World Meeting of Families

World Meeting of Families Mission StatementThe World Meeting of Families—Philadelphia 2015 advances the rich tradition of every World Meeting of Families since the inaugural event in 1994. It is a global celebration that includes a preparatory catechism on the family, a multi-day Congress with internationally known speakers and dynamic activities, a Festival of Families, and a Papal Closing Mass. This international event, which includes a wealth of preparatory activities, strengthens family bonds and highlights the role of the family in society. The 2015 meeting will also showcase Philadelphia and the region in an unprecedented way to a global audience. World Meeting of Families: An OverviewIn September 2015, families from around the world – including official delegations from 153 nations – will visit Philadelphia for the Eighth World Meeting of Families (WMOF). Pope Francis will mark his first trip to the United States with a visit to Philadelphia for this global event.World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 is the organization specifically created to plan for the September 2015 events. The organization was incorporated in September 2012 and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity. Saint John Paul II created the World Meeting of Families in 1994. Philadelphia is the first city in the United States to host. Previous host cities include Milan, Mexico City, and Rome. The theme for Philadelphia will be “Love is our mission: the family fully alive.” Projected Event Structure World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 Key Dates: o September 22-25: World Meeting of Families Congresso September 25-27: Papal Visit Beginso September 26: Festival of Families with Pope Franciso September 27: Papal Mass Total Projected Attendees:o World Meeting of Families Delegates: 10,000 – 15,000o Attendees for the Papal Mass: 1.5 milliono Media: 5,000 to 7,000 (2,000 Members of the International Press Corps)o Volunteers: 7,500 – 10,000Legal Name and Tax IDLegal Name: World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia IRS EIN Assigned: 46 – 1237617In August of 2013 the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia requested that their organization be included in the IRS Group Ruling for, and in the next publication of, The Official Catholic Directory (OCD). Both the Chancery and their civil legal counsel fond no objection to including the listing under the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The WMOF listing can be found in The Official Catholic Directory starting in 2014 on page 1052 midway down the third column.