Archbishop Nelson Perez led three ceremonies for the Rite of Election and Continuing Call to Conversion Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 29-March 1, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. The rites celebrated on the First Sunday of Lent formally ratify the readiness of catechumens (those preparing for baptism) and candidates for all the sacraments of initiation (baptism, Eucharist and confirmation), which they will receive this year at the Easter Vigil Mass or in the Easter season.
Over the weekend’s rites, 163 catchumens and 281 candidates along with their families and friends representing 96 parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese raised their prayers in the cathedral. The photos below are from the third of the three rites at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 1. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Archbishop Nelson Perez speaks to the catechumens and candidates.
Catechumens and candidates come forward during the rite.
Catechumens and candidates stand before Archbishop Perez.
The Book of the Elect from each parish is presented to Archbishop Perez with the names of those to be welcomed into the church at the Easter Vigil.
Books of the Elect are presented.
Candidates stand before Archbishop Perez for a blessing.
Archbishop Perez stops to greet two girls and their families at the conclusion of the rite.
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