Posted December 21, 2021

From angels and alpacas to Santa and superheroes, the 66th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas party delighted hundreds of kids, while instilling in them the meaning of Jesus’ birth.

(Related: Read our feature story on the 66th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas party.)

(All photos by Sarah Webb.)

  • A girl runs through a shower of snow before the 66th annual Archbishop’s Benefit for Children Christmas party, which took place Dec. 20 at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Pastoral Center and the nearby Sheraton Downtown Hotel.

  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez visited the event’s live Nativity scene, which was reenacted by students from St. Raymond of Peñafort Independence Mission School, with the help of several farm animals.

  • Angels and alpacas greeted Archbishop Pérez at the event’s live Nativity.

  • Donning a Superman cape for the event, Archbishop Pérez told guests that Jesus is “the ultimate, the best, the most awesome superhero of them all.”

  • Live music greeted guests throughout the Dec. 20 party.

  • Santa and superheroes kept children entertained, while directing kids’ attention to the guest of honor, Jesus.

  • Students from St. Raymond of Peñafort Independence Mission School donned both superhero and Nativity costumes for the party.

  • Santa greeted Archbishop Nelson Pérez, with both lauding Jesus as the reason for the season.

  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez (left) and Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop John McIntyre (right) gathered with party guests on stage for photographs.