer, Farrell said "You'd have to talk to a crowd management expert about that, but in certain areas you don't want huge crowds. You have to be able to limit the number of people in crowds."

Tickets are also being distributed to the 219 parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, as well as surrounding parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Some church social service programs will also get tickets, as will other faith communities, church officials said.

It was not known how many tickets, in total, would be issued.

"We're not going to release the specific numbers for ticketing," Farrell said.

A map released on Wednesday by the United States Secret Service showed a red zone, for ticket holders, surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art and extending to 20th Street.

From 20th Street and extending to City Hall is a purple zone, where no ticket will be needed.

The ticketing announcement comes just a week after a new marketing campaign, "I'll Be There," was unveiled to encourage attendance at the papal events, driven in part by fears that months of discussions about tight security restrictions had scared many people away from attending.

Sales of hotel rooms remain slower that expected. There have been price cuts showing up, but still about a one-third of the rooms in Center City remain unsold.

"There is a sense of urgency but there's not panic yet for the weekend. There's still plenty of time to book those rooms," said Ed Grose of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association.

Rail pass sales remain flat and organizers confirmed charter bus registrations were at least 70 percent below expectations.

However, Farrell said she does not believe there will be fewer than the 1.5 million visitors who are expected, saying "I really don't think so, again, based on the calls we get."

Church officials have estimated that as many as 1.5 million people will attend the papal Mass.

SEPTA To Hold Lottery For Regional Rail Passes For Pope's Visit To Philadelphia For World Meeting Of Families

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --

SEPTA says it will hold a lottery for Regional Rail passes for the pope's visit to Philadelphia.




Online registration for the lottery will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 3rd.

The lottery will run for 24 hours, ending at 11:59 p.m.

No matter what time you enter your lottery submission, everyone has the same chance for being selected, SEPTA says.

SEPTA offered these instructions on how to enter:

-Any time on Monday, Aug. 3, click the "Enter Lottery" link that will be posted on SEPTA's homepage, www.septa.org. This will take customers directly to the lottery form on Ticketleap's website with an entry form.

-Select travel dates - Saturday and/or Sunday, Sept. 26 and/or Sept. 27;

-Enter up to three preferred outlying Regional Rail Stations

-Pick travel time slot from outlying stations, either 5:30 a.m. -8:30 a.m. or 8:30 a.m.-noon

-Quantity of passes: Customers can request up to 10 each day. Customers with a valid PA Disability Transit ID Card or Medicare Card can request one

-Valid entries will be put in a database and winners selected at random by Ticketleap. Customers with winning entries will receive a "congratulations" email on Thursday. Aug. 6, with a personalized link to a secured page where they can complete their transaction with a debit or credit card. SEPTA will mail the passes to customers.



The first attempt to sell the passes on Monday, July 20th, resulted in the crash of their website.

SEPTA officials told Action News last week that they brought in outside contractors to help with the process and their site was tested for 1,700 hits per second.

They believe the site was receiving three times that amount of traffic after tickets went on sale.

SEPTA is selling a total of 350,000 passes for the weekend - 175,000 for both Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. The passes are $10.

Regional Rail Passes For Philadelphia's Visit By Pope Francis On September 26th And 27th Suspended Due To Technical Problems

SEPTA is not yet ready to resume sales of Regional Rail passes for the weekend of Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.

The transit agency said the sales will not resume this week.

Technical problems forced SEPTA to suspend online sales Monday, just hours after the passes went on sale.

In a statement issued Tuesday, SEPTA officials said "We have been working with IT consultants over the last two days, and are still considering the best option to address the high interest among customers interested in purchasing the pass, and the heavy volume on the e-commerce site."

SEPTA officials told Action News they brought in outside contractors to help with the process, and their site was tested for 1,700 hits per second.

They believe the site was receiving three times that amount of traffic on Monday morning after tickets went on sale at 9 a.m.

SEPTA is selling a total of 350,000 passes for the weekend - 175,000 for both Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. The passes are $10.

Only 201 tickets were sold on Monday morning. SEPTA confirms that most transactions were not completed.

This glitch adds to the growing confusion in the city about what residents and workers can expect in late September.

Among the unanswered questions: Which streets will be closed to traffic? What about parking? Which bus routes will run? Will there be a security fence and, if so, where will it be?

The answers will have to come from the Secret Service and the federal government, but those answers are not expected until early September.

Jim Giblin, the general manager of the 558 unit Kennedy House says the lack of information is making it very tough to plan.

"The residents are asking how their guests will come in, and how will they be able to get supplies they may need? Will the restaurants and the food markets surrounding our buildings be closed? And if so, for what length of time?" Giblin said.

Rob Calabrese runs the Philly Team Store, where papal visit items now mingle with his sports merchandise. He's not worried about closed streets and big crowds. Instead, his worry is about getting to work via SEPTA. He lived through Monday's ticket sale meltdown.

"Very concerned about it, that I'm not going to be able to get here or how I'm going to get here. It's going to be a struggle," Calabrese said.

Officials at local hospitals and the airport are also working to figure out how to get staffers in during the pope's visit.

Travelore News: Pope Francis To Include Kenya In Upcoming Africa trip

Pope Francis

When Uganda some two weeks ago announced the visit by a third Pope to the country in November this year, since then speculation imminent that the papal Africa trip would be extended to Kenya as well. Both the Vatican and the Kenyan government yesterday confirmed the upcoming trip, no doubt to the delight of not just the Catholic faithful but the country’s tourism industry as well.

With US President Barack Obama heading to Nairobi to attend a global entrepreneur conference at the end of July, the visit by Pope Francis will equally bring the global spotlight back on Kenya.

Britain lifted the cursed anti-travel advisories against the Kenya coast last week, and the visit of two such high-profile visitors like Obama and Pope Francis will send a message out into the global marketplace that Kenya is safe and ready to receive tourists.

Following the exit of some of the worst anti-travel advisories language ever seen, which cost the country tens of thousands of visitors and huge revenue and job losses, the Kenya Tourism Board, whose budget was increased more than fivefold in the recently-announced budget estimates for 2015/16, can expect a major publicity boost, and free of charge, when the two high-profile visitors will be on TV screens around the world.

Regular tourism stakeholder contributors have already said that the recovery marketing campaign which is due to be launched soon, ought to build on the global fame of such visitors like Obama and the Pope and send the message out that if these two can come to Kenya, so can thousands of ordinary people.

The papal visit has been scheduled for November 18 and 19, and hundreds of Catholic faithful from the Eastern African region and beyond are also expected to make the journey to see one of the most popular Popes in recent history in person.

In Touch Travel Offers Trip To Cuba To Participate In Activities With Pope Francis

Two Historic Travel Opportunities in One: Visit Cuba the Same Time as Pope Francis

Pope Francis has been instrumental in helping restore relations between Cuba and the US, receiving praise and thanks from both President Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro. As a result, since December 2014, not only have American travel restrictions been lifted but commercial and diplomatic relations have eased, with a US Embassy in Havana scheduled to open this July.
 

Now, through In Touch Travel Services, which organizes cultural and educational exchange trips to Cuba under the U.S. Department of the Treasury's people-to-people program, you can experience firsthand Cuba's cultural and educational activities, along with the thrill of a Papal visit.
 

The excursion, which runs from September 19-26, is offered during the days Pope Francis will be visiting Santiago de Cuba and Holguin - and includes a stop at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity, considered to be the "mother of the Cuban people." Along with events related to the Pope's visit, participants will explore Baracoa, the first village founded in Cuba in 1512. At Guantanamo, they will stop at the border of the US Naval base and meet members of Danza Libre, a dance company founded by Elfriede Mahler, the famous US choreographer.

They will also get the rare opportunity to meet and mingle with local artists, dancers, painters and entrepreneurs, including the Classic Car Club members, and ride in pre-Fidel Castro era Chevys and Chryslers. Lodging in Santiago is at the premier Melia Hotel, part of the famous Spanish hotel chain. The tour also includes two nights at the El Castillo hotel in Baracoa. Travelers can extend their stay with a colonial heritage exploration of Trinidad and Havana. The complete itinerary and registration information can be found online at www.popefrancisincuba.com

Elme Castillo, tour director and owner of In Touch Travel, will be leading the group which is limited to 15 people. A native of Cuba, he has an in-depth knowledge of its people, background and economics. "This is a great opportunity for those who want to meet the Cuban people and learn more about the  history and culture of the island," he observes.

Watch the YouTube presentation video at https://youtu.be/LQ4sONyAoCE

About In Touch Travel:  Founded in September 2012, In Touch Travel Services LLC organizes cultural and educational exchange trips to Cuba under the people-to-people program authorized by a general license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Tours include visits to Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Santiago and Guantanamo. They also promote exchanges between American and Cuban artists, organizing exhibitions and performances involving US universities and cultural institutions.

For more information please contact info@intouchwithcuba.com or visit www.intouchwithcuba.com.

Travelore News: The Franklin Institute In Philadelphia To Display Vatican Treasures

(AP) — 

"Vatican Splendors" opens Sept. 19 at the Franklin Institute. It will include artwork by Michelangelo, embroidered silk vestments, religious relics and bone fragments of Saints Peter and Paul, and a touchable cast of Pope John Paul II's hand.

The exhibit traces the evolution of the Roman Catholic Church over 2,000 years through 11 galleries that include objects such as mosaics, frescoes, maps and documents. Galleries aim to recreate environments such as catacombs and the papal chambers. Organizers say they want the exhibits to be a multisensory experience.

Pope Francis plans to visit Philadelphia in September for the World Meeting of Families, an international gathering for Catholics aimed at strengthening family bonds.

Larry Dubinski, the Franklin Institute's chief executive, said being able to have the exhibit in Philadelphia during the World Meeting of Families and the pope's visit will give it additional impact.

"Vatican Splendors" has traveled to other U.S. cities in recent years, but organizers said 40 percent of the items are new to this tour, and it has grown in size. About 200 items will be on display.

Organizers have already begun planning lectures, tours and interactive programming.

"It is such a gift to Philadelphia. So many people who otherwise would have to travel to another continent get to experience firsthand the culture and art of the Vatican," said Donna Crilley Farrell, executive director of World Meeting of Families.

The Franklin Institute, a science museum named after Benjamin Franklin, is the exhibition's first stop on a two-city North American tour and the only stop on the East Coast, the institute said. The other stop has not yet been announced.

The museum is just a few blocks from where the pope will celebrate an outdoor Mass on Sept. 27.

The exhibit will remain in Philadelphia through Feb. 15.

Contributed by SHARON JOHNSON

Everything You Need To Know About The World Meeting of Families 2015 In Philadelphia

Join Pope Francis and tens of thousands of people from around the world for the 8th annual World Meeting of Families right in Philadelphia September 22–27, 2015.

Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia

The theme of the 2015 World Meeting of Families is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” emphasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society. Not all details have been released at this time, but tradition suggests there will be a Papal Mass on Sunday, Sept. 27, along Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The 2015 World Meeting of Families will be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Held every three years since 1994 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. At the conference, families share their thoughts, dialogue and prayers, working together to grow as individuals and family units. Families can participate in discussion groups on the Christian family’s role in the church and society, led by many distinguished speakers.
Registration for the event is now open. Visit the World Meeting of Families' website to learn about the schedule, speakers, exhibitors and more.
Use the resources on the right to find places to stay, things to do and road trips to experience in the area. 

- See more at: http://www.visitpa.com/articles/world-meeting-families-2015-philadelphia#sthash.4go7PMhT.dpuf

Experience The Timeless Artwork of Vatican City With A Private Tour Of The Worlds Largest Art Collection

With the excitement and anticipation of Pope Francis visiting the U.S. and our home town Philadelphia next year, a trip to Vatican City is highly recommended. Eternity Tours is offering small group and private tours to the Vatican to give guests exclusive access the largest art collection in the world.

With their expert guides you will discover the treasures of the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's, and the Vatican museums. Through Eternity Tours Vatican group tours have been designed to immerse you in the fascinating history of Rome with an exploration of its great masterpieces. While on your tour, meet Michelangelo and Raphael, marvel at the awe-inspiring basilica, and embark on a whirlwind voyage through 2,000 years of history with our passionate guides. Learn on their Vatican group tours how the world's smallest country weaves a spectacular narrative.

Other Tour Locations Offered in Rome, Florence, Siene, Amalfi Coast and Pompeii.

For more information visit: http://www.througheternity.com/  

About

Established in 1999, Through Eternity created their In-Depth tours after noticing a need for intimate tours. Rather than rushing through the Vatican museums with eyes closed and reaching the Sistine Chapel disconnected from its beauty, visitors are allowed to discover and admire what Raphael and Michelangelo studied and praised; immeasurably enhancing the experience. 15 years of success is a tell-tale sign, that Through Eternity has effectively provided quality and meaningful tours for Italian Tourists. Always inspired and motivated by their visitors, Through Eternity will deliver exceptional customer service and tours.