This weekend marks the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families 2018.
Dublin, Ireland, was chosen by Pope Francis to host the 9th World Meeting of Families from 21-26 August 2018, guided by the theme “The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World”.
Held every three years, this major international event brings together families from across the world to celebrate, pray and reflect upon the central importance of marriage and the family as the cornerstone of our lives, of society and of the Church.
The WMOF2018 had the following key moments:
- 21 August 2018, a National Opening of WMOF2018, which took place simultaneously in all the different dioceses of Ireland.
- 22 to the 24 August 2018, a three-day Congress in the RDS which included an enriching programme for adults of keynote speakers, workshops, talks, testimonies and discussions; an engaging and exciting programme for young people as well as fun activities for children. The Congress will also include daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayerful activities, exhibitions, cultural events and musical performances.
- The Festival of Families on Saturday 25 August 2018, which comprised a reflective concert style event within a prayerful and joyful atmosphere, in which personal stories of faith were shared by families from all continents.
- The Closing Mass of WMOF2018 on Sunday 26 August 2018 in the Phoenix Park, Dublin which gathered thousands of people from Ireland and all over the world.
Pope Francis arrived in Ireland on Saturday 25 August and departed again on Sunday 26 August. His itinerary and the homily and other addresses he delivered whilst he was in Ireland are available below:
Saturday, 25 August 2018
ROME-DUBLIN
| 8:15 | Departure by plane from Rome/Fiumicino for Dublin Greeting to journalists on the flight to Ireland |
| 10:30 | Arrival at Dublin International Airport Official Welcome |
| 10:45 | Transfer to Áras an Uachtaráin |
| 11:15 | Arrival at the Presidential Residence Welcome ceremony in front of the main entrance of the Residence |
| 11:30 | Courtesy visit to the President in the Presidential Residence |
| 12:00 | Transfer to Dublin Castle |
| 12:10 | Arrival at Dublin Castle Meeting with Authorities, Civil Society and Diplomatic Corps in Dublin Castle |
| 15:30 | Arrival at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral Visit to the Cathedral |
| 16:15 | Transfer to the Day Centre of the Capuchin Fathers |
| 16:30 | Visit to the day centre for homeless families of the capuchin fathers |
| 19:30 | Arrival at Croke Park Stadium |
| 19:45 | Festival of Families in Croke Park Stadium |
Sunday, 26 August 2018
DUBLIN-KNOCK-DUBLIN-ROME
| 8:40 | Departure by plane for Knock |
| 9:20 | Arrival at the Airport in Knock Immediate transfer to the Shrine |
| 9:45 | Arrival at Knock Shrine Visit to the Chapel of Knock Shrine Angelus on the square in front of the Shrine |
| 10:45 | Transfer to the airport in Knock |
| 11:10 | Arrival at the airport in Knock |
| 11:15 | Departure by plane for Dublin |
| 11:50 | Arrival at Dublin International Airport Lunch with the Papal Delegation |
| 14:30 | Arrival at Phoenix Park |
| 15:00 | Holy Mass in Phoenix Park |
| Meeting with the Bishops in the Convent of the Dominican Sisters | |
| 18:30 | Arrival at Dublin International Airport Farewell ceremony |
| 18:45 | Departure by plane for Roma/Ciampino Press Conference on the return flight from Dublin to Rome |
| 23:00 | Arrival at the Airport of Roma/Ciampino |