Overbrook: Pope Francis’ Visit Makes Lasting Impression on Seminarians
The Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary had the privilege of hosting Pope Francis for a night when he arrived in Philadelphia. “I think the mood before he came was one of anticipation and unknowing,” said Deacon Matthew Biedrzycki. “While he was here, it was an overwhelming reality that this was the person you’d seen on TV, and now […]
Olney: Francis Festival Makes Its Way To Cardinal Dougherty High School
In celebration of Pope Francis’ arrival in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, approximately 3,000 Vietnamese Roman Catholics gathered at Cardinal Dougherty High School to celebrate. “That’s not a church,” objected one child as his mother led him through the flag-festooned gates. The scene at the school doors defied his observation. Dozens of priests […]
Bella Vista: Parishioners Study Family Teachings, Offer Church Tours Ahead of Papal Visit
People all over the world have anticipated the arrival of Pope Francis to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, which is the largest gathering of Catholic families in the world. One local South Philadelphia parish in Bella Vista shared plans and preparation for the pope’s visit to Philadelphia. Saint Paul and Saint Mary Magdalen […]
Hunting Park: Waiting Through the Papal Visit
Unlike residents of Center City, the people of Hunting Park were somewhat unaffected by the visit of Pope Francis. People, for the most part, just carried on with their normal routines. Over the weekend church was in session, basketball was played and football was watched. “What do I think about the pope? I’ve got 99 […]
Torresdale: St. Hubert High School’s Contribution to the Pope’s Historic Visit
St. Hubert High School for Girls played its own part during the World Meeting of Families and the Pope’s historic visit. Among other contributions, St. Hubert’s helped paint tiles for “The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century” (above) at St. Malachy Catholic School’s new home in North Philadelphia, to honor the visit of Pope Francis to […]
Point Breeze: Church Welcomes Pilgrims from Alabama to the Neighborhood for Papal Visit
A church in Point Breeze set out to host more of a homecoming than a formal visit for a group of pilgrims traveling from Alabama to see Pope Francis in Philadelphia. The Aquinas Center, part of the St. Thomas Aquinas Church at 17th and Morris streets in Point Breeze, hosted a group of 56 pilgrims during Pope […]
Overbrook: Pope Francis Makes a Surprise Visit to Saint Joseph’s University
Students at Saint Joseph’s University were hoping at best to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis as his motorcade traveled down City Avenue. Many students were planning to gather together to watch the festivities on television. “They’re going to watch him make a speech or something like that,” said Dimetri Williams, a Saint Joseph’s University student. “He’s […]
Strawberry Mansion: Catholic Church Incorporates One Of Pope Francis’ Key Themes Into Mass
The Rev. Stephen Thorne began Mass at Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church Sunday, by asking the congregation to move up to the first few pews. Hesitantly, people rose and moved closer to the front. “Thank you for listening to your pastor,” Thorne said as the crowd laughed. About half of the regular churchgoers were missing […]
Chinatown: Chinese Catholics Create An Immigrant Landing Pad in Philadelphia
Pope Francis ended his inaugural visit to the United States of America, celebrating multiple masses and public events as part of the World Meeting of Families. One of the primary issues the Pontiff focused on during his time in the US was immigration. In his address to the United States Congress, Pope Francis drew on his own […]
Northeast: Catholic High Schools Mixed About Pope
George Todt looked at Archbishop Ryan High School’s rear grounds as he reflected on Pope John Paul II’s Oct. 3, 1979 visit to Philadelphia. John Paul II had come to a city where 1 million people had attended his open-air Mass, at the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, in Logan Circle Todt remembered John […]