Saint John the Evangelist Church to Hold Annual Memorial Mass Honoring Firefighters Who Died in The Line Of Duty

Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia will celebrate its Annual Memorial Mass to honor the four firefighters who lost their lives battling a fire that burned down Saint John Church on February 16, 1899.

All people of good will are invited to participate in the Mass to remember all firefighters who have died in the line of duty and to pray for the safety of all firefighters.

Saturday, February 28, 2026
10:00 a.m.
Saint John the Evangelist Church
21 South 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Reverend Thomas Betz, O.F.M. Cap., Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish, will be the principal celebrant and homilist for the Memorial Mass. He will be joined by Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson, Councilman Mark Squilla, and members and leadership of the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The Mass is open to the public and will be American Sign Language interpreted.

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Editor’s Note: For more information on the Mass, please contact Father Thomas Betz at 215-563-4145.

 Catholic Church of Philadelphia
 ArchPhilly
 ArchPhilly

Contact: Ellen J. Davidson
Communications Coordinator
215-587-3747 (office)