Recognizing, Honoring, And Celebrating the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for Its Invaluable Contributions To The City Of Philadelphia, and the World-at-Large, on The Occasion Of Its 200th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, William Penn's “holy experiment” of religious toleration was a refuge for persecuted Catholics, and led to emigration of Catholics to the Philadelphia area from the beginning of its colonization; and

WHEREAS, On the day of April 8, 1808, Pope Pius VII appointed Michael Egan, O.F.M., as bishop of the newly established Diocese of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will begin a year long jubilee at the 2007 Easter Sunday Mass in the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul to observe the 200th Anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The Archdiocese has grown to be one of the largest providers of social services in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and every parish, school and institution has been called on to contribute with some act or program of service, between January and March of 2008; and

WHEREAS, With five Philadelphia Archbishops having been named to the College of Cardinals, and one having been canonized as a Saint, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has proven to be an important source of leadership for the Catholic Church, both in Philadelphia, and the World-At-Large; and

WHEREAS, Over the following year, The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate its 200th Anniversary, and begin a new era under the guidance of Cardinal Justin Rigali, with much excitement and promise for another 200 years—and more—of faithful service to God in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the World; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That It Recognizes, Honors, And Celebrates the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for Its Invaluable Contributions To The City Of Philadelphia, and the World-at-Large, on The Occasion Of Its 200th Anniversary.

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