04 Nov 2014
Led by Archbishop Charles Chaput and Honorary Co-Chairs Governor Tom Corbett and Mayor Michael A. Nutter, the delegation will include key business and civic leaders who will lend support in planning this triennial event.
Philadelphia, PA (October 30, 2014) – The World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 announced today that a leadership delegation led by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput O.F.M. Cap. and Honorary Co-Chairs for the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Governor Tom Corbett and Mayor Michael A. Nutter, has been established in preparation for the September 22-27, 2015 event.
The lay leadership will serve as public ambassadors for the World Meeting of Families and the City of Philadelphia during the next 18 months. Mr. Robert J. Ciaruffoli, Chairman and CEO of ParenteBeard LLC, will serve as President of the World Meeting of Families, the 501(c)-3 established to oversee comprehensive planning, logistics and financials for the event. Mr. David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation; Mr. Daniel J. Hilferty, President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross; Mr. James J. Maguire, Sr., Co-Principal of The Maguire Foundation; Mr. Joseph Neubauer, Chairman of ARAMARK; and Mr. Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation, will serve as Co-Chairs of the Executive Leadership Cabinet, which will support the World Meeting of Families in outreach to the broader corporate and philanthropic community.
“We are delighted to have such an esteemed delegation represent the World Meeting of Families- Philadelphia 2015,” said Archbishop Chaput. “I have always welcomed the World Meeting of Families as an event that has the power to transform, in deeply positive ways, not just the spirit of Catholic life in our region, but our entire community. I am grateful to so many civic and business leaders– representing many different faiths – for their willingness to undertake this endeavor with the Archdiocese. Their recognition of the World Meeting of Families as a gift not only to the City and Commonwealth but to the nation gives me great confidence as we move forward in planning. I look forward to sharing these important updates and our momentum with Pope Francis.”
Echoing Archbishop Chaput's sentiments, Mr. Ciaruffoli commented, “There is much to be done in planning and executing such a significant global event. We are equal to the task. We've developed an organizational structure that encourages meaningful participation at many levels and are working closely with the City of Philadelphia on all the ways this event can positively affect our city and region.”
The 2015 event in Philadelphia marks the first time the United States will welcome this event, which was last hosted by Milan, Italy in June 2012. As the world's largest family gathering, the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 is expected to bring together 10,000 – 15,000 delegates from more than 150 nations in faith and celebration. Attendees of all ages will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, dialogue and prayers during the convention through daily Mass, devotions, keynote addresses, and breakout sessions focused on the myriad issues facing today's global families. Rooted in the 2015 conference's theme, “Love is our mission: the family fully alive,” the catechetical content and programming will emphasize the impact of the love and life of families in society.
"Philadelphia is a world-class city with a long tradition of inter-faith cooperation,” said Mr. Neubauer. “Strong families benefit our city, our state and our nation. As a member of this delegation and Co-chair of the Executive Leadership Cabinet, I look forward to collaborating with business and civic leaders to make sure that Philadelphia shines on the world stage."
For more information regarding the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, please visit www.WorldMeeting2015.org. You can also engage the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 on Facebook (World Meeting of Families 2015) (Encuentro Mundial de las Familias – Filadelfia 2015), Twitter (@WMF2015) (@WMF2015ES) and Instagram (WMF2015).
About World Meetings of Families
Beginning with 1994, The Year of the Family, the Pontifical Council for the Family has been responsible for organizing the World Meetings of Families in Rome (1994); Rio de Janeiro (1997); Rome (2000); Manila (2003); Valencia (2006); Mexico City (2009); Milan (2012); and now, Philadelphia (2015). Since its inception by Saint John Paul II, the World Meeting of Families has sought to strengthen the sacred bonds of family across the globe.
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