150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Harrisburg

1868 – March 3 – 2018

On March 3, 1868, Pope Pius IX, accepting the recommendation of the Bishops of the Second Plenary Council of the United States of America, issued a decree establishing the Diocese of Harrisburg. We give thanks to Almighty God for the founding of our Diocese. The 150^th anniversary of our Diocese was celebrated from March 3, 2018 to March 3, 2019.

Our History

Anniversary Events

March 2, 2018

Prayer Vigil

In anticipation of the 150th Anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese of Harrisburg a prayer vigil was held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Harrisburg, PA. The Vigil featured an enactment of The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. View the recording of the Vigil.

March 3, 2018

Opening Mass for the Anniversary Year

August 28-September 8, 2018

Pilgrimage to Ireland

A twelve-day pilgrimage to Ireland was led by Bishop Ronald Gainer. The event was sponsored by Catholic Charities. In keeping with the 150th anniversary celebration, the pilgrimage included a visit to the grave of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Diocesan Pilgrims Gain Spiritual Lessons, Conquer Fears on Journey to Ireland

November 3, 2018

Pilgrimage to Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

This Diocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica in Washington, D.C. included Mass and time for confessions, private prayer and touring of the Shrine.

This was a day of Prayer and Penance as designated by Bishop Ronald W. Gainer as part of a Year of Penance, August 2018 through August 2019, throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, in atonement for the sins of clergy sexual abuse. Certain days throughout this year have been designated as days for the entire church (clergy, religious, lay members) to gather and pray for the healing of survivors and for the Church.

Videos from the day:

A Prayer for the 150th Anniversary

Detail of the Saint Patrick window from Saint Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA

“ALMIGHTY FATHER,
through the work of providence You established the Diocese of Harrisburg ‘for a lasting remembrance’ of the Church of Christ in south central Pennsylvania.
We thank You for the generations of faithful Catholics whose lives have witnessed to the Gospel and have made Your Son present through divine worship, by charitable works, teaching, and healing.
For those who have gone before us in faith, grant an eternal place in Your heavenly kingdom.
For those who continue the ministry of the Church today, bestow Your grace and strength to remain faithful and zealous.
And, for those who will inherit the work of Your hands, accomplished in and through us, pour out Your heavenly blessing, so that what has been done with Your help in our Diocese may come to full maturity in Christ Jesus, our Lord.
AMEN.”

Español

“PADRE TODOPODEROSO,
a través del trabajo de la providencia Has establecido la Diócesis de Harrisburg ‘para un recuerdo duradero’ de la Iglesia de Cristo en el centro sur de Pensilvania.
Te agradecemos por las generaciones de fieles católicos cuyas vidas han sido testigos del Evangelio y tienen hizo a tu Hijo presente a través de la adoración divina, obras de caridad, enseñanza y sanación.
Para aquellos que nos han precedido en la fe, concedan lugar eterno en Tu reino celestial.
Para aquellos que continúan el ministerio de la Iglesia hoy, otorga Tu gracia y fortaleza para permanecer fiel y celoso.
Y, para aquellos que heredarán el trabajo de Tu manos, logradas en y a través de nosotros, derrama Tu bendición celestial, para que lo que se ha hecho con Tu ayuda en nuestra Diócesis pueda llegar a su completa madurez en Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor.
AMÉN.”

Tiếng Việt

“Lạy Cha Toàn Năng,
Cha đã quan phòng cách trường tồn và kỳ diệu khi tác thành Giáo phận Harrisburg tại miền nam trung bộ tiểu bang Pennsylvania.
Chúng con xin cảm tạ Cha, vì qua bao nhiêu thế hệ, với những công việc phụng vụ, bác ái, giảng dậy, và chữa lành, Cha đã cho cuộc đời chúng con được trở nên những chứng nhân cho Cha và cho Tin Mừng.
Xin Cha đón nhận vào vương quốc vĩnh cửu của Cha những anh chị em trong đức tin đã đi trước chúng con.
Xin Cha ban ân phúc và sức mạnh cho anh chị em chúng con, giúp chúng con luôn trung tín và hăng say chu toàn những trách vụ được giao phó.
Và xin cho những ai tiếp tục thừa hưởng gia nghiệp, là hoa trái, do ân phúc Cha đã hoàn tất trong, và cho chúng con, nhờ đó công trình Cha đã thực hiện trong Giáo Phận được luôn hoàn mỹ nhờ danh Chúa Giêsu Kitô, Chúa chúng con.
Amen”