Johann Nepomuk Neumann was the fourth bishop of Philadelphia, at a time when the city was not yet an archdiocese and encompassed an unbelievably vast amount of territory. The diocese then consisted of the entire state of Pennsylvania as well as the state of Delaware. It’s quite difficult to imagine. There were no interstate highways at the time and travel was on horseback. The responsibility must have been overwhelming. Yet, Bishop Neumann was determined to use his every minute to fulfill his responsibilities for which he, himself, often felt unsuited. It’s seems almost as if he worked himself to death. Or perhaps, it is simply a matter of God wanting him to continue his hard work from above. The hard-working bishop collapsed on the stoop of a Philadelphia house while running errands on January 5, 1860. He died shortly thereafter at only 48 years old. Although earthly endeavors ended, an eternal work began. His episcopacy saw him found churches (such as Saint Aloysius, where he celebrated the first Confirmation) and schools as well. He is credited with beginning the Catholic School system in the United States. It seems to me that he was canonized not so much for his most difficult work so well accomplished, not to mention his frequent horseback travel, but rather for his determination of Faith and most especially for his humility. This humble bishop so short in stature (he was only about 5’2”) really sought only to be a country priest ministering to recent immigrants whose language he spoke, especially German and Italian. Might it be said that our dear archdiocesan patron, in fact, always remained that humble country priest, while at the same time, through God’s grace, fulfilling his many responsibilities as bishop as best he could and truly in a most outstanding way? I believe so. His canonization on June 19, 1977 would certainly suggest it. Oh, that you and I might share in just a small portion of that determination of Faith and humility that Saint John Neumann had! This weekend, I have an opportunity to make a spiritual visit with him in a special way. In 1980, a small chapel was erected honoring him. It is located atop a beautiful peak in the Bavarian Forest near the town of Prachatitz, where he was born. I first became aware of the chapel when hiking in the area with a friend a number of years ago. I thought that it might be wonderful to celebrate Mass there one day. Plans were originally made for a Mass to be celebrated in 2020, but the pandemic changed all that. Now, five years later plans again are in place. This weekend, I’ll gather there with some friends and celebrate Sunday Mass. As I reflect on twenty-five years of priesthood and invoke the intercession of our beloved patron saint, know that I’ll have with me all of your intentions as well! Please keep me in your prayers today and pray for some nice weather on the mountain! Saint John Neumann, patron of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, pray for us!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson