Catholics from archdiocesan parishes came to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia for the inaugural May Procession Sunday afternoon, May 3. A Liturgy of the Word began the devotion, followed by a procession, rosary and crowning of a statue of Mary. Billed as a prelude to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia this September, the May Procession welcomed families to celebrate Mary, the Mother of Families. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

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Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, prays a prayer to Mary.

Patricia Cunningham crowns the Blessed Mother

Patricia Cunningham crowns the statue of the Blessed Mother.

Jimmy from Presentation BVM places a rose for the blessed mother

Jimmy from Presentation B.V.M. Parish in Wynnewood places a rose for the Blessed Mother.

Olivia de Silva from the May Court places a rose in a vase that will be placed before the blessed mother

Olivia de Silva represents the Mary’s Court for Crowning and places a rose in a vase that will be presented before the statue of the Blessed Mother.

May queens Amy Small and Patricia Cunningham

May queens Amy Small and Patricia Cunningham.

Msgr. George Majoros reads the Gospel

Msgr. George Majoros proclaims the Gospel.

Fr Gil Homily

Father Dennis Gill preaches the homily.

St Barnabus group from St Charles Seminary

Seminarians of Mater Redemptoris Seminary, the Neocatechumenal Way priestly formation seminary in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, pray at the liturgy.

Procession through church starting with the May court

The procession winds through the cathedral, starting with members of the court.

Debbie and Grace Mirenda from St Peter West Brandywine

Debbie and Grace Mirenda from St. Peter Parish, West Brandywine.

Marcelle McGuirk

Marcelle McGuirk, cantor.

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Father Gill prays the rosary.

Edith, Shekinah Maria, Pedy and Shiloh Francis Deluna from Our Lady of Sorrows in Hamilton NJ

The Deluna family from Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Hamilton, N.J., — from left, Edith, Shekinah Maria, Pedy and Shiloh Francis — pray the rosary together.

Sean Sarah and Molly Hayes from St Thomas the Apostle in Glenn Mills

Sean Sarah and Molly Hayes from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Glen Mills.

Virgina Mary Mehrer from St John Bosco

Virgina Mary Mehrer from St. John Bosco Parish, Hatboro.

Jeremiah Belocura from the Holy Trintiy Latin Mass Community

Jeremiah Belocura from the Holy Trintiy Latin Mass Community.

Taylor Luiso from SS Agatha and James

Taylor Luiso from SS. Agatha and James Parish, Philadelphia.

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