PHILADELPHIA, PA — Catholics across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are invited to venerate the sacred relics of Saint Thomas Aquinas, as they make a special visit from Toulouse, France, to Saint Patrick Church in Rittenhouse Square. This momentous event, steeped in reverence and tradition, will take place from Sunday, December 15, through Tuesday, December 17, in the Upper Church at 242 South 20th Street, Philadelphia.
This unique opportunity allows the faithful to seek the intercession of one of the Church’s greatest saints, offering prayers for personal intentions as well as for the needs of the Church and the world. The relics will be accompanied by a robust schedule of liturgical and devotional events, providing a profound spiritual experience to all who attend.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, renowned as a Dominican friar, priest, philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, left an indelible mark on Catholic faith and intellect. Born in 1225, he authored the seminal Summa Theologiae and liturgical hymns for Corpus Christi, becoming an enduring patron saint of teachers, students, universities, and those striving for the virtue of chastity. Canonized in 1323 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567, his feast day is celebrated annually on January 28.
Event Schedule
Over three sacred days, attendees will have the opportunity to honor Saint Thomas Aquinas through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, and spiritual devotions.
Sunday, December 15
- 7:30 p.m. Reception ceremony
- 9:00 p.m. Night Prayer
- Veneration continues overnight (to participate in one hour of veneration, email office@saintpatrickphilly.org).
Monday, December 16
- 7:30 a.m. Mass
- 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer
- 12:05 p.m. Mass
- 3:00 p.m. Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet
- 5:00 p.m. Office of Readings and Evening Prayer
- 7:00 p.m. Angelic Warfare Confraternity Enrollment (RSVP by December 8 to office@saintpatrickphilly.org).
- 9:00 p.m. Night Prayer
- Overnight veneration continues (email office@saintpatrickphilly.org to participate).
Tuesday, December 17
- 6:00 a.m. Rorate Mass (a candlelit liturgy honoring the Virgin Mary during Advent, celebrated before dawn).
- 7:30 a.m. Mass
- 8:15 a.m. Morning Prayer
- 12:05 p.m. Mass
- 12:35 p.m. Daytime Prayer
- 1:00 p.m. Event concludes; relics will be transported to Saints Philip and James Church in Baltimore, MD.
This remarkable visit of Saint Thomas Aquinas’ relics is a blessed occasion for the Catholic community to deepen their faith and reflect on the life of a saint whose intellectual and spiritual legacy continues to illuminate the path to holiness. Saint Patrick Church extends this invitation to all who seek inspiration and grace through the powerful intercession of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
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