Hundreds Welcomed at Cathedral Basilica Rite of Election Liturgies

Archbishop Pérez presided over the ceremonies preparing new Catholics for Easter.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Archbishop Nelson Pérez welcomed and blessed hundreds of people preparing to enter the Catholic Church fully this Easter during special liturgies held on February 21-22 at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia.

Why it matters

The Rite of Election is a significant milestone in the process of becoming a Catholic, as it marks the final stage of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) before the person is fully initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

The details

The liturgies included the formal recognition and affirmation of the catechumens, who are preparing for baptism, and the candidates, who are already baptized in another Christian tradition but are seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.

  • The Rite of Election liturgies took place on February 21-22, 2026.
  • The new Catholics will be fully initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil later this year.

The players

Archbishop Nelson Pérez

The Archbishop of Philadelphia who presided over the Rite of Election liturgies.

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What’s next

The new Catholics will be fully initiated into the Church at the Easter Vigil later this year.

The takeaway

The Rite of Election is a significant milestone for those preparing to become Catholic, as it marks their formal recognition and affirmation by the Church before their full initiation at the Easter Vigil.