Here stands the National Shrine of St. John Neumann. It is a Roman Catholic National shrine. This shrine is dedicated to St. John Neumann. He was the fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. More importantly, he was the first American male to be canonized.
The National Shrine of St. John Neumann is in St. Peter the Apostle Church. It is at 1019 North 5th Street in Philadelphia. The main church construction started in 1843. Adjoining the lower church is a small museum. It displays exhibits about the saint’s life. The Redemptorists care for the shrine and St. Peter’s Church. St. John Neumann was a member of this religious community.
Bishop Neumann died suddenly in 1860. He was buried at St. Peter’s Church. He was placed beneath the undercroft floor. This spot was directly below the high altar. Pope Paul VI beatified Neumann during the Second Vatican Council. He declared him a saint in 1977. The undercroft at St. Peter the Apostle Church was renovated several times. This occurred after Neumann’s initial burial. The space served as the lower church of St. Peter the Apostle parish for years. Eventually, it became the National Shrine of Saint John Neumann after his canonization. The saint’s body lies in a glass-enclosed reliquary. It is under the main altar. He is dressed in episcopal vestments. A mask covers his face.
The saint’s body has undergone multiple vestment changes. This started when it was first displayed at his beatification. During a major renovation of the shrine in 1989, the body was clothed in Gothic-style vestments. On December 27, 2007, the body received a new mask. It was clad in traditional Roman vestments. These included a laced alb, stole, maniple, episcopal gloves, and a fiddleback chasuble. The Cardinal Archbishop of Philadelphia, Justin Francis Rigali, assisted with the vesting.
In 2009, fire broke out in the lower church on May 13. The pulpit near the body was reduced to ashes. However, the saint’s body remained intact. The plaster covering the face showed no heat damage. The pastor, Fr. Kevin Moley, C.Ss.R., called it miraculous. Three stained-glass windows at the Shrine were vandalized. This occurred in the early morning hours of February 19, 2024.
St. John Neumann was born in Bavaria in 1811. He died in Philadelphia 49 years later. God called him to the priesthood. He worked as a Diocesan priest. Then he became a Redemptorist. The Holy See appointed him the fourth bishop of Philadelphia.
St. John Neumann’s accomplishments are legendary. He introduced the Forty Hours Devotion. He built parish churches quickly. He led the effort to form Beneficial Bank. He also led the effort to form the first diocesan school system. He increased the number of parochial schools greatly. He invited diverse religious women and men to run the schools.
The National Shrine of St. John Neumann stands as a testament to faith. It also highlights service and dedication. This is the final resting place of a remarkable saint. St. John Neumann left an indelible mark on Philadelphia. He continues to inspire visitors from all over the world.