Posted October 15, 2021

A rich pageant of the Catholic faith of peoples of African heritage present in the Philadelphia Archdiocese was on proud display at the African Heritage Mass Sunday, Oct. 10 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, with Archbishop Nelson Perez as the main celebrant. Some 300 faithful representing two dozen countries in Africa spoke, sang and prayed together in eight languages spoken on the continent, as well as in English and French. Read all about the Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Perez poses with families after the African Heritage Mass.

  • The Ladies of St. John pose for a photo with the archbishop.

  • Two boys present a gift to Archbishop Perez.

  • Archbishop Perez preaches the homily before people from many African countries, represented by their flags adorning the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Missionary Sister of the Holy Rosary Florence Enechukwu, archdiocesan coordinator for pastoral care of African Catholics, seen here in this undated photo, said violence against Christians in Nigeria is an everyday occurrence. (Sarah Webb)

  • Priests of African descent serving in the Philadelphia Archdiocese concelebrate the Mass.