Ready in Rome

The organizers say that they're ready to welcome the masses.  Saint Peter's Square in Rome will be the venue for the Beatification ceremony to be celebrated on Sunday, May 1, and from all accounts there will be upwards of a million visitors.

During his pontificate, John Paul II visited all the corners of the world.  He spent his entire life dedicated to the Church, to teaching young people and old to go forward in faith, and not to fear the future.  Among the most prolific of authors, his writings are now part of the teaching authority of the Church, and will be the stuff of teaching for years to come.

In anticipation of the Divine Mercy Sunday celebration this year, the Vatican held a press conference today to explain some of the logistics that have been put in place.  In short, they are waiting for all those who will arrive, and are confident that there will be room for everyone.

On one side of the English channel, there will be a long-awaited wedding, and then days later there will be a celebration of another sort.  In both cases, the preparations and details are phenomenal.  In both cases, the crowds will be eager.  In both cases, there will be a celebration like those cities have not seen for quite some time.

Get ready, get set ...