Posted October 22, 2013

Bishop John J. McIntyre was the main celebrant and homilist at the annual World Mission Sunday Mass on Sunday, Oct.20 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. The Mass commemorated the work of mission churches throughout the world and the support extended to their efforts by the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Prior to Mass, at 6:20 p.m., Bishop McIntyre presented awards to Melissa Mejia, Christopher Solis, Laila Bentley, and Sara Castagno, the winners of the 2012-2013 Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Annual Christmas Artwork Contest. MCA is the Pontifical Mission Society for children.

Mejia was one of 24 national winners selected from thousands of entries in the National MCA Christmas Artwork Contest.  The three other students were recognized by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for their artwork. Additionally, Rebekah Coval was recognized as a Second Place Winner in the Young Adult category of the first-ever Pontifical Mission Societies Song Contest.

  • Melissa Mejia, one of 24 national winners selected from thousands of entries in the National MCA Christmas Artwork Contest, was recongnized before World Mission Sunday mass on Sunday, October 20, 2013.

  • Isabella and Veronica are showed how to pray the rosary by big brother Michael Clark. The children attended the mass where their school St Peter the Apostle was honored.

  • Andy Russell prays deeply on World Mission Sunday.

  • Bernice Pomarico prays the rosary for World Mission Sunday.

  • Artwork by Sara Castagno. Sarah was one of four students that were awarded for their work in the 2012-2013 Missionary Childhood Association [MCA] Annual Christmas Artwork Contest.

  • Laila Bentley was presented with an award from the archdiocese for artwork in the 2012-2013 Missionary Childhood Association [MCA] Annual Christmas Artwork Contest

  • Bishop John J. McIntyre presents an award to Christopher Solis for his artwork in the 2012-2013 Missionary Childhood Association [MCA] Annual Christmas Artwork Contest.

  • Faithful from the archdiocese gathered before mass to pray the rosary.

  • Bishop John McIntyre celebrates World Mission Sunday mass at the Cathedral on Sunday, October 20th.

  • Rebekah Coval serves as lector during World Mission Sunday mass. Prior to the mass Rebekahwas recognized as a Second Place Winner in the Young Adult category of the first-ever Pontifical Mission Societies Song Contest.