By Dan McCarty • Posted October 2, 2026

To mark the solemnity of Our Lady of Mercy on Sept. 24, the feast day for all priests, sisters and Third Order members of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy,  Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Philadelphia’s Overbrook section hosted a Vigil Mass the previous evening.

The parish, run by the Mercedarian priests, has long celebrated this particular solemnity. Its former parish school was founded and operated by the Sisters of Mercy and so every year the congregation observes their feast together. That tradition continued when the Mercedarian priests arrived at the parish in 2004.

“It’s been part of our parish for a long time,” said Mercedarian Father Matthew H. Phelan,  pastor. “It’s very much part of the life of our parish.”

Some years Our Lady of Lourdes observes the solemnity of Our Lady of Mercy, also known as Our Lady of Ransom, on the actual feast day, and other years the special Mass is celebrated during Sunday Mass, depending on the availability of the parish’s music ministry.

“It gets celebrated regardless,” said Father Phelan.

Several parishioners and friends of Our Lady of Lourdes came out on Wednesday evening, Sept. 23. Presided by Father Phelan, the Mass was offered for all Mercedarian priests and religious.

The parish choir, under the direction of Becky Ostermann, provided music. Selections included “Praise to God, Our Mighty Father,” “Psalm 113,” “Psalm 147,” “Canticle: Ephesians 1:3-10,” “Salve, Mater Misericordiae” and “Mother of Mercy.”

“Our choir director, Becky, is intentional with what she picks,” said Becca Lorello, choir member. “She works well with Father Matt. We wanted all the hymns to honor Our Lady of Ransom.”

During his homily, Father Phelan referenced the second reading, Galatians 4:4-7, in which St. Paul describes God sending out the spirit of his Son, crying out “Abba, Father!” meaning his people are no longer slaves but children.

“The Son born of Mary gave Himself to make slaves into children,” said Father Phelan.

Mass was a family affair for members of the Wallacavage clan. Brothers Gabe, Nate and Ben Wallacavage served at the altar while their father Mark and sister Victoria sat in the congregation.

“It’s the feast day of our order,” said Mark Wallacavge. “We want to support our patron, Our Lady of Mercy. I was thrilled to hear the choir. I think they’re great.”

While some people came specifically to celebrate this feast day, not all did so. Jessica Cyriac, a member of St. Bridget Parish in Philadelphia’s East Falls section, had just gotten off work and was looking for an open church. She passed Our Lady of Lourdes and when she discovered said the Mass, she decided to stay for it.

“I’m really grateful I was able to come,” said Cyriac. “I found time to go to Mass. This was perfect.”

On the feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, Sept. 24, daily Mass was celebrated for the intentions of Mercedarians in formation for priesthood and religious.