Calling Blessed Pope John Paul II “truly one of the greatest popes in history,” Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has invited Catholics throughout the Diocese of Peoria to celebrate his beatification by attending a Mass of Thanksgiving at 10:30 a.m. this Saturday, May 7, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria.

More than one million faithful witnessed beatification ceremonies for the late pontiff at the Vatican on May 1.

Noting that “Pope John Paul II meant so much to the priests of our diocese ? young and old” during his more than 26 years as Holy Father, Bishop Jenky specially invited priests to attend next Saturday’s Mass.

Those who have a second class relic ? an article touched by Pope John Paul II or received from him ? and would like it to be included for veneration at the May 7 Mass are invited to call Msgr. Stanley Deptula at the Office of Divine Worship, (309) 671-1550.