Tuesday 21 April is the first anniversary of the passing of Pope Francis. Pope Francis was elected as our Holy Father on 13 March 2013. In his twelve years as our Holy Father, Pope Francis stressed the need for all of us to recognize the Image of Christ in every person and strive to awaken that image in all by kindling the flame of faith… Read More »The Catholic Church of Philadelphia, Catholic Every Day
Thank you to all who helped to prepare our churches, and our liturgies for our beautiful celebrations of Easter. On Easter Sunday, the New York Times featured an article about the religious celebrations of Easter with a special focus on the Easter Vigil. The article, written by a non-Catholic, served as a beautiful reminder of our rituals and their significance to our faith and our spirituality. Therefore, on this Octave… Read More »Easter Reflection
On behalf of our staff, and clergy here at Our Lady of Peace and Notre Dame de Lourdes, I extend my Easter blessings and well-wishes to you and, I pray that you and your families have a most special Easter season. Thanks to all who have worked with such loving dedication for the Commemoration of the Paschal Triduum and the celebration of the Resurrection of The Lord. … Read More »Happy Easter!
The ashes shared at the beginning of Lent are remnants of the palms that were distributed at the end of the previous Lent. We wave and celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and into our lives. Then, we burn that palm and etch the cross onto our foreheads with its ashes as a visible sign of our acceptance to be Christ’s followers. … Read More »Holy Week 2026
Thank you to all who were involved in the recent OLP Drama Production of Willy Wonka Jr. The shows were a spectacular performance by our young students. The set designs, props, and costumes added to a most joyful celebration. Blessings to all of you and thanks to all who attended these performances and for your support of the arts. Nine months until Christmas! Make that… Read More »“The power of the Most High will overshadow you.”
Today, the Ides of March (watch your back), is also Laetare Sunday. The Latin word Laetare is the source of the English word elation, meaning rejoice. Laetare Sunday itself is rooted in the prophecy of Isaiah. In the final chapter of the book, the prophet speaks about the change of course of the holy city of Jerusalem. “Rejoice with her in joy, all you who… Read More »Laetare Sunday
Our Lady of Peace Drama Program’s production of Willy Wonka Jr. will be presented this week. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7pm as well as next Sunday, 15 March at 2pm. We thank all our volunteers and parents who have been working so diligently on this production. We especially thank our children who are showcasing their talents and who have been working tirelessly in preparation for these performances. We are richly… Read More »“The Golden Ticket”
The following is an excerpt of Pope Leo’s Lenten message. The full message may be found at Lent 2026: Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion Dear brothers and sisters, Lent is a time in which the Church, guided by a sense of maternal care, invites us to place the mystery of God back in the center of our lives, in order to find renewal… Read More »“Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion”
On Thursday of this week, we welcome Bishop Keith Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as the celebrant for the Sacrament of Confirmation for 36 of our PREP and Notre Dame de Lourdes students. We thank our teachers, catechists, and all who have guided our students for this deepening of their baptismal grace and for preparing them to receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Blessings to… Read More »First Sunday of Lent
Lent begins this Wednesday 18 February. Ashes will be blessed and distributed at the three Masses celebrated on Ash Wednesday – 8:30am, and 6:00pm at Our Lady of Peace; and 10:00am at Notre Dame de Lourdes. Our parish school students will join us for the 10:00am Mass. Mardi Gras is Tuesday 17 February. Below is a prayerful way, from Xavier University, to prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits for the approaching forty days and to celebrate… Read More »Lenten Devotions