Posted October 30, 2019

Archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family’s Walking Together Philly ministry held a “Hope and Healing” interfaith prayer service on Oct. 24 in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

During the gathering, some 70 attendees joined in prayer and praise, asking for God’s blessing of physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional restoration.

Father Christopher Walsh, pastor of St. Raymond of Peñafort in Philadelphia, led the prayer service, noting in his homily that “healing can take a while,” but that those seeking it should wait in faith and “allow themselves to be loved by God.”

(All photos by Gina Christian.)

  • Deacon Bill Bradley of St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish in Philadelphia anoints a participant during an Oct. 24 prayer service at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family, the gathering drew some 70 attendees for an evening of praise, reflection and fellowship.

  • Father Christopher Walsh, pastor of St. Raymond of Peñafort in Philadelphia, holds an infant while delivering a homily at an Oct. 24 healing prayer service sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul’s chapel.

  • Kenny Arrington, music director of St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish in Philadelphia, and vocalist Antoinette Reeves lead attendees in worship at an Oct. 24 healing prayer service sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family at the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Attendees embrace at an Oct. 24 healing prayer service sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family at the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Participants join in prayer at an Oct. 24 interfaith service sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family at the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Choir members from St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish in Philadelphia lead the worship at an Oct. 24 healing prayer service at the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Father Christopher Walsh (background) and Deacon Bill Bradley (foreground) of St. Raymond of Peñafort Parish in Philadelphia anoint attendees at an Oct. 24 healing prayer service at the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Attendees join for intercessory prayer outside of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul following an Oct. 24 healing service sponsored by archdiocesan Catholic Social Services and the Office for Life and Family.