Posted April 23, 2019

The small, diverse and vibrant parish in lower Northeast Philadelphia celebrated the Resurrection of the Lord during the Easter Vigil, Saturday night, April 20, led by their pastor, Father James Catagnus. It began with the service of light inside the dark church, continued with multiple readings from Scripture, included the sacraments of initiation as eight people were baptized Catholic and three entered fully into the church, and all celebrated the Eucharist together in the crescendo of the church’s liturgical year. Learn more about St. Ambrose here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Father James Catagnus, assisted by a permanent deacon, blesses the Easter fire and the new paschal candle for the church.

  • People light their candles from the paschal candle.

  • With the remains of daylight, the light of Christ fills St. Ambrose Church during the Easter Vigil Mass.

  • Emilieniliano Robles

  • Audrey Igartua and Carlos Vega

  • Julia Mendoza and Papo Maldonado

  • Tyrece Melendez