Uwishunu.com

Visiting St. John Neumann’s Shrine offers the otherwise religiously illiterate (I allude to myself) a glimpse into a faithful world.

As the bishop of Philadelphia, John Neumann was a savior to the poor, martyr of peace, master of twelve languages, and died just before the age of 50 crumpled on a step in Logan’s Square. The bishop was sainted in 1977 and the step on which he died is displayed in honor of his memory in the gift shop/museum of St. Peter’s Church on 5th and Girard. The stained glass of the church serves as an iconic pictorial history of Saint Neumann’s contributions. His tomb remains in the church, and his body, yes that’s right- his corpse- tiny and either masterfully embalmed or encased in wax- lies in it’s tiny, eerie glory beneath the alter.

Please visit, but please be aware that this a functioning church where people will be offering their prayers – so pray if you will, but if you won’t – please be respectful.

Shrine of St. John Neumann @ Flickr

St. Peter’s Church.
N 5th St and Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA