During his first visit to the U.S. as leader of the world’s Catholic, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Logan Circle in Philadelphia for over one million people. Representing the Christian Brothers was Bro. Patrick Ellis, President of La Salle College (later University), who was chosen to be among those receiving Holy Communion from the Pope himself.

Bro. Patrick Ellis (FSC), “A Pope Visits Philadelphia,” La Salle 24 (Winter 1979-80), pp. 6-7. See also photo on the cover of La Salle 23 (Fall 1979).