Shrine of the Holy Child –  

               “A Holy Place of Healing and Hope”                       

The Shrine is intended for all of us to be “A Holy Place of Healing and Hope.” We know that Jesus, in his public ministry, demonstrated a  special love and concern for children:

Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.                                                                                                                                        Matthew 19:4 

     Through the loving and powerful intercession of the Holy Child Jesus, we raise up all children to God and ask the Lord to enfold them in His love and protection.  We particularly intercede for the little ones in our own lives:  our own children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, our own parish children and especially those with special needs. 

     This Shrine is also symbolic of our parish’s long-standing connection to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to which we provide priest chaplaincy service on a 24/7 basis and to which hospital Eucharistic ministers bring communion every week.  We hope, too, that parents of children who are treated at CHOP, some of whom are living at Ronald McDonald House will find this Shrine  “A Holy Place of Healing and Hope” for their children.

The new candle stand is in place. We will operate the candles as we do with the Sacred Heart Shrine.  The back rows will be six-month Memorial Candles that will stay lit for that period. The remaining candles will be 24-hour votives.  The Memorial Candles are $50.00 and can be arranged by calling the Rectory.  The votives are $1.00 as indicated on the offering box in the middle of the stand.

Statute after restoration

Artist Patty Portanova has graciously donated her artistic restoration.

Statue before restoration

The statue was given to the parish by the Sisters of the Holy Child in 1970 as a replacement for a damaged one.  It stands as a memorial to their great work in our parochial school, St. Agatha's, St. Leonard's and their enduring affection for the children and adults of St. James.  We truly appreciate the sisters' 115 years of service.