Boasting beautiful architecture and religious imagery, the National Shrine of St. John Neumann can be found right here in Philadelphia, just off of Girard Ave. Named for Saint John Neumann, the National Shrine hosts Mass every day at varying times, allowing anyone who wishes to attend the service. There are also many relics related to St. John Neumann inside the shrine, including his tomb; tours are offered for guests to view these items. This shrine might be just what you need to reinvigorate your spirituality.
Credit: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Located in historic Germantown, Pennsylvania - only 20 minutes away! - the Miraculous Medal Shrine honors Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal through Marian artwork, stained glass, and beautiful Romanesque architecture. Along with a museum, the Miraculous Medal Shrine "provides a peaceful sanctuary for prayer, meditation, and pilgrimage," as they rightfully write on their website. Holy sermons, Novena Masses, and Eucharistic Adorations are prayed there every day; their schedule is posted on the website. You can even make an appointment for pilgrimages and retreats. For those looking for a place to spiritually recharge, the Miraculous Medal Shrine might be the perfect place to go.
Photo: World Meeting of Families 2015
Philadelphia's oldest Catholic community can be found at Old Saint Joseph's Church, just two blocks away from Independence Hall. Founded by Jesuits in 1733, this "church in the alley" is still functioning today, with a long social justice and outreach tradition, as well as a hosting Eucharistic liturgies of the highest quality. You can tour the grounds or attend their services at any time; all are welcome.
Photo: World Meeting of Families 2015
Found in Doylestown, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a standing monument to Polish-American religious activity in the area, as well as a beautiful place to pray and reflect. Pilgrims come worldwide to visit this large acre of land, visiting the memorial cemetery, attending Mass, and simply enjoying this spiritual gathering place. With different events held throughout the year, be sure to take some time to travel to this shrine.
Credit: Photo by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
The National Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel is located in Bethlehem, PA, about an hour's drive away. But the drive is worth it: located on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, the shrine not only holds the remains of St. Katharine Drexel, but it also hosts a number of artifacts from the saint's life. There is also the St. Elizabeth Chapel, named for Elizabeth Drexel Smith, sister of St. Katharine Drexel and foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. The chapel is open to the public, with Eucharist Adoration hosted every day and Sunday Mass in the mornings from September to May.
Photo: World Meeting of Families 2015
You will recognize this cathedral as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia - and it will also be the site of your future ordination as priests of Philadelphia. The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is located along Benjamin Franklin Parkway and Logan Square, and you can attend Mass there during their open hours, as well as arrange a tour. Built in 1846, this large brownstone structure can hold over 2,000 worshippers at one time and is absolutely stunning on the inside as well, with a grand dome of beautiful paintings, an ornate altar, and eight chapels. There is also a crypt underneath the main altar where most of the ordinaries of the Archdiocese as well as other Bishops and clergymen of Philadelphia are buried.
Photo: World Meeting of Families 2015