Sister: 'There are pilgrims gathering from all over the world and the excitement is high'

ROME - Sister Yvonne Mary Loucks, RSM, arrived in Rome at noon today. She traveled to Rome from Saginaw for the beatification of Servant of God John Paul II on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1.

She reports, "The streets are crowded with people and there are posters everywhere with Pope John Paul's picture and the sayings, 'Open wide the doors to Christ' and 'Do Not Be Afraid', two of his most famous sayings. There are pilgrims gathering from all over the world and the excitement is high. There are two million people expected to be here by Saturday. It is our great privilege to be pilgrims from the Diocese of Saginaw among all of those who have come to celebrate Pope John Paul. We take all of your intentions with us to this deeply spiritual time."

Throughout the next week, Sister Yvonne Mary will be sharing information and photos from the beatification right here on DoS News.