Beatification of Pope JPII - May 1st, 2011

The first miracle in the process towards cannonization has been approved and Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed that the late Holy Father, John Paul II, will be beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011. Pope Benedict, himself, will celebrate the mass and ceremony in Rome. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to come from all over the world.

Last Friday, Pope Benedict confirmed that the Vatican-appointed committee of cardinals, bishops, doctors and theologians had determined that Sister Marie Pierre Simon's recovery from parkinsons disease was, in fact, "miraculous" and "scientifically inexplicable".

Shortly after the announcement, the WYD committee announcement that John Paul II will be numbered among the patrons of WYD 2011. The future Blessed will be among the famous Spanish Saints who are called to intercede on behalf of WYD 2011.

More info can be found at:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/john-paul-iis-beatification-approved-for-may-1-divine-mercy-sunday/