The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Franciscan Spirituality Center will host a Pope2Congress Watch Party Thursday, Sept. 24, joining thousands of viewers across the country in witnessing Pope Francis' historic address to a joint session of U.S. Congress, the first ever by a pope.

Doors to the event will open at 8:30 a.m. An introduction to the event and prayer will be held at 8:45 a.m. The broadcast will start at 9 a.m. in the Assisi Room in the lower level of St. Rose Convent. Watch Party guests can enjoy refreshments, follow the speech with BINGO cards and participate in a discussion afterward until 11 a.m. The FSPA and FSC will live tweet throughout the event.

Participants should register in advance at www.FSCenter.org or call 608-791-5295, as space is limited. A suggested donation of $5 is asked.

“The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration stand with Pope Francis and his urgent call to care for our common home,” said Karen Lueck, FSPA president. “We’ll watch the Pope2Congress event in the hope that all viewers will not only be moved by his words, but moved to act.”

Pope Francis is expected to speak on a wide range of moral issues, including poverty, the global migrant crisis, environmental issues, and the family.