September 18, 2015 On the eve of the arrival of Pope Francis in the United States for the first time as well as the World Meeting of Families, the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend announces the unveiling of a website, Love Is Our Mission. The page has been launched to create a ‘virtual pilgrimage’ for Catholics in the fourteen counties of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend who are unable to see the Pope in person.

The website, www.diocesefwsb.org/LoveIsOurMission, will be updated daily during the pontifical visit with local news stories, prayers, videos and features of local Catholics who will be attending the World Meeting of Families. Pope Francis is visiting Washington, New York and Philadelphia September 23-27. During this historical visit, Pope Francis will canonize Junipero Serra, give a talk to the U.S. Congress, speak at the United Nations and have a Mass to close the World Meeting of Families.

From within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, there are 15 families who will be attending the World Meeting of Families. These groups are participating not just as a pilgrimage, but to also bring back resources to their local parishes throughout northeastern Indiana. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades will be participating in activities throughout this historical week including being the principal celebrant for the Mass for those with disabilities and their caregivers on Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m.

“I am very excited and looking forward to the World Meeting of Families and to the apostolic visit of Pope Francis,” stated Rhoades. “I am glad that there will be faithful from our diocese attending and I know that many will be following these events via the media.”

Rhoades continued, “I invite everyone to pray during the week for the Holy Father and for the Church in our country. I hope that all will listen to the Holy Father messages as he comes to strength us in the faith and to call us to live the Gospel with renewed commitment especially for the strengthening of marriage and family life in our nation and throughout the world.”

Love Is Our Mission contains the full schedule of events for the Pope, Bishop Rhoades and participants of the World Meeting of Families. There are also media resources including articles from the Today’s Catholic newspaper regarding the pontifical visit. For specific interview requests of participants, please contact Stephanie Patka, spatka. Media Notes: The press release is accompanied by a media packet. This information will also be available electronically through the Love Is Our Mission website.