Archdiocese of Philadelphia

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The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active metropolitan see in southeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. Erected on April 8, 1808, by Pope Pius VII, it encompasses five counties and is led by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez since February 11, 2020. As the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia, it oversees six suffragan dioceses and serves approximately 1.1 million Catholics through 166 parishes, playing a pivotal role in the history of American Catholicism, including the tenure of Saint John Neumann as bishop from 1852 to 1860.

Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Diocese: Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Philadelphia
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Allentown; Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown; Diocese of Erie; Diocese of Harrisburg; Diocese of Pittsburgh; Diocese of Scranton
Country:United States
Region:Pennsylvania
Bishop:Nelson J. Pérez
Website:https://archphila.org/
Newspaper:https://catholicphilly.com/
Catholic %:27.0%
Elementary Schools:52
High Schools:17
Deaneries:12
Priests:635
Existence:1808–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Baltimore
Catholic Hospitals:8
Rating:3.2
Chancery Address:222 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-3963

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia was canonically erected on April 8, 1808, by Pope Pius VII through the apostolic constitution Exponendum[1][2], carved from the Diocese of Baltimore to serve the growing Catholic population in Pennsylvania amid early American independence. It was initially a diocese and elevated to archdiocese on February 12, 1875, by Pope Pius IX.[3]

History

Early Years

The archdiocese began with the arrival of Irish and German immigrants, establishing St. Mary's Church in Philadelphia as the first Catholic church in Pennsylvania in 1791. Bishop Michael Egan, O.F.M., the first bishop, was consecrated in 1810 amid challenges from anti-Catholic sentiment.[4]

19th Century Expansion

Under bishops like Saint John Neumann (1852–1860), the diocese saw explosive growth with over 80 churches, 100 schools, and two seminaries built. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul construction began in 1846.[5]

20th Century to Present

Pope John Paul II visited in 1979, addressing 1.5 million at the Liberty Bell. Recent decades include responses to clergy abuse scandals and pastoral planning like "Pastoral Planning for the Archdiocese: A New Vision for Parishes" in 2012, consolidating parishes.[6][7]

Geography

The archdiocese covers 2,134 square miles (5,527 km²) across five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania:

It forms the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia.[8]

Mother church

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, completed in 1864 in Italian Renaissance Revival style, serves as the mother church. It was elevated to basilica status by Pope John Paul II in 1979 and hosts major liturgies.[9]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Nelson J. Pérez has served as archbishop since February 11, 2020. Previously bishop of Cleveland, he emphasizes evangelization and synodality.[10]

Auxiliary Bishops

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Michael Egan, O.F.M. 1810–1814 First bishop; died in office.
Henry Conwell 1821–1842 Second bishop; resigned.
Francis Patrick Kenrick 1830–1851 Coadjutor 1830; transferred to Baltimore.
John Neumann, C.Ss.R. 1852–1860 Fourth bishop; canonized saint.
John William Shanahan 1860–1865 Died in office.
James Frederick Wood 1868–1883 First archbishop (1875); died in office.
Patrick John Ryan 1884–1911 Expanded schools and charities.
Edmund Francis Prendergast, C.Ss.R. 1911–1918 Died in office.
Dennis Joseph Dougherty 1918–1951 Hosted 41st Eucharistic Congress (1926).
John Francis O'Hara, C.S.C. 1951–1960 Transferred to Military Ordinariate.
John Joseph Krol 1961–1988 Cardinal; hosted World Meeting of Families prep.
Anthony Joseph Bevilacqua 1988–2003 Cardinal; resigned.
Justin Francis Rigali 2003–2011 Cardinal; resigned.
Charles John Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. 2011–2020 Resigned.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[14][15]

Theological and cultural orientation

The archdiocese is balanced (rating: 3.2), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in a few parishes under diocesan guidelines post-Traditionis Custodes, equal emphasis on pro-life initiatives and social justice like migration aid, and Archbishop Pérez promoting synodality while upholding doctrine.[16][17]

Statistics

As of 2021, the archdiocese covers 2,134 square miles (5,527 km²), has 1,069,040 baptized Catholics (27% of total population of 4,003,007), 166 parishes, 376 diocesan priests, and 259 religious priests.[18][19]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits run St. Joseph's University and Saint Joseph's Prep, focusing on education. St. Joseph's University[20]

Franciscan Sisters of Allegany

The Franciscans serve in education and healthcare. Address: Various parishes.[21]

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales staff Salesianum School and parishes. Oblates[22]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
National Shrine of St. John Neumann Philadelphia, PA 1019 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Our Lady Help of Christians (Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Latin Church), Abington) Abington, PA 1500 Marian Rd., Abington, Pennsylvania 19001
St. Anthony of Padua (Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Latin Church)) Ambler, PA 259 Forest Ave., Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002-5903
St. John Neumann (Archdiocese of Philadelphia) Bryn Mawr, PA 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
St. Joseph (Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Latin Church), Ambler) Ambler, PA 16 S. Spring Garden St., Ambler, Pennsylvania 19002-4797

The archdiocese comprises 166 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban and suburban communities with English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and other liturgies.[23]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese oversees 52 elementary schools and 17 high schools, educating over 20,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
School Name City Type Website
Archbishop Ryan High School Philadelphia High School https://www.archbishopryan.com/
Bishop McDevitt High School Wyncote High School https://www.bishopmcdevitt.org/
Conwell-Egan Catholic High School Fairless Hills High School https://www.conwell-egan.org/
Father Judge High School Philadelphia High School https://www.fatherjudge.com/
Monsignor Bonner-Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School Drexel Hill High School https://www.bishopbonnerpresser.com/
Northeast Catholic High School Philadelphia High School https://www.necatholics.org/
Roman Catholic High School Philadelphia High School https://www.romancatholic.hs/
St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls Philadelphia High School https://www.sthubert.org/
St. Joseph's Preparatory School Philadelphia High School https://www.sjprep.org/
Other elementary schools listed at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Sources include NCEA and diocesan directory.[24][25]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia serves 120,000 people annually with food, housing, and immigration services across 70 locations.[26]

Notable Events or Figures

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Philadelphia:


  • Did you know? The Archdiocese was established in 1808 by Pope Pius VII, making it one of the oldest in the U.S., born from the vast Diocese of Baltimore to serve Pennsylvania's pioneer Catholics!
  • Surprise! Saint John Neumann, the first American male saint to be canonized, served as its bishop from 1852-1860, personally building over 80 churches and 100 schools while walking the streets as a humble missionary.
  • Here's something cool: Pope John Paul II's 1979 visit to Philly drew a record 1.5 million faithful, including a massive youth rally that energized the Church nationwide!
  • Wow moment: The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, with its stunning mosaics and dome, was the site of the 1926 Eucharistic Congress attended by half a million pilgrims from around the world.
  • Little-known gem: Philly boasts the U.S.'s first Catholic men's religious community, the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, founded here in 1857, still thriving in education today.
  • Fun fact: The archdiocese's St. Joseph's Prep has produced notable alumni like NBA star Jalen Brunson and countless leaders, blending faith and hoops since 1851!
  • Did you know? During the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1926, Cardinal Dougherty welcomed 60,000 Holy Communions in one day at the cathedral—talk about devotion!
  • Surprise! The archdiocese covers the City of Brotherly Love, where the first U.S. Catholic Bible was printed in 1790 at St. Mary's Church, kickstarting Scripture access for Americans.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Philadelphia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphl.html. 
    2. ↑ "Philadelphia (Archdiocese)". https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccathep/documents/rc_con_ccathep_doc_20030408_philadelphia_en.html. 
    3. ↑ "History of the Archdiocese". https://archphila.org/about-us/history-of-the-archdiocese/. 
    4. ↑ "Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center". https://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/rg/di/r17-522Wills/Guide%20to%20the%20Philadelphia%20Archdiocesan%20Historical%20Research%20Center.pdf. 
    5. ↑ "Saint John Neumann". https://archphila.org/archbishop/perpetual/neumann/. 
    6. ↑ "Pastoral Planning". https://archphila.org/opportunities-to-grow-in-faith/pastoral-planning/. 
    7. ↑ "Archdiocese of Philadelphia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphl.html. 
    8. ↑ "Parish Finder". https://archphila.org/parishes/parish-finder/. 
    9. ↑ "Cathedral Basilica". https://cathedral.philaarchdiocese.org/. 
    10. ↑ "Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez". https://archphila.org/archbishop/. 
    11. ↑ "Bishop John J. McIntyre". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmcintyre.html. 
    12. ↑ "Bishop Michael G. Fitzgerald". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bfitzge.html. 
    13. ↑ "Bishop Keith J. Kenney". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bkennkj.html. 
    14. ↑ "Archdiocese of Philadelphia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphl.html. 
    15. ↑ "History". https://archphila.org/about-us/history-of-the-archdiocese/. 
    16. ↑ "Pastoral Messages". https://archphila.org/archbishop/pastoral-messages/. 
    17. ↑ "Catholic Philly". https://www.catholicphilly.com/. 
    18. ↑ "Archdiocese of Philadelphia". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dphl.html. 
    19. ↑ "Statistics 2021". https://catholicphilly.com/2023/01/announcements/statistics-of-the-archdiocese-of-philadelphia-2021/. 
    20. ↑ "St. Joseph's University". https://www.sju.edu/. 
    21. ↑ "Religious Communities". https://archphila.org/offices-and-ministries/religious-communities/. 
    22. ↑ "Oblates". https://www.oblates.org/. 
    23. ↑ "Parish Finder". https://archphila.org/parishes/parish-finder/. 
    24. ↑ "Schools". https://archphila.org/schools/. 
    25. ↑ "Archdiocesan Schools". https://schools.archphila.org/. 
    26. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://ccphila.org/. 
    27. ↑ "Saint John Neumann". https://archphila.org/archbishop/perpetual/neumann/. 
    28. ↑ "1979 Visit". https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/travels/1979/documents/hf_jp-ii_apa_19791003_philadelphia.html. 
    29. ↑ "History". https://archphila.org/about-us/history-of-the-archdiocese/. 

    External Links

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