Posted December 19, 2017

One of Philadelphia’s oldest Catholic churches welcomed faithful parishioners and guests on the Saturday evening vigil Mass, Dec. 16, for the Third Sunday of Advent. Msgr. Paul DiGirolamo, pastor of Old St. Mary’s, was the celebrant. The church, founded in 1763, is located at 248 South 4th Street on the Old City section of Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • The entrance procession is accompanied by the congregation singing the opening hymn for Mass.

  • Presents collected by parishioners to benefit needy people in the community fill the back of Old St. Mary Church.

  • From left, Catherine, Brendan and Catriona Lake pray during Mass.

  • Jason Sellers

  • Msgr. Paul DiGirolamo preaches the homily on the Third Sunday of Advent.

  • Eileen Spagnola

  • Margaret Barry

  • Msgr. DiGirolamo offers a blessing to Thisbe after her father Matthew Murray receives Communion.

  • Msgr. DiGirolamo prays the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

  • Leigh Nagel shows her son Simon the Advent candles.