Blog Archives

Happy Halloween!

10/31/2020

We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween! Be sure to use proper precaution this year. If you go out trick or treating, remember to wear a mask, and stay socially distanced from others. Enjoy your candy and favorite Halloween show or movie!

October is the Month of the Rosary

10/28/2020

The Rosary is, perhaps, one of Catholicism’s best known prayers and October is dedicated to this ancient prayer. Tradition holds that Our Lady gave the Rosary to St. Dominic. But historically, many aspects of this devotion predated St. Dominic's life. And, certain elements of the rosary were added after his death.

Immediately after Vatican II, the Rosary and other Marian devotions were less popular than they had been in the centuries leading up to the Second Vatican Council. But in recent years, the Catholic faithful have been drawn back to Marian devotions and the Rosary. Today, many honor Mary during the month of May. And Catholics around the world celebrate the Rosary in the month of October.

According to Reverend Matthew R. Mauriello, “Current scholarship traces the development of the Rosary to the High Middle Ages period”. Each month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily due to the fact that the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is celebrated annually on October 7. It was instituted to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary by the faithful.” (Source)

Pope Pius V introduced the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (also known as Our Lady of Victory) to commemorate a miraculous victory over the Ottoman Empire. In 1571, The Ottoman Empire was expanding West with the goal of overtaking Europe. To protect Italy and the Catholic faith, Pope Pius V assembled a fleet of naval ships, known as the Catholic League who sailed into the Mediterranian Sea to confront the Ottoman armada. The battle involved over 400 ships and is considered to have been the largest sea battle for centuries. (Source)

The Catholic League was outmatched and so Pope Pius V asked the Faithful to pray the Rosary and ask for the Holy Mother’s intercession. The Catholic League prevailed and thwarted the Ottoman Empire’s expansionist efforts, thus protecting Christianity. To honor Mary and to memorialize her intervention, Pope Pius V identified October 7th as the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. According to Northwest Catholic, “In 1571, the rosary was still a relatively new prayer for the universal church. Pope Pius V had issued a decree formally establishing devotion to the rosary in the papal bull Consueverunt Romani Pontifices just two years before the Battle of Lepanto.” Pope Pius’ inclination toward the power of the Rosary was certainly providential.

For 449 years, the Catholic Church has recognized and celebrated Mary and prayed the Rosary in October. As we close out the month of October, consider spending just fifteen minutes praying the Rosary and meditating on the mysteries of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Or consider listening to St. Pope John Paul II saying the Rosary in Latin. Listen to his voice praying this ancient prayer.

Fall Festivities for the Whole Family

10/16/2020

Fall is fully in the swing of things, and we know you’re looking for some socially distanced fun after the school week! While the weather is still comfortable to spend time outside, take advantage of all the Fall and Halloween themed activities in the Philadelphia region. Despite the COVID-19 updates to celebrating this time of year, we still would like to encourage you to enjoy the season safely.

The Pennypack Trail self guided tours allows youngsters to explore and learn in nature. Stop and participate in activities to observe trees, seeds and leaves along this Montgomery County trail.

Starting Friday October 16, visit the Philadelphia Zoo for the annual Boo At The Zoo event through November 1. This year, the Zoo will be operating at 50% capacity with treats being handed out at the entrance rather than designated stops. Everyone age 2 and up is asked to wear a mask to safely enjoy this Halloween fun.

Visit the National Liberty Museum to celebrate some fh Philadelphia’s own artists with the “Philly’s Freedom” exhibition, opening October 16 and running through February 13, 2021. Additionally, at the Barnes Foundation, “Elijah Pierce’s America” exhibition will run through January 10, 2021. This exhibition features wood carvings that tells the history of America.

For bird lovers, visit the Discovery Center Birdwalk. Birds flying south for the winter are passing through this time of year, and this Saturday see a guided viewing at Fairmount Park’s Discovery Center with the help of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club. Be sure to bring binoculars!

Remember to bring your masks to any events in a public setting and maintain a safe, six feet apart from others while taking in the sights and events the season has to offer!

Opportunity to Assist Parishes and Schools

10/9/2020

The season of giving is right around the corner! This year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Catholic Foundation of Philadelphia are teaming up to participate in the #iGiveCatholic initiative. Our faithful community is invited to join us in this effort.

Each year, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as “Giving Tuesday.” It’s a day to give back to those who need it most during the holiday season. This year, #iGiveCatholic is a new campaign focused on fundraising to directly benefit Catholic parishes, schools and nonprofit organizations affiliated with the Church. The campaign takes place on December 1, 2020.

Given the economic uncertainty through which we are still living because of COVID-19, the Catholic parishes and schools in the Philadelphia region are in need of hope and assistance. In addition to increased demand for community outreach programs and services, our schools never stopped teaching by moving to virtual learning in the spring. In September, Catholic schools successfully opened to in-person instruction and, to date, the robust health and safety plan developed by the Office for Catholic Education has successfully contained the spread of the virus.

Schools, parishes and other nonprofit organizations can begin registering to participate until October 30. Be sure to check back here to see if your school or parish has been added to help out!

NEWS

Happy Halloween!

We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween! Be sure to use proper precaution this year. If you go out trick or treating, remember to wear a mask, and stay socially distanced from others. Enjoy your candy and favorite Halloween show or movie!​

October is the Month of the Rosary

Fall Festivities for the Whole Family

Opportunity to Assist Parishes and Schools

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We wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween! Be sure to use proper precaution this year. If you go out trick or treating, remember to wear a mask, and stay socially distanced from others. Enjoy your candy and favorite Halloween show or movie!