Archdiocese of Philadelphia Bicentennial

Serving the people of God in the beginning, now and always

More than 3,500 Catholics gatherat the "Amazing Race for Grace" on September 29, 2007.

PHILADELPHIA — The past 365 days have, indeed, marked "a time of jubilee for the Church of Philadelphia."

As of April 8, 2008, Philadelphia as a diocese has existed for two centuries.

Last April, before Cardinal Justin Rigali signed the official proclamation beginning the year-long commemoration, he underscored two priorities for the Bicentennial celebration: prayers for an increase of priestly vocations and a recommitment by Catholics in the Archdiocese to service in God’s name.

"This is an important event, as we prepare to enter a joyful year — a time of jubilee for the Church of Philadelphia," Cardinal Rigali said on April 2, 2007, at a press conference at the Archdiocesan Office Center in Center City.

At that time, the Cardinal also challenged every parish, Catholic school and Catholic institution to perform a service project between the January 5 feast of St. John Neumann and the March 3 feast of St. Katharine Drexel. Both are canonized saints in the Philadelphia Archdiocese who were renowned for their charitable service to others, in keeping with the bicentennial theme, "Serving the People of God in the Beginning, Now and Always."

Cardinal Justin Rigali initiates the year-long anniversary commemoration in April 2007.

The Cardinal appointed Auxiliary Bishop Robert P. Maginnis and Father Joseph C. McLoone to oversee the bicentennial celebrations. Bishop Maginnis has been the episcopal liaison and Father McLoone, pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester, has been the chairman.

At the 2007 press conference, the Cardinal also acknowledged the winner of the official bicentennial logo contest — Dan Cellucci, communications director of the Catholic Leadership Institute in Exton and a member of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish in Rosemont.

Plans are in place for the closing liturgy of the archdiocesan bicentennial, which Cardinal Rigali will celebrate at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 13 at the Villanova University Pavilion in Villanova. The procession begins at 3:40 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to be in their seats by 3:30 p.m.

The Arch-diocesan Bicentenial Concert at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on October 10, 2007.

The role of the family will be highlighted at the Mass, which will be broadcast by live streaming video at: www.archphila.org.

The ethnic diversity of the Archdiocese will be evident throughout the Mass, beginning with a procession that includes colorful banners representing the countries of origin of the thousands of immigrant Catholics of the Archdiocese.

Commonweatlth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives Citation

After the liturgy — in true Philadelphia fashion — Tastykakes and soft pretzels will be distributed as Catholics strut home to the sounds of a local string band.

The year 1808 was a pivotal time for the Church in America. On April 8 that year, Pope Pius VII established Baltimore as the first Archdiocese in the United States, and created dioceses Philadelphia, Boston, New York and Bardstown, Ky.

At the time, the Diocese of Philadelphia included the entire area of Pennsylvania, Delaware and the southern half of New Jersey. Eleven dioceses now serve that area. In Pennsylvania, there are now eight dioceses.

For more information, visit the archdiocesan Web site, www.archphila.org.

CS&T Staff Writer Christie L. Chicoine may be reached at (215) 587-2468 or cchicoin@adphila.org.

Bicentennial Highlights:
April 2007
• Opening of the Bicentennial Year, Easter Sunday, April 8
• Catholic Charities Appeal Kickoff
• Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

May 2007
• Catholic Charities Appeal Sunday
• Wedding Anniversary Masses
• St. Charles Borromeo Seminary celebrates 175 years

September 2007
• "Amazing Race for Grace: Celebrating Faith, History and Eucharist"

October 2007
• Respect Life Sunday
• Bicentennial Concert
• World Mission Sunday
• Hispanic Heritage Mass

November 2007
• Catholic Life Congress
• St. Martin de Porres Mass

December 2007
• The Bicentennial book issued
• Bless the Baby Jesus Prayer Service
• Operation Santa Claus
• Cardinal’s Christmas Party for Children

January — March 2008
• "Bicentennial Season of Service"

February 2008
• World Day of the Sick
• Lenten Reconciliation: "Pardon and Peace"

March 2008
• Migration Mass
• St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Parade
• Deacon Day: Celebration of the Permanent Diaconate
• Sacred Triduum

April 2008
• Chronicle of Faith: A Conference Celebrating a 200-Year Legacy at Immaculata
• Actual Bicentennial Anniversary, April 8
• Bicentennial Closing Mass: April 13 at the Villanova University Pavilion