Excerpts from Crux
http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/04/21/philadelphia-prepares-for-mega-event-hosting-pope-francis/
PHILADELPHIA — Advance preparations for the wildly popular Pope Francis, due in Philadelphia five months from now, might rival the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000…
Airport planning depends on whether — and when — the pope flies here from New York, and modifications to other transit schedules are not yet public. Craig Schulz of Amtrak called the event “a challenge and an opportunity” to woo new riders.
Excerpt from Amtrak news release, Aug. 21
PHILADELPHIA – Amtrak is taking steps to prepare for an influx of rail passengers on the Northeast Corridor during Pope Francis’ visit to the United States in September and will operate extra trains with added capacity to meet the anticipated demand. With papal events scheduled in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor is uniquely suited to carry passengers to and from the various locations.
With more than a million people expected to attend an outdoor Mass and other events associated with the World Meeting of Families on September 26 and 27, the attached schedule includes additional frequencies and special stops for that weekend. As Philadelphia 30th Street Station is expected to be a focal point for regional transportation, passengers should expect large crowds and some non-typical station procedures.
Whil
Pope Francis will say Mass right above Penn Station tracks, at Madison Round Garden. The building with his mural is about a block and half north.
R U folks ready for a groaner??? Did you know that The Almighty is a railfan? It’s in the Bible: Isaiah chapter six verse one: “I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the temple” (emphasis added). [angel]
A far worse groaner: in only three days you’ll be able to have Pope Francis tell that one and help change the world.
Fiat 500L Francis
http://www.fiatusa.com/en/500l/urbana/
As long as RRR started it:
My favorite “train” reference comes from a hymn all Episcopalians are familiar with, “I sing a song of the saints of God” (Hymnal 1982; #293; words by Lesbia (!) Scott, tune Grand Isle by John Henry Hopkins), a children’s hymn that always brings tears to my eyes, especially the third verse:
"They lived not only in ages past, there are hundreds of thousands still,
the world is bright with the joyous saints who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea,
for the saints of God are just folk like me,
and I aim to be one, too."
Brings down the house every time.
Apears Amtrak has removed the commuter equipment extra sections. Only one extra regional now.