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The present Roman Catholic Archdiocese Philadelphia owes its origin to the diocese which was established back in the year 1808 and later raised to the position of an Archdiocese on February 12, 1875. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia PA encompasses the whole city and county of Philadelphia, the counties of Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Schuylkill. The city of Philadelphia is the capital of this Archdiocese. The seat of the bishop is the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
The city of Philadelphia was set up by Penn, with the philosophy of making it, a “city of brotherly love”. In due course of time, the city became a refuge for Catholics ousted from the neighboring colonies. Soon Catholics in the area grew in number and a need to set up a diocese in the area was felt. The job of erecting a diocese in Philadelphia was fulfilled by Pope Pius VII on April 8, 1808. There are a total of 6 auxiliary bishops governing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: -
- The Most Reverend Martin N. Lohmuller, D.D., J.C.D. (Retd.)
- The Most Reverend Louis A. De Simone, D.D., J.C.D. (Retd.)
- The Most Reverend Joseph R. Cistone, D.D., V.G.
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- The Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis, D.D., V.G.
- The Most Reverend Joseph P. McFadden, D.D., V.G.
- The Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, D.D., S.T.L., V.G.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia city comprises of 6 Vicariates , with each region, being under a Regional Vicar:
- Philadelphia North- Rev. Msgr. Francis Beach
- Philadelphia South- Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Sullivan
- Bucks County- Rev. Msgr. James Beisel
- Chester County- Rev. Msgr. James T. McDonough
- Delaware County- Rev. Msgr. John E. Breslin
- Montgomery County- Rev. Msgr. Arthur E. Rodgers
Bishop John Neumann, who is notable in history for his inexhaustible contribution for the progress of the diocese of Philadelphia, has been raised to the stature of a saint; and accompanying him is Mother Katherine Drexel, who has also been honored with sainthood. The first free Catholic school in the US for boys and girls, was also set up, within the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1890.
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