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National Shrine of Saint John Neumann facts for kids

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National Shrine of
Saint John Neumann
St. Peter the Apostle Church
Location 1019 N. Fifth St.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
United States
Denomination Catholic Church
History
Status National Shrine/Parish church
Founded 1842 (St. Peter the Apostle Parish)
Founder(s) Rev. Louis Cartuyvels, C.Ss.R.
Dedicated February 14,1847
Relics held John Neumann
Architecture
Architect(s) Joseph Koecker
Style Romanesque Revival
Completed 1847, 1897 (rebuilt)
Specifications
Number of spires one
Spire height 230 feet (70 m)
Materials Port Deposit granite
Administration
Archdiocese Philadelphia

The National Shrine of St. John Neumann is a special Catholic place. It is called a national shrine because it honors John Neumann. He was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He was also the first American man to become a saint.

This shrine is located inside the lower part of St. Peter the Apostle Church. You can find it at 1019 North 5th Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main church building started being built in 1843. Next to the lower church, there is a small museum. It shows items about the life of Saint John Neumann. The Redemptorists, a religious group, take care of both the shrine and St. Peter's Church. Saint John Neumann was a member of this group.

History of the Shrine

St. Peter the Apostle Church - Philadelphia 05
St. Peter the Apostle Church

Saint John Neumann passed away suddenly in 1860. He had asked to be buried at St. Peter's Church. His burial place was under the floor of the lower church. This spot was directly below the main altar.

Becoming a Saint

Pope Paul VI declared Neumann "blessed" in 1963. This is a step before becoming a saint. Then, in 1977, he was officially declared a saint. After Neumann's burial, the lower church area was changed several times. It served as the main lower church for St. Peter the Apostle parish. After he became a saint, it was named the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann.

Saint John Neumann's Resting Place

The body of Saint John Neumann rests in a special glass case. This case is called a reliquary. It is located under the main altar of the shrine. The body is dressed in special clothes worn by bishops. A mask covers the face.

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Interior of the Upper church

The saint's clothing has been changed many times since it was first shown. This happened when he was declared "blessed." In 1989, the shrine had a big update. The saint's body was dressed in new, modern clothes. These clothes were in the Gothic style.

On December 27, 2007, the body received a new mask. It was also dressed in traditional Roman clothes. These included a special white robe called an alb. It also had a stole, a maniple, and episcopal gloves. A traditional Roman chasuble was also added. The Cardinal Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Francis Rigali, helped with this dressing.

Fire Incident

A fire started in the lower church on May 13, 2009. The pulpit, which was near the saint's body, was completely burned. However, the body of the saint was not harmed. The plaster covering on the face showed no signs of heat damage. The pastor, Father Kevin Moley, called this event a miracle.

In the early morning of February 19, 2024, three stained-glass windows at the Shrine were damaged. This damage was caused by vandalism.

More Information

  • Other shrines in the United States
  • Important Catholic pilgrimage places in the US
  • The Catholic Church in Philadelphia

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Santuario Nacional de San Juan Neumann para niños

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