13 Filipino American kids invited to welcome pope

CHICAGO – Thirteen young Filipino or Filipino American children between Grades 3-12 are being invited to participate in welcoming Pope Francis in the early morning of Thursday, Sept. 24, when the pope visits Washington.

The Philippine embassy in Washington said parents of these teens have until Sept. 17 to nominate their children. They have to send in the names of their children, their dates of birth, names of their schools and grades and their contact information by sending an email to [email protected].

According to the advisory, for children to qualify:

• They must be Filipino or Filipino-American and must be in Grades 3-12;

• Children must be at a predetermined pick-up area on the morning of Thursday, September 24. Estimated meeting time is 6 a.m.;

• Children must attend a briefing if required by the Archdiocese of Washington;

• Parents/grandparents may not join their children/grandchildren; children will be accompanied by two chaperones to be selected by the embassy;

• Other details (attire, exact venue, etc.) to be determined with the Archdiocese of Washington and will be shared once known.

The qualifying children will be picked by random and will be announced on Friday, September 18th.