Posted November 12, 2013

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, in collaboration with the Magnificat Foundation hosted Magnificat Day, a unique gathering for liturgical prayer, music, inspirational talks and reflection on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

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Thousands of faithful from around the country heard presentations from Father Robert Barron, acclaimed author of the “Catholicism” video series, and Dominican Father Peter John Cameron, editor-in-chief of Magnificat magazine. Attendees also had the opportunity to adore the Blessed Sacrament in the Adoration Chapel, receive the sacrament of penance and venerate the relics of the Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux, and of her parents, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin.

The day concluded with a eucharistic procession through the streets of Philadelphia from the Pennsylvania Convention Center to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Many people who were not able to attend Magnificat Day still joined the procession at 5 p.m. The candlelight procession began at the intersection of 17th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in front of the cathedral.  (Photos by Maria Tucker)

  • Father Robert Barron, host of the acclaimed “Catholicism” video catechism series, makes a presentation at Magnificat Day.

  • Archbishop Chaput concludes benediction at the cathedral steps Saturday evening, Nov. 9.

  • Worshipers pray at Mass Saturday morning, Nov. 9, at the cathedral.

  • Dominican Father John Peter Cameron makes a point during his presentation at Magnificat Day.

  • Archbishop Charles Chaput leads adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for thousands Saturday evening, Nov. 9, at the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

  • Participants listen to a presentation at Magnificat Day.

  • A family enjoys the day together at Magnificat Day.

  • The relics of St. Therese of Lisieux, at rear in a vessel marked by a rose, as well as the relics of her parents Louis and Zelie Martin, characterized by lilies, were displayed for veneration at Magnificat Day. They remain at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul until Nov. 16 when they will be transferred to the Carmelite Monastery in Philadelphia.

  • Attendees participate in prayers at Magnificat Day.

  • Archbishop Chaput celebrates Mass an early morning Mass Nov. 9 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for participants of Magnificat Day, who afterward traveled to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the day’s program.

  • A choir leads the participants of Magnificat Day in song during time for prayer and worship.

  • The procession of some 3,000 Magnificat Day participants plus area Catholics who could not attend passes along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from the convention center toward the cathedral.

  • The procession winds through the streets of center city Philadelphia Saturday, Nov. 9.

  • Bishop John McIntyre carries a monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament in the procession to the cathedral.

  • Deacons carry the relics of St. Therese and her parents, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, in the procession to the cathedral as participants sing a hymn.

  • Archbishop Chaput incenses the relics of St. Therese and her parents during Magnificat Day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

  • A crowd of more than 3,000 fills a room at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Nov. 9 for Magnificat Day.

  • Mass is celebrated Friday, Nov. 8 at the Convent of Divine Love in Philadelphia, home to the Pink Sisters, or Sister Servants of the Holy Spirit of Perpetual Adoration. The visit by organizers of Magnificat Day preceded the public events at the convention center the following day.