Elevation of Cardinal Dougherty

While presiding over Canon Law examinations at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary on February 11, 1921, Archbishop Dougherty received word that Pope Benedict XV had elevated him to the rank of Cardinal. This would make Dougherty the first Cardinal for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the fifth American resident Cardinal, and the

Continue reading

Sesquicentennial International Exposition

  In the summer of 1926, Philadelphia set out to remind the nation where it all began. To mark the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the city hosted the Sesquicentennial International Exposition, a massive world’s fair intended to celebrate American progress, industry, and culture. For

Continue reading

Papal Visit of Pope Francis, 2015

Ten years ago, the eyes of the world were focused on Philadelphia as the eighth World Meeting of Families took place. The World Meeting of Families is a triennial event of prayer, catechesis and celebration, drawing participants from around the globe. It seeks to strengthen the bonds between families and to

Continue reading

Carmelite Monastery

Over a century ago in 1902, four Discalced Carmelite nuns arrived in Philadelphia from Boston in order to establish a monastery. Recently, a large number of Philadelphians had applied to enter the Boston Carmel, so the community saw the City of Brotherly Love as a new home for the contemplative

Continue reading