By CatholicPhilly Staff Report • Posted July 1, 2026

The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 500 E. Chelten Ave., in the East Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, will begin its annual Summer Novena of Hope on Monday, July 6, with weekly prayer services continuing through Aug. 31.

This year’s theme, “The United States of Mary,” marks the nation’s 250th anniversary by reflecting on the Blessed Mother’s role in the lives of generations of Catholic immigrants and families in America.

Father John Kettelberger, CM, rector of the basilica shrine, will preach at the opening day services on Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Auxiliary Bishop Efren V. Esmilla will serve as homilist July 13 during a 12:05 p.m. Mass celebrating Our Lady of FIAT (Filipinos in America Today).

Masses and novena services will be held each Monday at 9 a.m., 12:05 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with Novena and Benediction at 2 p.m. The 12:05 p.m. Mass and novena will be livestreamed weekly. Those who attend all nine weeks in person and meet the Church’s usual conditions may receive a plenary indulgence.

A complete schedule of topics and homilists is available on the basilica’s website.