Pope Francis in Philadelphia

By Father Raymond Collins |

The long-awaited week had finally arrived. Pilgrims from all over the world were descending on Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families and the visit of Pope Francis.

At the St. John Neumann Shrine, we hosted thousands of pilgrims during the week, and on one of the days there was a pretty firm estimate of 2,500 visitors. We welcomed visitors from Canada and Vietnam; Chinese pilgrims living in Canada; and pilgrims from Seattle, El Paso, Phoenix, Mississippi, Michigan, Indiana, and many of our other cities and states.

Some groups toured and visited on their own; others wanted a presentation from one of the Redemptorists. Whether the language needed was English, Spanish, Vietnamese, or Haitian Creole, we were able to meet the needs of people who had come such a long way to visit the Shrine of St. John Neumann. It has been a unique week in the history of the Shrine.

Through these days, we were thanking God often that we now have the space to welcome so many people at one time: we have used very well the new St. John Neumann Center, the atrium, and of course the parish church and the Shrine church.

Many pilgrims during the week were surprised to learn that there’s also a beautiful (upper) parish church with a full parish life and schedule.

There was anticipation in our city not only for the large convention with the World Meeting of Families but also, obviously, for the arrival of our profoundly loved Pope Francis.

As Pope Francis is given to the spontaneous, we were anticipating for the length of his time in Philadelphia a personal visit from him. As he departed for Rome a little earlier this evening, there was joy and gratitude for this past week and the infusion of faith and hope he brought to Philadelphia.

There was at the same time a little sadness that he did not stop by to visit our Shrine. However, we believe the Spirit blows where it will and that the spirit of Pope Francis shone on others during his personal visits along the way. For this too we are grateful to God.

One of the highlights was Thursday evening in our parish church, where we hosted a Mass for those with disabilities. The church was quite full, with 700 to 800 people. Without the elevator we now have for our upper church, this celebration would not have taken place at St. Peter’s.

A priest “signed” the homily, and someone else interpreted the signing. Seeing so many of God’s people with varying types of disabilities made those present most appreciative for what they have. An office of the archdiocese coordinated this special event for God’s special people.

To make this week a success, we called forth many volunteers from our parish, school, and shrine community who truly showed what miracles can happen when people work together. May God continue to reward their goodness and generosity.

Though we did not a visit from Pope Francis, we did have our Superior General, Most Rev. Michael Brehl, C.Ss.R., present in our community for these days.

Father Michael was so gracious midst all the activity and shared his wisdom with his Redemptorists, other religious, and lay people alike.

The coming week will bring us yet more pilgrims but without the intensity of these past days.

The Redemptorist community thanks all confreres who remembered us in prayer during this time.

Check out our gallery of photos—posted to the Shrine of St. John Neumann Facebook page–from the week: