Posted November 8, 2019

The annual Mass on Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Black Catholics, celebrated the memory of the 17th century Peruvian saint of mixed-race descent whose example inspires all to work for social justice in the world today. Archbishop Charles Chaput was the main celebrant and Franciscan Father Richard Owens, director of the Black Catholics’ Office, preached the homily for the Mass, which was led in song by Mercy Career and Technical High School Choir in Philadelphia. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Mercy Career and Technical High School Choir

  • Musical director Tonya Maria Taylor-Dorsey leads the choir in filling the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul with praise.

  • Robyn Gary and Marilyn Abral raise their voices in praise.

  • Cantor Brittany Borden-Edwards

  • Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Choir

  • The Knights of Peter Claver, an association of Black Catholic men, offer a proud witness of their faith.

  • Marquis Banks, a freshman Mercy Career and Technical School, sings during the Mass.

  • Deacon Melvin Burton Jr. incenses the Gospel before proclaiming it to the people.

  • Father Richard Owens, O.F.M. Cap., director of the Office for Black Catholics, preaches the homily during Mass.

  • Students from Little Flower, Mercy, Father Judge and Roman Catholic high schools participate in the Mass.

  • Twins Mason and London Powell present the offertory gifts to Archbishop Charles Chaput.

  • Janice Paige of St. Athanasius Parish in Philadelphia brings up the offertory gifts.

  • Archbishop Chaput is joined by Father Richard Owens and the pastors of several archdiocesan parishes with predominantly Black Catholic congregations during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

  • The ladies of Little Flower High School participated in the procession by carrying banners of six Catholic men and women of African descent who are candidates for sainthood, and telling their stories.