Posted September 11, 2017

More than 300 students representing 119 Catholic elementary schools, high schools and special education schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese gathered Monday morning, Sept. 11, in front of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul for a prayerful and fun pep rally to kick off the school year. Dignitaries offered remarks, Bishop Michael Fitzgerald led prayers and students sang and enjoyed a marching band before the event ended with a raucous race of high school mascots down 18th Street in Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • All the participants at the prayer and pep rally on Sept. 11 pose in front of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

  • The Phillie Phanatic, seen here at a Sept. 11, 2017 event at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Pastoral Center, will be on hand for the ninth annual “Catholic Charities Appeal Night at the Phillies.” (Sarah Webb)

  • Students join together in singing the National Anthem, in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001.

  • The Cardinal O’Hara High School Marching Band and Color Guard added a parade spirit to the rally.

  • The students read a prayer and recited a Hail Mary, led by Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald.

  • Bishop Fitzgerald poses with some of the Catholic school students.

  • Students from St. Francis de Sales School in West Philadelphia sing “Let Their Be Peace on Earth.”

  • Chris Mominey, chief operating officer and secretary for Catholic education in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, addresses the crowd.

  • Cheerleaders from Conwell-Egan High School liven up the crowd with their cheers.

  • The Lion, mascot of Cardinal O’Hara High School, won a race among mascots from all the high schools.

  • Boys from Father Judge High School stand by their mascot, the Crusader.

  • Students enjoy Philadelphia soft pretzels after the rally.