Preparations For A Pope: The Papal Mass
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Pope Francis will cap his two-day, whirlwind visit to Philadelphia with a large, open-air Mass on the Ben Franklin Parkway on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 27.
Father Dennis Gill is the rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and is coordinating the liturgy.
He says it will be the regular Sunday Mass with readings and themes that worshippers would hear in any Catholic church for that day.
However there will be one big difference.
"What makes it extraordinary is that the celebrant is the Holy Father and that the size of the congregation is rather large.
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Cardinals, bishops, and hundreds of priests will concelebrate with the pope.
Gill says a specially-selected choir will enhance the celebration.
"There will be a 500-voice choir singing this Mass, the sung music will be supported by the Philadelphia Orchestra."
Gill believes the papal Mass will be a moving, life-changing experience for the church and the community.