The town of Wadowice in southern Poland is preparing for a vast influx of pilgrims on 1 May, when its most beloved son, Pope John Paul II, will be beatified, marking the penultimate stage in his canonisation.

“In this town, in Wadowice, it all began,” said the pontiff during a visit to the town in 1999.

“Life began, school began, theatre began, and the priesthood began.”

A museum housed in the building where the future pope grew up is currently in the final phase of a far-reaching revamp, however, the relaunch will not quite coincide with the beatification.

Meanwhile, Poland's Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, is amongst the notable guests confirmed to attend the ceremonies in Wadowice. Poland's president, Bronislaw Komorowski, will be attending the ceremony at St. Peter's.

Karol Wojtyla, the man who became the first Polish pope, was born in the provincial town in 1920. He moved to Krakow to become a student in 1938, but often returned to his native town, reminiscing about his endeavours on the sports field, and his fondness for the cream cakes from the local confectioner's.

Around 80, 000 Poles are expected to attend the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul II in Rome on Sunday, more than a half of them will arrive in organized groups, mostly by coach.

Addressing journalists in Warsaw, the archbishop of Warsaw Kazimierz Cardinal Nycz has encouraged the faithful to take part in this historic event.

After initial price hikes in Rome, accomodation costs have fallen and it is still possible to make the travel arrangements. Cardinal Nycz said that those who cannot travel to Rome should attend the special beatification services in Warsaw and many Polish cities.

In the Polish capital, the people will be able to watch a live TV transmission from Rome on the huge screens erected in the city centre and close to Church of Holy Providence in the city’s southern suburb. (nh/mk)