(Benvenuto Tisi, “Ascension of Christ”/Wikimedia Commons Images)
By Gina Christian • Posted May 13, 2021
A somewhat “overlooked” holy day of obligation is actually “pivotal” for an understanding of eternal life, said an archdiocesan priest.
The Solemnity of the Ascension (celebrated today in Philadelphia and five other ecclesiastical provinces, and on May 16 in the rest of the U.S. for the year 2021) marks the “definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain,” according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC).
Without the Ascension, the Easter mysteries would remain incomplete, said Father Dennis Gill, director of the archdiocesan Office for Divine Worship and rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Worlds of difference, but one faith, one family at annual gathering
Young participants process down the aisle at an April 24 Cultural Heritage Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Sarah Webb)
By Gina Christian • Posted April 29, 2021
Some 300 faithful gathered this past Saturday to display their “cultural splendor” while affirming their unity in Christ.
Archbishop Nelson Pérez was the principal celebrant and homilist for an April 24 Cultural Heritage Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The annual liturgy, sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees (PCMR) and the Pontifical Mission Societies, drew participants representing dozens of heritages, including Native American, Asian, African, European, Hispanic, Caribbean and Brazilian.
Posted April 4, 2021
Christians worldwide marked the holiest night of the year on Holy Saturday, April 3 with the Easter Vigil Mass, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the salvation of all humankind. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Father Dennis Gill celebrated the evening Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, for which he is the rector, assisted by other priests and deacons. Watch the video of the entire Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
Father Dennis Gill (left) blesses the new paschal candle that will be used in liturgies in the cathedral throughout the year. He is assisted by seminarians and transitional Deacon Ken Cavara (right), who will be ordained a priest this May.
St Joseph a disciple of interior life who speaks volumes to busy world – Catholic Philly catholicphilly.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from catholicphilly.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Hometown saint shows ‘we too can be holy,’ says priest
Faithful pray at the tomb of St. Katharine Drexel following a March 3 feast day liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Gina Christian)
By Gina Christian • Posted March 9, 2021
Despite having a “remarkable” personal story, a Philadelphia saint shows that “we too can be holy,” said Father Dennis Gill, rector of the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.
Father Gill was the principal celebrant and homilist at a March 3 liturgy honoring St. Katharine Drexel, a banking heiress who devoted herself to the education and evangelization of Blacks and Native Americans, while founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.