In honor of Blessed John Paul II’s canonization this Sunday, April 27, 2014, the Archdiocese and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary have created a special exhibit commemorating the former Pope’s visit to Baltimore in 1995. The exhibit, which opens April 24, will be housed in the Basilica Museum, located below the main church in the Basilica’s lower level, and will include vestments, memorabilia, and photos from the Pope’s day-long visit October 8, 1995.
Among the items included in the exhibit are a telegram Pope John Paul II sent to Cardinal William Keeler following his return to Rome and a piece of wood from the altar used for the Mass celebrated by the Pope at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
The exhibit will be open during the Basilica’s normal operating hours and will be free of charge.
Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII will be declared saints by Pope Francis during a special Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
To view a video commemorating the 1995 visit and other information about the canonizations, visit www.archbalt.org.