First Mass

1707

Documentation

• Archdiocese of Philadelphia — About

Notes

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's website states that 'The Mass was celebrated publicly as early as 1707,' marking an important early milestone for Catholic worship in the city. Per Gilbert J. Garraghan, S.J. ('Catholic First Things in the United States,' Mid-America, 1939), he documents public Mass in Philadelphia through a statement by Episcopal clergyman Rev. John Talbot dated February 4, 1708, which says 'Mass is said and read publicly in Philadelphia and several people are turned to it.' Garraghan notes that the identity of the priest cannot be established. The discrepancy between the archdiocese's 1707 date and Garraghan's documented 1708 statement suggests the public celebration may have begun in 1707 with wider public knowledge by 1708.