A family has been chosen to greet Pope Francis

A Somerton family will never forget last Sunday’s mass at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church, where they learned that they had been chosen to greet Pope Francis at his arrival on September 26. At the recommendation of the parish monsignor, the Bowes family will represent the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

A thwarted security threat

The Pope’s visit to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. made international buzz over the weekend when a federal authorities disrupted a threat made against the holy father. Rep. Michael McCaul (R—Tex.) told ABC’s show This Week about the threat, but did not provide any details.

“The Pope is a very…passionate man,” McCaul said. “He likes to get out with the people and with that comes a large security risk. We are monitoring very closely threats against the pope as he comes into the United States. We have disrupted one particular case in particular, but as that date approaches, I think we’re all very, being very vigilant to protect him as he comes into the United States.”

Welcoming the Holy Father

World Meeting of Family (WMOF) officials unveiled three colorful banners on Monday that will welcome the Pope on his visit. Online, WMOF has a customizable “[Insert name here] welcomes Pope Francis” banner for sale to local schools and businesses. The cost is $100.

Post office closings

Due to the security zone, the U.S. Postal Service will be suspending mail services during the papal weekend (Sept. 26-27) for the following downtown locations: Main Office Delivery (19102, 19103, 19104), William Penn Annex (19106 and 19107), Fairmount Station (19130), and Spring Garden Station (19122 and 19123). Blue drop boxes will be removed for that weekend.