Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the celebrant and homilist at the annual Archdiocesan Mass for Persons with Disabilities on Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m. in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

The Mass is offered for the intention of persons with disabilities, the deaf community, their families, friends and caregivers. The St. Christopher Parish Schola will provide music for the liturgy, which is sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate.

Guests are asked to arrive by 2:45 p.m. and abide by social distancing and mask guidelines. Accessible on-site parking is available, and an outdoor reception will follow the Mass.

A livestream link will be available on the archdiocesan website and on Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page.

At the conclusion of Mass, Archbishop Pérez will present the One Body in Christ Award to three individuals and their ministries for exemplary work in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the life of the church. They include:

Jean Calvarese-Donovan and Divine Providence Village Team serve generously and compassionately to provide COVID-19 vaccines to their communities and the broader IDD/Autism communities throughout the region.

Dr. Steve McWilliams and Villanova University’s VUnited Team create innovative inclusive college programing to enhance the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities and for launching VUnited Scholars.

Principal Frank Tosti and the Schuller Family continue to promote inclusive Catholic School Education that fosters belonging so that all experience that we are “One Body in Christ.”