Posted October 16, 2018

At 225 years old, St. Agnes is one of the oldest parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Clergy and faithful of the parish welcomed Archbishop Charles Chaput on Sept. 30 for a festive anniversary Mass — see scenes below, and read all about the mother church of Chester County, here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Parish groups of St. Agnes prepare to enter the procession for Mass.

  • Representatives of parish ministries process in with candles to place before the statue of St. Agnes.

  • Father William Donovan, right, leads Archbishop Chaput in procession to begin the anniversary Mass.

  • A statue of St. Agnes graces the church built in her name in 1927; the parish was founded in 1793.

  • Members of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus add an air of dignity and pride to the Mass.

  • The open doors of St. Agnes Church welcome all to worship God. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • The choir of St. Agnes Parish, West Chester, leads the congregation in song during the 225th anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Chaput Sept. 30. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Father William Donovan distributes holy Communion to his parishioners and guests.