Posted April 26, 2016

Parishioners of St. Michael Parish in North Philadelphia gathered for the 11:30 a.m. Mass in Spanish on Sunday, April 24 as they do every Sunday, led by Father Arturo Chagala. But on this day as on five Sundays in Easter, parishioners including those with the Neocatechumenal Way invited members of the community to join them outdoors for the second annual Great Mission, a service of Scripture and song in nearby Norris Square Park. St. Michael’s is located at 2nd and Jefferson Streets. Also watch our video of the event here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

Nisla Rivera and Maribel Baez

Nisla Rivera and Maribel Baez

SMIMG_6519

St. Michael Parish, with its ornate sanctuary, dates to its founding in 1831. Father Arturo Chagala, parochial administrator, celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist as Deacon Israel Rosario assists at the altar.

SMIMG_6524[banner1]

The spanish community at St. Michael Church extend their hands to offer a blessing to Pablo Perez on his first birthday.

The Hispanic community of St. Michael Parish extends their hands to offer a blessing to Pablo Perez on his first birthday.

SMIMG_6543

Young, jubilant worshipers lead the way into Norris Square Park in North Philadelphia for Great Mission services.

SMIMG_6551

[banner2]SMIMG_6558

SMIMG_6570

SMIMG_6590

SMIMG_6602

Worshipers dance in a circle in the park during the Great Mission.

[banner3]

SMIMG_6619

SMIMG_1067

The Spanish Choir of St. Michael Church fill the church with their voices.

The Spanish Choir of St. Michael Church fills the church with song.

SMIMG_1077

Father Arturo Chagala, parochial admistrator, and Deacon Isreal Rosario welcome the community at the beginning of mass.

Father Arturo Chagala and Deacon Israel Rosario welcome the community at the beginning of Mass.

SMIMG_1083

SMIMG_1090

SMIMG_1092

Patricia Loor, Jasmine Vera and Angel Vera

From left, Patricia Loor, Jasmine Vera and Angel Vera pray at Mass.

Antonia Rosario

Antonia Rosario

Alfonso Pantoja, Laticia Justo and Maria Pantoja pray during the 11:30a.m. Spanish mass at St. Michael Church in West Kensington section of Philadelphia.

Praying at Mass are (from left) Alfonso Pantoja, Laticia Justo and Maria Pantoja.

Lector Nelli Cintron

Lector Nelli Cintron

Deacon Israel Rosario reads the Gospel of the Lord.

Deacon Israel Rosario proclaims the Gospel reading.

SMIMG_1130

Iliana Pagan reads along to Gospel.

Iliana Pagan reads along to Gospel.

SMIMG_1149

SMIMG_1151

SMIMG_1153

Carmen Ortiz and Karina Valdez present the bread and wine to Father Arturo Chagala.

Carmen Ortiz (left) and Karina Valdez present the bread and wine to Father Arturo Chagala.

SMIMG_1164

SMIMG_1167

Maria Alameda prays with her family during the Spanish mass at St. Michael Church.

Maria Alameda prays with her family during the Spanish Mass at St. Michael Church.

Father Arturo Chagala offer a blessing for Pablo Perez on his first birthday at the end of mass.

Father Arturo Chagala offers a blessing for Pablo Perez on his first birthday at the end of Mass.

SMIMG_1201

St. Michael Parish processes around Norris Square Park for it's second annual Great Mission outdoors that happens for five Sundays in the Easter season.

St. Michael parishioners process around Norris Square Park for the second annual Great Mission outdoors, which is held for five Sundays in the Easter season.

SMIMG_1227

Father Arturo Chagala welcomes all to the Great Mission in Norris Square.

Father Arturo Chagala welcomes all to the Great Mission in Norris Square.

People of all ages gather at Norris Square for St. Michael's second annual Great Mission outdoors.

People of all ages gather at Norris Square for St. Michael’s second annual Great Mission.

SMIMG_1241

Father Arturo Chagala welcomes parishoners before mass.

Father Arturo Chagala welcomes parishioners before Mass.