More than 7,870 benefactors helped raise more than $1.6 million this GivingTuesday to benefit the good works of 101 parishes, schools, and charitable ministries of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

iGiveCatholic, which is nationally recognized as the official Catholic Giving Day, is celebrated annually on GivingTuesday, which follows Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

The annual initiative presents an opportunity for Catholics to affirm their faith as disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing their gifts out of love for God and one another. It is celebrated by more than 40 (Arch)dioceses located across the country.

This year the Catholic Charities Appeal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary Appeal placed first and second respectively for most dollars raised throughout the country as part of this national Catholic fundraising initiative.

>>>SEE RELATED: #iGiveCatholic Initiative Helps Catholic Organizations in the Archdiocese Raise Funds

“It gives me great joy to share that iGiveCatholic was a huge success for the parishes, schools, and charitable ministries of our local Church again this year! I am filled with deep and prayerful gratitude for the generosity of all those who gave to this initiative,” Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez said.

This is the fourth consecutive year the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has partnered with The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia to participate in the initiative.