Today’s Announcement
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced today that Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has issued a canonical decree designating the Upper Church of Saint Anne Parish in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia as an Archdiocesan Shrine.
Reverend Skip Miller, Pastor, announced the designation to the parish community during an Elevation Mass. He was joined by friends and members of the Saint Anne’s Guild.
Father Skip said, “For 120 years the good people of Saint Anne’s Parish, and the members of the Saint Anne’s Guild have faithfully sought the powerful intercession of Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, and grandmother of Jesus. Her most compassionate concern for those who come to her in need continues to inspire hope and faith in our lives and our parish and neighborhood.”
Saint Anne Parish, located in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia was established by Bishop Francis Kenrick in 1845. The current church building opened in 1869.
In 1898, Reverend Thomas J. Barry, then-pastor of Saint Anne Parish, obtained from Rome a significant relic of Saint Anne—a part of her wrist bone. An oak shrine housing the elaborate reliquary containing this relic was dedicated on February 19, 1899. It was replaced by a large marble shrine in 1909.
For well over a century, parishioners and faithful pilgrims have visited Saint Anne’s Upper Church to venerate this relic, most especially during the annual solemn novena service leading up to the Feast of Saint Anne on July 26.
Background on Today’s Announcement
The “Upper Church” area of the Church of Saint Anne is the second Archdiocesan Shrine designated by Archbishop Chaput this year.
In February, Reverend G. Dennis Gill, Rector of the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, announced that the newly constructed tomb of Saint Katharine Drexel, now located at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, was designated an Archdiocesan shrine.
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Editor’s Note: To learn more about the Church of Saint Anne, please visit https://saintanne.net/.
For more information about the Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel, please visit
For more information about the Tomb of Saint Katharine Drexel at the Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul, please visit http://www.saintkatharinedrexelshrine.com/.
For additional information about the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, please visit http://cathedralphila.org/.
Contact:
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)