# World Meeting of Families: The Festivities Begin ...

The Pennsylvania Convention Center opened its doors this weekThe Festivities Begin as the World Meeting of Families officially began. Pilgrims from all over the world gathered in the Convention Center to check in, get their T-shirts and other memorabilia in preparation for the Francis Festival this coming weekend.

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203442/StellatoFall15WMF01-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf01/) 

  The life sized marble cast of Michelangelo’s Pieta in the Convention Center.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203439/StellatoFall15WMF03-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf03/) 

  Pilgrims wait in line for check in.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203438/StellatoFall15WMF04-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf04/) 

  Volunteers were available to help anyone who needed it.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203437/StellatoFall15WMF05-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf05/) 

  Including volunteers to help with international pilgrims.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203435/StellatoFall15WMF07-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf07/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203436/StellatoFall15WMF06-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf06/) 

  Clear backpacks were given with kits that featured literature about the World Meeting of Families, a map of Philadelphia and various other handouts.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203433/StellatoFall15WMF08-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf08/) 

  People traveled from all over the globe to come to the World Meeting of Families  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203432/StellatoFall15WMF09-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf09/) 

  Father Haile Gabriel Meleku of the Ethiopian Catholic Church poses for a selfie.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203431/StellatoFall15WMF10-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf10/) 

  Volunteers took selfies with guests that feed to the World Meeting of Families Twitter.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203422/StellatoFall15WMF18-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf18/) 

  Lina Hernandez helps a Spanish speaking Pilgrim with directions.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203428/StellatoFall15WMF12-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf12/) 

  Volunteers assemble backpacks behind the scenes.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203427/StellatoFall15WMF13-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf13/) 

  The backpacks were sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal group dedicated to charity.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203425/StellatoFall15WMF15-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf15/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203424/StellatoFall15WMF16-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf16/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203423/StellatoFall15WMF17-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf17/) 

  Including a Pope Francis bobble head.  

 Pilgrims from waited in line at check in and took selfies in front of a life sized marble casting of Michelangelo’s Pieta, which sat in the lobby. Volunteers in bright orange shirts were there to help masses and direct people where they needed to go. The Convention Center holds two World Meeting of Families official stores with memorabilia, such as Pope Francis bobbleheads. The Convention Center will host a slew of talks and panels during the meeting, while also, hosting the Youth Center, where Catholic Youth can go and celebrate Christ.  [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203420/StellatoFall15WMF22-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf22/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203419/StellatoFall15WMF23-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf23/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203416/StellatoFall15WMF24-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf24/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203408/StellatoFall15WMF31-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf31/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203409/StellatoFall15WMF30-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf30/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203411/StellatoFall15WMF28-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf28/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203410/StellatoFall15WMF29-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf29/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203413/StellatoFall15WMF27-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf27/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203414/StellatoFall15WMF26-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf26/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203415/StellatoFall15WMF25-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf25/) 

 [![](https://phillyn-media.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/25203407/StellatoFall15WMF32-150x150.jpg)](https://philadelphianeighborhoods.com/2015/09/24/world-meeting-of-families-the-festivities-begin/stellatofall15wmf32/) 

 

 On the Parkway, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul had an increase in foot traffic. Most visitors were drawn to the courtyard, where the Knotted Grotto is located. The Knotted Grotto is a temporary art installation done in conjunction with [Project H.O.ME.](https://projecthome.org/) and lead artist Meg Saligman. It is based on Pope Francis' favorite painting, Mary, the Undoer of Knots. The grotto will be open until Sunday. As per tradition, visitors can write their burdens on a strip of fabric, tie their knot and then untie someone else’s knot, placing it somewhere on the grotto, symbolizing the sharing of burdens. - *Text and images by Kathryn Stellato.*