Shrine Dedicated to Blessed John Paul II Preparing for His Canonization

Public and media welcome to visit and learn more about this great pope

Devotional and educational events to be announced as canonization nears

WASHINGTON, July 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scheduled activities at the Blessed John Paul II Shrine in Washington, D.C., will intensify as the Vatican moves closer to declaring the pope from Poland a saint, and will culminate on the day of canonization itself, says the Knights of Columbus, which opened the shrine in 2011.

The canonization process took a major step forward on July 5 with the official announcement of the approval of a miracle through the intercession of Blessed John Paul II.

"We at the shrine dedicated to this great man join with people around the world in welcoming the news that Blessed John Paul II will soon be canonized," said the shrine's Executive Director Patrick Kelly. "Throughout his life, John Paul II was a champion of the rights and dignity of every human person, and his witness and legacy continue to speak important messages to our world today. Similarly, his life of holiness and devotion to God continue to be an example to us all."

Once the timing for the canonization is finalized, the Shrine will announce a series of events leading up to and surrounding the canonization date. Some events will be devotional in nature, while others will be educational ― highlighting Blessed John Paul II's life and legacy.

Individuals, groups and media interested in learning more about Blessed John Paul II are welcome to visit the shrine, which houses one of the most extensive collections of his relics and artifacts outside of the Vatican.

For more information, visit www.jp2shrine.org.

SOURCE Knights of Columbus