Posted June 12, 2020

Celebrating his first public Mass since the COVID-19 outbreak, Archbishop Nelson Perez also observed the closing of the academic year during Mass Sunday, June 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, with students among the limited congregation participating. The archbishop also released four special video messages to students, graduates, parents, teachers and school administrators. Read more about the videos here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Sister Maureen McDermott, I.H.M., superintendent of secondary schools of the archdiocese, welcomes everyone to Mass to celebrate the end of the school year.

    Sister Maureen McDermott, I.H.M., speaks during a Mass marking the end of the academic year in June 2020. The archdiocesan superintendent of secondary schools will resign from her position Nov. 5, 2021, it was announced Oct. 29. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Lamont Gee waits in a pew at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul to serve as cantor at a Mass for the end of the 2019-2020 school year. Following public health guidance, COVID restrictions at archdiocesan parishes will be relaxed during late May and early June 2021, with suburban parishes returning to pre-pandemic liturgical practices on May 31. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Michael Hughesl, who is entering his senior year at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, proclaims the first reading during Mass.

  • Jack Speed (left) and Jack Greenberg, eighth grade graduates from St. Hilary School in Rydal, serve the Mass.

  • Joshua Delmoral, eighth grade graduate from Holy Innocents School in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia, proclaims the second reading during Mass at the cathedral for the end of the school year.

  • Father Matthew Biedrzycki incenses the Book of Gospels before proclaiming the reading.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez preaches the homily for Mass.

  • Archbishop Perez consecrates the Eucharist.

  • Jennie Pelino prays during Mass observing the end of the school year and the first in-person Mass since the beginning of the stay-at-home order in Pennsylvania due to COVID-19.

  • The archbishop gives the final blessing at Mass.

  • Archbishop Nelson Perez greets Querubina and Fernando Giron after Mass.