National Shrine of Saint John Neumann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Shrine ofSaint 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 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's dedicated to St. John Neumann, who was an important bishop in Philadelphia and the first American man to become a saint. You can find this shrine inside the lower part of St. Peter the Apostle Church. Building the main church started in 1843.
Next to the church, there's a small museum showing things about St. John Neumann's life. The Redemptorists, a religious group St. John Neumann belonged to, take care of both the shrine and St. Peter's Church.
Contents
The Story of St. John Neumann
St. John Neumann was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. He passed away suddenly in 1860. As he wished, he was buried at St. Peter's Church. His grave was placed directly under the main altar.
Becoming a Saint
Pope Paul VI officially recognized Neumann as "blessed" during the Second Vatican Council. Later, in 1977, he was declared a saint. After this, the area where he was buried was changed. It became the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann.
The saint's body is now in a special glass case under the main altar. It is dressed in bishop's clothes, and a mask covers the face.
Changing the Saint's Clothes
The saint's body has had its clothes changed several times. This started when he was first shown to the public. In 1989, during a big update of the shrine, his body was dressed in modern clothes.
On December 27, 2007, the body received a new mask. It was also dressed in traditional Roman clothes. These included a special white robe, a stole, and a chasuble. The Cardinal Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Francis Rigali, helped with this important dressing.
Fire at the Shrine
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 St. John Neumann was not harmed.
The plaster covering his face showed no signs of heat damage. The pastor, Father Kevin Moley, called this event a miracle.
See also
In Spanish: Santuario Nacional de San Juan Neumann para niños
- List of shrines#United States
- Top eight Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the US
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
