Foundation Offering Hundreds Of Scholarships To Boost Black Catholic Attendance At WMOF

By Cherri Gregg

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia foundation is hoping to boost number of Black Catholics at the World Meeting of Families.

The Martin de Porres Foundation is offering 300 scholarships to Philadelphia's Black Catholic community.

"This is a blessing to enable our folks to get there."

Deacon Bill Bradley runs the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Black Catholics. He says the scholarships will cover the basic registration for the World Meeting of Families attendees, which ranges from $125 to $175 each.

The goal is to get Black families to attend, learn best family practices and then go back to their parishes and share.

"The Congress and the Papal visit should be more than just a seven day event, it should be something that makes a difference with the families of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia."

The mission of the Martin de Porres Society is to promote education and religious leadership among Black Catholics.

"To show that we are a part of the Catholic population and that we represent the city of Philadelphia."

Deacon Bradley says those interested in applying for the scholarships should apply through their pastors.

"Bring those best practices and ideas back to their parish communities and sit down in groups and talk about them and implement things that make a difference in their family."

Philadelphia is home to roughly 25,000 Black Catholics.