March 14, 2024

Archbishop Pérez to Celebrate Annual Cultural Heritage Mass

The Mass will be streamed live via https://vimeo.com/event/2470138Facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez, Facebook.com/ArchPhila, Facebook.com/pcmrphilly, and Facebook.com/TheCFGP.

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Annual Cultural Heritage Mass. Priests from 16 apostolates serving 36 parishes with distinct cultural and pastoral services will concelebrate this liturgy.  

Saturday, March 16, 2023
Procession (2:00 p.m.)
Mass (2:30 p.m.)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Mass highlights the rich history and cultural diversity of the Catholic community in the five-county Archdiocese, which is comprised of people tracing their origins to Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean, and various Native American communities. The theme echoes the call of World Mission Sunday 2023: “Hearts on fire, feet on the move,” which is taken from the Gospel of Luke.

Representatives from approximately 28 different national and ethnic traditions will participate in the liturgy. Scripture readings and prayers will be proclaimed in eight languages including Polish, Konkani, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Tvi, Urdu, and Swahili.  Overall, 20 different languages will be spoken or sung at the Cultural Heritage Mass. Choirs from nine different parishes will provide multilingual music during the Mass.

Participants dressed in native attire will walk in the opening procession behind banners noting their country of origin. All are welcome to attend.

The Cultural Heritage Mass is organized by the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees. It is supported by the Pontifical Mission Societies and the Office of Cultural Ministries. The Office for Cultural Ministries is composed of the Office for Black Catholicsthe Office for Hispanic Catholics and the Office for Pastoral Care of Migrants and Refugees.

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Editor’s Note: For more information, please contact Sister Gertrude Borres, director of the Office for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees, at 215-587-3540.

The Cultural Heritage Mass will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/2470138Facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez, Facebook.com/ArchPhila, Facebook.com/pcmrphilly and Facebook.com/TheCFGP.

No mult-box feed will be provided. Cameras will be permitted in the Cathedral. They must remain clear of the main aisle and altar.