In the year since the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was elevated to basilica status by the Vatican, thousands have come to pray at the holy site in East Germantown.

The basilica is now one of two in Philadelphia. With the other, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City, the Shrine is part of a hallowed federation, one of less than 100 in the U.S.

Earlier this week, the Basilica in Northwest Philadelphia was the site of service marking the start of an important period in Catholic life – the year of preparation for the Roman Catholic Church’s Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee, a holy year in 2025.  More than ?? attended the special service.

Catholics are called to prepare for Jubilee years, which typically occur every 25 years, by spending 12 months in prayer and reconciliation.  To symbolize that call to reflect and pray, the holy door of the basilica was “sealed” during a special ceremony Monday to represent a time of quiet contemplation. The Rev. John Kettelberger officiated at the Mass that followed.

“Hopefully, every time someone comes to the Basilica or passes it on the street and sees the sealed doors. It will be a reminder that they need to get ready for the holy year,” Kettelberger said in a press release.

As a minor basilica, the Basilica Shrine in Germantown assumes heightened obligations and special privileges. The Shrine was established in 1927 and is a ministry of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province of the United States, part of a society of priests and brothers founded by St. Vincent de Paul and dedicated to serving families who are economically disadvantaged.

The Vincentians came to Philadelphia in 1841 where they founded a seminary in Germantown, and built a chapel that was opened for liturgical celebrations in 1878. It also served as a home base for pastoral assistance to the then largely immigrant community in Germantown. The chapel later was expanded to include the Marian shrine.

For more information, visit miraculousmedal.org.