About 300,000 people will attend the canonization of the founder of Opus Dei and the University of Navarra, Blessed Josemaría Escrivá, on Sunday at St. Peter's place in Rome. The first pilgrims from the Pamplona campus traveled to Italy on Thursday. From Navarre there are 46 buses with more than 2,500 passengers; eight airplanes with some 1,370 people; a train with 520; and about 140 private vehicles, which will transport some 700 people. In total, more than 5,000 pilgrims are departing from Navarra.

Sunday's events will begin at 10 a.m., with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Pope John Paul II for the canonization of Blessed Josemaria. At 12 noon the Angelus will be prayed and the Holy Father will greet and give his blessing to those present.

On Monday, a Mass of thanksgiving in honor of the saint will be celebrated in St. Peter's place , presided over by Bishop Javier Echevarría, Prelate of Opus Dei and Chancellor the university center. Afterwards, Pope John Paul II will receive in audience the faithful from all over the world who will attend the canonization. In addition, beginning October 8, there will be several Masses of thanksgiving, presided over by cardinals and bishops, in various languages: a total of 29 Masses in 17 different languages.

On Thursday, October 3, the remains of Blessed Josemaría were transferred to the Basilica of St. Eugene in Rome, where they will be exposed for veneration until October 10. After those days, the body of the saint will be taken to the Prelatic Church of St. Mary of Peace, also in Rome.

Pilgrims will also have the opportunity to cooperate with the "Harambee 2002" program, an initiative of the organizing committee for the canonization of Josemaría Escrivá. It consists of creating a solidarity fund to finance educational programs in Africa with contributions from those attending the canonization and from all those who wish to collaborate.