Photo features

Ancient symbol takes on modern meaning for Archbishop Perez

At a July 19 Mass, Philadelphia's archbishop received the pallium, a woolen sash that represents communion with the pope and a commitment to the faithful, especially in the face of new challenges.

Parish celebrates open-air Masses to allay COVID fears

Many people are hesitant to return to church due to the coronavirus, so St. Matthew Parish in Conshohocken began celebrating Sunday morning Mass at a nearby football field.

Parishioners create sacred space among shrines, flowers

Dozens of prayer gardens at St. Helena Parish in Blue Bell draw parishioners closer to God, to creation and to one another.

Young men listen for God’s call at 3-day retreat

A mix of virtual and safe in-person events proved a success for the 32 young participants in this year's Quo Vadis discernment retreat June 29-July 1.

With kindergarten ahead, kids look forward to post-COVID future

After weeks of at-home study, 45 students of Casa del Carmen's Preschool Academy donned mortarboards for a festive June 19 drive-through graduation.

Priestly ordination class of 2020

Five men from diverse backgrounds became new priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia June 20 during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Perez.

Deacons ordained in unprecedented Mass at cathedral

Archbishop Nelson Perez ordained 13 men deacons for the first time since his installation. Also for the first time in Philadelphia the rite included both permanent and transitional deacons.

Led by rosary, marchers make prayerful statement in center city

Some 200 area faithful took to the streets of downtown Philadelphia June 7 for a “Rosary Walk for Healing and Peace” in a city and nation beset by disease and division.

Walkers for peace and unity pray with police

Members of several Catholic parishes in the Philadelphia Archdiocese along with other denominations joined in a peaceful march from North Philadelphia to City Hall June 6.

Cathedral Mass marks unique end of school year

Archbishop Nelson Perez observed the closing of the academic year during Mass Sunday, June 7, with students among the limited congregation participating.