On a radiant Monday, May 19, 2025, recent First Holy Communicants; Most Reverend Efren V. Esmilla, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and esteemed Vincentian priests and guests joined together on the glorious outdoor grounds of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal for our annual May Procession to honor and celebrate Mary.  

Deacon James Mahoney led the procession along St. Vincent’s Rosary Walk, stopping at each paver etched with the indicated prayer bead of the Rosary to pray aloud as a group.  

Many of the children from Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, who received their First Holy Communion on May 3, wore their suits and dresses and carried rosaries or flowers as they participated in the procession while circling the Meditation Garden. 

After Deacon Mahoney completed the recitation of the Rosary, the procession moved inside the Basilica Shrine, where the entire congregation sang hymns of praise, and the school children placed flowers at the Main Mary Shrine.  

Investiture of a New Rector

The celebration at the Basilica Shrine continued as the May Procession transitioned into the 12:05 p.m. Monday tradition of the Perpetual Novena and Holy Mass. Concelebrated with several Vincentian priests, Bishop Esmilla presided over Mass, and as homilist announced, “And we will also witness an installation of the new rector here, Fr. John Kettelberger … so are we blessed? Amen! We are all blessed!” 

The Very Reverend Stephen M. Grozio, CM, provincial superior of the Eastern Province, with the approval of Most Reverend Nelson Pérez, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, asked Bishop Esmilla to install Fr. John Kettelberger as the Rector of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.  

Fr. Grozio began the Investiture by saying, “I know that Fr. Kettelberger, a priest with many years of pastoral experience, will serve the faithful who come to this Basilica [Shrine] with zeal and compassion. I know also that he can count on the prayerful support of his Vincentian confrères who will support him in the mission and ministry of the Basilica Shrine, as well as the prayers of all the Promoters and Members of the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal.”  

Bishop Esmilla Invested Fr. Kettelberger as rector, after which Fr. Kettelberger took the Oath of Fidelity upon assuming the office of Rector of The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Fr. Kettelberger concluded his oath saying, “May God help me in this way and may the holy Gospels of God always be in my mind and heart. Amen.”

Bishop Esmilla repeated, “Amen!” and delightedly proclaimed, “My brothers and sisters, with great joy, I now commend Fr. John to you as rector of this Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal” to resounding applause of the congregation.  

A Message of Gratitude and Unity

Following Communion, Fr. Kettelberger gave a short speech of appreciation and gratitude to Bishop Esmilla, Vincentian confrères, family and friends who traveled to celebrate his Investiture, and thanked the Members, Promoters, and Donors of the Central Association of the Miraculous who enable sharing devotion to Our Lady and sending her message to all in the world. 

“And so we’re grateful to have the opportunity right here in Germantown in northwest Philadelphia to be a beacon of hope, a beacon of hope that speaks a word of peace, that speaks a word of justice, that speaks a word of unity, a word that Pope Leo uses a lot,” said Fr. Kettelberger.  

He thanked everyone in attendance for their presence, prayers, and support, and he encouraged their return to the Basilica Shrine to pray together and to listen together to God’s Word, and the opportunity to go forth and share that Word with others.  

Marian devotee Gina McKeon summed up the day by saying, “It was such a beautiful day and very spiritual. The First Communion group was fantastic. Thank you for being there. Fr. John’s Installation as rector of the Basilica Shrine was also very special.” 

Watch the Perpetual Novena and Mass that included the Investiture of Fr. Kettelberger on our YouTube channel.

For additional information and to support the Central Association of the Miraculous Medal and the Basilica Shrine in our devotion to the Blessed Mother, we invite you to further explore our website.