Photo features
School year begins with visits from special guests
Student from Archbishop Ryan School for the Deaf and St Lucy School for Children with Visual Impairments were greeted on their first day of the 2013-2014 school year by Jacqueline Coccia, Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and H. Edward Hanway, Chairman of the Faith in the Future Foundation . Archbishop Charles Chaput visited Mater Dei Catholic School for a prayer service and blessing of the school. The school is made up of students from Saint Rose of LimaSchoolin North Wales, St Stanislaus School in Lansdale, and part of Saint Maria Goretti in Hatfield. H. Edward Hanway, Chairman of the Faith in the Future Foundation, Dr. Carol Cary, Superintendent of Secondary Schools, and Mayor Michael Nutter visited Little Flower High School on Sept. 11 in celebration of education month.
First week of school for students
Students at St Lucy Day School and Archbishop Ryan School for the Deaf were welcomed on their first day by Sr. Margaret Fleming IHM, principal, along with Jacqueline Coccia, Superintendent of Elementary Schools, and H. Edward Hanway, Chairman of the Faith in the Future Foundation . Archbishop Charles Chaput led a prayer service for students, faculty and parents then blessed the new Mater Dei Catholic School in Lansdale for their first day. Mater Dei Catholic School is one of the new regional schools of the archdiocese. It is formed from the mergers of Saint Rose of LimaSchoolin North Wales, St Stanislaus School in Lansdale, and part of Saint Maria Goretti in Hatfield.
Feast of Our Lady of Czestochowa
Cardinal Adam Maida, retired archbishop of Detroit, celebrated Mass Aug. 26 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. Bishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki traveled from Poland to concelebrate the Mass and give his homily, in which he welcomed pilgrims from the United States, Canada and Poland. Polish Catholics honor their beloved portrait of Madonna and Child (which can be seen above the altar at the shrine) on Aug. 26, the day St. Ladislaus reserved for it. The dark pigment on Our Lady's face and hands is the reason the portrait is referred to as the "Black Madonna." The color came primarily from age and the need to keep it hidden for long periods of time in dark places lit only by candles, the smoke from which tinted the painting. Many miracles are attributed to Our Lady of Czestochowa including cures archived by the Pauline Fathers at Jasna Gora. Papal recognition was given to the image by Pope Clement XI in 1717. (Photo by Sarah Webb)
St Charles Seminary Opens Academic Year with Mass of the Holy Spirit
On Monday, August 27, Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Traditionally, new and returning seminarians mark the beginning of the academic year with a blessing from the Archbishop. New faculty and staff members signed the Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity. They include Bishop Timothy Senior as Rector, Sister Gilmary Kay as Administrative Assistant to the Rector, and Father Paul O'Donnell as Director of Spiritual Formation.
St Joseph Parish in Downingtown Hold Topping Off Ceremony In Church Building Project
DOWNINGTOWN, PA - August 17, 2012 - Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Parish in Downingtown, Chester County celebrated a Topping Off ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 20, at the site of the new church, 460 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, PA.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Faith in the Future Foundation, create independently managed Catholic school system
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Faith and the Future Foundation announced Aug. 21 an agreement to create an independently managed Catholic school system that would encompass the 17 high schools within the Archdiocese as well as its four schools of special education.
800th Anniversary Celebration of the Founding of the Poor Clare Sisters
Saint Clare, was born in 1194. Her life was one of poverty, and service to her sisters and all who sought prayer and counsel. She was canonized a Saint in 1255, two years after her death. The Poor Clares were founded in 1212. Each year, the sisters in Pennsylvania celebrate the feast of Saint Clare on August 11th. A Novena in their chapel begins on August 2nd. During this time, they entrust special intentions to Mary, Our Holy Mother. Petitions received are placed under the altar in the chapel. Saint Clare is especially honored during the Triduum which is held during the three days preceding her feast day.
St Eugene Parish in Primos
Archbishop Charles Chaput made a pastoral visit to St Eugene parish in Primos on Saturday August 11 to celebrate the vigil mass.
Interfaith leaders, city officials pray for peace, fallen officer at Cathedral
Archbishop Charles Chaput leads the congregation, which included interfaith leaders and civic officials, in a prayer liturgy for fallen Philadelphia Police Officer Brian Lorenzo July 8 in the chapel of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Catholic Heritage Day sponsored by the Indian American Catholic Association of Greater Philadelphia
The first-ever Indian Catholic Heritage Day, a spiritual and cultural event for Philadelphia’s growing community of Catholics who have migrated from India was celebrated on Saturday August 4, 2012 at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church in Northeast Philadelphia. This was the first-ever visit as a cardinal by Cardinal George Alencherry, the Major Archbishop of the India-based Syro-Malabar Church, and visit by Philadelphia’s Archbishop Charles Chaput and their own bishop, Syro-Malabar Bishop Mar Jacob Angadiath, the Syro-Malabar Bishop of Chicago which is the only diocese of that branch of Catholicism in the United States. The events started with a huge procession followed by liturgy. Plaques were given to families in the community after mass. The day ended with traditional Indian dances and a variety of entertainment programs.