Watch CBS News

9 Intellectually Disabled People Scheduled To Meet Pope Francis

By Jim Melwert 

WYNNEWOOD P.A. (CBS) -- When the Pope arrives at St. Charles Borremeo Seminary Saturday, he'll meet with 9 intellectually or developmentally disabled people and their families, from 3 different Catholic Human Services programs.

The 9 people come from 3 archdiocesan programs, Don Guanella Village, Divine Providence Village, and St. Edmond's Home for Children.

Catholic Human Services secretary Joseph Sweeney says they are blessed for the opportunity.

"For us to be able to have these families, and most particularly these individuals to meet the Pope is an incredible blessing," Sweeney said.

Mary Schwerdtfeger will meet Pope Francis with her 46-year-old son, Denis, who has Down's Syndrome and Alzheimer's disease.

"It is a gift, and they're all saints, as forgetful as they get with the Alzheimer's, they remember everything they learned about their faith, they remember all the responses when we're at Mass, they remember all the hymns and all the prayers from when they were children," Schwerdtfeger said.

In addition to family, and care givers, other staff will be on hand to meet Pope Francis, Sweeney says it is an acknowledgement of the work they do.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.