{Spotlight: Philadelphia,World Meeting of Families} Our Treasured Churches

September 15, 2015

Written by Marykate O’Malley, mother of three wonderful children, Gladwyne. PA

The Pope could have chosen any city, and he chose Philadelphia. What an honor and gift to showcase this special city and all we have to offer. As someone born and bred in the Philadelphia area I have a deep kinship for the history and beauty of this city.

As a girl we would visit various churches in Philadelphia, and as an adult it remains one of my most favorite things to do. There is something so serene and centering about entering a church. They all have a story – who built it, who celebrated their life there, received sacraments – in many ways churches mark life’s most celebrated moments, or hold us as we say good-bye.

And so I share my favorite Philadelphia churches with you!

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History and Philadelphia are as synonymous and cheese and steak, or liberty and bell. And so naturally our churches are steeped in tradition and the Philadelphia story. One of my favorite churches in all Philadelphia is Old St Mary’s. It is the second oldest Roman Catholic Church in Philadelphia and is woven into the history of the revolution. The first public religious commemoration of the Declaration of Independence was held here. And visitors included George Washington, and John Adams. Read more about this special church here: Old St. Mary’s.

Old St. Mary’s

And, not to be outdone. If there is an old St. Mary’s there must be an Old St. Joseph’s. And to give Old St. Joseph’s its due, Old St. Mary’s was built as a Sunday church for the parish of Old St. Joseph. Old St. Joseph’s was founded by the Jesuits in 1733 and is the oldest Catholic church in all Philadelphia, and one of the oldest in the county. It was hidden in response to anti-Catholic sentiment at the time. It was built so that from the outside, you wouldn’t know it was a church. In many ways Philadelphia was at the forefront for religious freedom. We were founded by Quakers who left England to worship as they chose. The city became a safe haven for all seeking religious freedom including Jewish and Catholics. William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania, was a model of acceptance and religious tolerance which also extended to his relationships with Native Americans.

Old St Joseph’s parish illustrates, “As the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, Philadelphia was also the seedbed of Enlightenment values that shaped America’s religious history. The Enlightenment ideals of religious tolerance and freedom of conscience contained in William Penn’s 1701 Charter of Privileges made the Quaker city unique. No where else could Catholics enjoy public worship and growth to the extent possible in 18th century Philadelphia. By 1785, the future Bishop John Carroll reported to Rome that there were 1,000 Catholics in Philadelphia and 2,000 in the surrounding region. Old St. Joseph’s was the first urban Catholic church in the British Colonies. No Catholic churches were founded in New York, Boston or New York until after the American Revolution. Old St. Joseph’s sacramental records, among the earliest in the nation, record 8,850 baptisms before 1810”. Read more about this special and historical church here: Old St. Joseph’s

Olde St. Augustine’s is a church where my ancestors, the Kelly family, worshiped after immigrating from Ireland. Pop Kelly had a general store under the Ben Franklin Bridge and the children attended St Augustine’s Academy. It was also my grandmother’s parish, Florence Dillon O’Malley. As well as my great grandmother Ann Stewart who was baptized here, and exactly 100 years later to the day, her great grand-daughter, my darling sister Anne Maureen was baptized in the same church. St. Augustine’s may look familiar if you visit, it is the church from the movie The Sixth Sense. It was once home to the “Sister Bell” of the Liberty Bell, founded by the Augustinians, and eventually grew into Villanova University. It was the start of the Philadelphia Police Department and where Handel’s Messiah first premiered in Philadelphia, founding the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1844 the church was attacked by the “No-Nothings” an anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant group and burned to the ground. Ominously, above the alter, the words “The Lord Seeth” were all that remained. The church was re-built and would thrive again.

As children we would attend Easter mass at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. A truly impressive and exquisitely beautiful church. To this day when I hear the Hallelujah chorus it takes me back to this very special church. The church was built with only windows at very high levels to prevent vandalism and in response to the No Nothing movement. Read more about one of our most cherished and landmark churches here.

Philadelphia is also home to some of the country’s most coveted shrines. I have visited St John Neumann Shrine many times, where his tomb lies. Another favorite is the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. Hearing Hail Holy Queen feels like I am coming home and back in this most special church. Another I have yet to visit, but must, is the National Shrine of St. Rita’s. More about Philadelphia’s shrines here.

For more information on the World Meeting of Families click here.

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And, another must do is visiting Christ Church, where Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, William Penn, and so many other worshiped for over 300 years. Truly a walking history lesson, you can sit in Benjamin Franklin’s pew and visit the burial grounds where Benjamin Franklin and 4 other signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried. This vibrant and thriving city church remains a keystone in Pennsylvania history.

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For all traveling to Philadelphia, safe travels and welcome! To my fellow Philadelphians, let’s help celebrate this historical and wonderful event. It is truly something not to be missed!