Cardinal Justin Rigali will be the principal celebrant and homilist at a Liturgy of Thanksgiving to commemorate the blessing and placement of a statue of Saint Raphaela Mary in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The Spanish born saint, who was canonized in 1977 by Pope Paul VI, is the foundress of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an international community of religious women who have had a presence in the United States since 1926. In addition to sponsoring Saint Raphaela Center in Haverford and Ancillae-Assumpta Academy in Wyncote, the sisters conduct ministries in Philadelphia, Georgia, and Florida. The liturgy will begin with a procession at 5:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (1723 Race Street) on Saturday, May 8, 2010. All are welcome to attend and bring a non-perishable food item. Free parking in Cathedral lot. For more information, please contact Angela Saracino at 610-642-5715 or via email at asaracino@acjusa.org.
