Bacolod City declares Feb. 13-20 as Blessed John Paul II Week

Bacolod City has declared February 13 to 20 as "Blessed John Paul II Week" to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the late pope’s visit to the city.   A news release on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website said the city council pointed out that the Pope's visit brought honor to the city.   A city council resolution cited the various institutions and structures established in Bacolog because of the late Pope’s visit:

• Pope John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the University of St. La Salle
• Centro Giovanni Paolo II for Research at Lacson Street
• Pope John Paul II Cultural Center at the Sacred Heart Seminary
• Centro Giovanni Paolo II resort and retreat facility in Punta Taytay.

  The council said these landmarks bolster the city's tourism program “especially in the area of religious pilgrimages as they attract visitors from all over the country and the world.”    Another structure, the seven-story Pope John Paul II Tower at the Reclamation Area, houses several memorabilia of the late Holy Father including the chair he used during his stay in the diocese and his white cap. - GMA News