Posted October 3, 2017

A revival featuring uplifting music, preaching, worship and prayer came to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul over two nights Sept. 25-26. Sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Black Catholics and drawing hundreds of faithful and clergy from several parishes in the Black Catholic community, the revival aimed to renew the spirits of all who attended.

Joining the revival’s homilist, Dominican Father Paul Whittington of the Archdiocese of Chicago, were the 100-member Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir and the Immanuel Movement Praise Team. Canned foods were collected to for the benefit of Mother of Mercy House, a Catholic evangelization ministry serving the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Raising their voices with the congregation are, from left, Vincentian Father Sylvester Peterka, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Philadelphia, and Capuchin Franciscan Father Richard Owens, director of the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics.

  • Deacon Bill Bradley (right) of St. Raymond of Penafort Parish in Philadelphia leads deacons and priests in the recessional at the end of the revival.

  • Dominican Father Paul Whittington of the Archdiocese of Chicago preaches a homily during the revival.

  • The Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir and musicians lead the congregation in song.