Archbishop Pérez statement on July 4th shootings in Phila and Highland Park, Illinois
July 5, 2022 by ·
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Regarding 4th of July Shootings in Philadelphia and Highland Park, Illinois
Yesterday was perhaps the darkest 4th of July in our collective memory. Just hours after we learned of lives being intentionally extinguished by a gunman at a parade in Illinois, violence struck at home in Philadelphia with multiple police officers being shot in the line of duty as the fireworks display began on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Civic celebrations like the commemoration of our country’s birth are meant to unify our richly diverse populace. They prompt us to reflect on the lofty goal of preserving and protecting freedom, dignity, equality, and opportunity for all of our brothers and sisters.
Yesterday, death, disfigurement, fear, and panic draped a heavy pall over our already wounded and struggling nation. Our collective mettle is being tested over and over again. Evil acts and senseless loss of life have become all too common features of our landscape.
In my recent Independence Day message, I said that our American spirit shines brightest when we treat our neighbors with dignity and respect. In the wake of further pain, confusion, and sadness, we must act. Words alone are not enough. Acts of kindness and charity, no matter the size, are contagious. Let’s work together and mend the tears in the fabric of our nation’s soul.
I ask all people of goodwill to pray that God will strengthen our efforts, bring comfort to those in mourning, and place our law enforcement officers and first responders under the mantle of His protection.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Supreme Court Opinion in Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization
June 24, 2022 by ·
On this Blessed Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us praise the infinite love in the Heart of Jesus for the grace of this significant advance of the culture of life today!
Please click here to read a statement on the matter by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.
Archbishop Pérez statement on the death of Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant
June 19, 2022 by ·
Statement by Archbishop Pérez regarding the death of Lieutenant Sean Williamson of the Philadelphia Fire Department
“I was deeply saddened to learn that Lieutenant Sean Williamson of the Philadelphia Fire Department was killed in the line of duty this weekend.
In the name of the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I extend my prayerful condolences to Lieutenant Williamson’s family and friends who mourn this tragic loss. My heartfelt sympathy also goes out to Adam K. Thiel, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department, and the faithful men and women of the Philadelphia Fire Department as they cope with death of their beloved brother who faithfully served our city for over 27 years.
In addition, I ask all people of goodwill to join me in fervently praying for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in the fire and building collapse. We owe a debt of gratitude to the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect us each day. May God watch over and protect them.”
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Weekly Message by Jean Madden
June 16, 2022 by ·
Check out the most recent weekly message by Jean Madden.
Livestream of Archdiocesan Launch of Eucharistic Revival
June 16, 2022 by ·
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will kick off the local observance of the national three-year Eucharistic Revival called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops this Sunday, June 19th, the Feast of Corpus Christi. Archbishop Pérez will celebrate the opening at the Our Lady of Peace Parish in Milmont Park (Delaware County) at 11:30 a.m. this Sunday. The Our Lady of Peace Parish community will also be celebrating its centennial anniversary that day. Following the Communion of Mass, Archbishop Pérez will lead a Eucharistic Procession to Notre Dame de Lourdes Church in Swarthmore (Delaware County). Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will take place at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, which is a worship site of Our Lady of Peace Parish.
In addition, Bishop Timothy C. Senior will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist at the 11:00 AM Solemn Mass for the opening of the Diocesan Phase of the Eucharistic Revival at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul this Sunday. Following, there will be a Eucharistic procession to Saint Patrick Church (20th and Locust Streets, Philadelphia). Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament will take place at Saint Patrick Church at 2:00 p.m.
Click here for the livestreaming of the Mass at Our Lady of Peace Parish.
Click here for the livestreaming of the Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Sacred Heart Novena
June 15, 2022 by ·
The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus celebrates the great love of Christ for all mankind. This year, the Feast falls on Friday, June 24th. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus begins nine days before the Feast and continues for nine consecutive days, that is June 15th through June 23rd. You are invited to unite yourself with Christ, seeking an increase in grace and divine love through participation in the Novena. Click here for the Sacred Heart Meditation. Click here for the Novena Prayer Card.
Archdiocesan Launch of National Eucharistic Revival
June 14, 2022 by ·
We are pleased to share this video from Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez announcing the launch of the National Eucharistic Revival in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on June 19, 2022, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi.
Eucharistic Revival (English version) from Kearns Media Consulting LLC on Vimeo.
