Wow. Seriously - that's about the most descriptive word for today's fun and adventures around Philadelphia. Pat Gohn and I rose bright and early, donned our backpacks, and set our for our mile walk to the Philadelphia Convention Center where the bulk of the World Meeting of Families events are happening.
#Instagram: Backpacks ready! #wmf2015 #popeinus #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/bf3VObu6vA
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Immediately upon arriving at the Convention Center, we dived into the registration process. You can watch a crazy periscope video of that here. Then, we began to run into a wonderful series of friends, including Sonja Corbitt. Sonja's book Unleashed was our Book Club selection for Summer 2015.
#Instagram: We found Sonja Corbitt! @avemariapress pic.twitter.com/K5N9EYHDjK
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Next, it was time to attend a preview luncheon for the fantastic Museum of the Bible, which will open in November 2017. I encourage you to take a look at this upcoming wonder. After hearing so many details today and also previewing the antiquities contained in the exhibit, I can't wait to see the museum when it opens!
#Instagram: Museum of the Bible Luncheon #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/wzQu1jlskk
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
The visiting continued, with social media friends and new acquaintances:
#Instagram: Hanging with @thomaslmcdonald at the Museum of the Bible Lunch #wmf2015 w/ love to @theanchoress #popei… pic.twitter.com/Ei4T24Bqf7 — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: New friends from all parts of the world including Italy #wmf2015 #popeinphilly #goodiswinning pic.twitter.com/ZhWUb85uGw
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Met @kellymantoan #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/KK2saAjFXW — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Next, Pat conducted an exciting Periscope interview with a charming couple from Honduras who have attended every one of the World Meeting of Families to date. After this, we began to make the long journey to pick up our media credentials. Of course, we again ran into familiar faces along the way including EWTN and our dear friend Diana von Glahn of The Faithful Traveler.
#Instagram: We are @ewtnmedia fan girls! #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/cSrxRa8zBA
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Just me, @thefaithfultraveler @patgohn & the #holyspirit! #popeinphilly #wmf2015 #goodiswinning pic.twitter.com/jElI6B1xrH — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Fun to see @johnnetteb Doug Keck live & in @Ewtn action!! #WMF2015 #PopeInPhilly pic.twitter.com/48p7yfGX8C
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Even though the event does not officially begin until tomorrow, our publishing friends were already at work setting up their booths. This meant that we could stop by and see our publisher Ave Maria Press, visit with the Daughters of St. Paul, and catch a few minutes with the always inspirational Deacon Harold Burke Silvers.
#Instagram: In great company! Love the Daughters of St Paul!! #wmf2015 #popeinphilly #goodiswinning pic.twitter.com/rqPUFbdDSh — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Hooray! A quick visit w Deacon Harold #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/X9mY5QQA4b
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
When we finally picked up our media credentials, we were greeted by the awesome team from the city of Philadelphia and we got an idea of how HUGE the press participation will be for this week by looking at the scale of the media filing center.
#Instagram: We found the Liberty Bell! Tomorrow we'll see the real thing! #popeinphilly #wmf2015 pic.twitter.com/t5iwlp70nP — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Two fascinating people!! #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/vuMBn4C99x
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Media center at #wmf2015 #popeinphilly will be packed tomorrow!! pic.twitter.com/7NYgWiXGI3 — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
Ran into @FranciscanMedia author @LisaHendey getting her pass for #PopeInPhilly @WMF2015 pic.twitter.com/3Qx0V6YTrB
— Alicia von Stamwitz (@aliciavons) September 21, 2015
One of our favorite aspects of being here is meeting so many joyful priests, brother and sisters:
#Instagram: Pat & Sr John Mary #goodiswinning #wmf2015 #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/uRea5XSiLK — Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
#Instagram: Fr. Michael from Siberia!! Totally awesome #wmf2015 #goodiswinning #popeinphilly pic.twitter.com/TifF1NsKDk
— Lisa Hendey (@LisaHendey) September 21, 2015
One last exciting moment happened near the end of the day when we met the team from the "Helping Hands" initiative that is being run here with Catholic Relief Services. I'll be a part of this on Wednesday at noon when I don my hairnet and help to pack meals for families in West Africa. If you'd like to be a part of this project, click here for additional details.
https://youtu.be/HBZlwCI2-Ag
Now that we're back at the ranch, it's time to put our feet up, plan our calendar for tomorrow's Opening Ceremony and keynote speech by Bishop Robert Barron, and rest for all of the excitement.
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Copyright 2015 Lisa M. Hendey
About the Author

Lisa M. Hendey
Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com, a bestselling author and an international speaker. A frequent radio and television guest, Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and communications. Visit Lisa at LisaHendey.com, on her Substack at LisaHendey.Substack.com, or on social media @LisaHendey for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish, school or organization. Find Lisa’s books on her Amazon author page.
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