Philadelphia Archdiocese closes 'blessed' bicentennial year

Published: 2008-04-25

VILLANOVA, Pa. (CNS) -- The Archdiocese of Philadelphia closed its yearlong bicentennial celebration April 13 with a late-afternoon Mass that drew more than 5,000 Catholics to the Pavilion at Villanova University. "We're just so blessed to have a church that is true -- and stays true -- to the teachings of Jesus Christ through the centuries," said John Monastra, 38, a husband and father of five from St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville. "That's what we're celebrating here." Philadelphia Cardinal Justin Rigali was the principal celebrant and homilist. "Our 200-year history testifies to what can be accomplished when we trust in Jesus Christ and place ourselves at his service," said the cardinal. "Spectacular" was how 81-year-old Jim Battin of Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Warminster summed up the Mass. "It was a lesson of a lifetime and a privilege of a lifetime," added his wife, 79-year-old Mary Lou Battin. The ethnic diversity of the archdiocese was evident throughout the Mass, beginning with a procession that included colorful banners representing the countries of origin of thousands of immigrant Catholics in the archdiocese.

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