Archbishop of Philadelphia, Nelson J. Pérez, Celebrates Mass at Malvern Prep

The Malvern Prep Community was honored to welcome the Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, who celebrated Mass during the second week of Advent in Our Mother of Good Counsel Chapel. This celebration marked the first time Archbishop Pérez has celebrated Mass at Malvern Prep since his appointment as Archbishop. 

During his homily, Pérez addressed the student body, asking them to describe what is amazing about Malvern Prep. The students answered by sharing the hallmarks of the Malvern Prep Community—Brotherhood, Faculty, Staff, Augustinian Friars, the community, our Augustinian Values, service opportunities, and school spirit. Pérez reiterated one answer in particular: God’s Presence. “The fact that we can do what we’re doing now [celebrating Mass] is the one singular thing that makes this school different than every other school,” shared Perez. He continued, “You can go and take all of your classes someplace else … the one thing that makes this school unique as a Catholic school is that it doesn’t only teach you the things of the mind, it also teaches you the things of the heart. It is those things that will follow you through your whole life.”

Pérez encouraged those in attendance to be grateful for what they had, “Be grateful for this incredible opportunity that has been given to you … even on the days that are rough … even those days, be grateful.”

At the close of Mass, Mr. Patrick Sillup, Head of School, said, “I want to thank Archbishop Pérez for his gift of presence today and his words surrounding the importance of gratitude … which are incredibly timely as we continue to embrace the season of Advent.” On behalf of the School, Jack Hechler ’26 presented Pérez with a Malvern Prep hoodie.

After Mass, Archbishop Pérez met with students to learn more about their experiences at Malvern Prep, specifically how our Augustinian mission is brought to life through programming fueled by the Mission and Ministry Office and the Student Idea Center.