By far, the greatest parish I have ever been a part of. The families are all warm and welcoming - especially to newcomers. The liturgy is reverent with none of the innovation that is common in many Catholic parishes today. Thank God for the Traditional Latin Mass! The rector of the Oratory is truly a man of service, and also delivers strong, orthodox, CATHOLIC homilies. Our musicians are second to none - the music at High Masses is always so beautiful. Unlike many modern Churches that use electronic bells, St. Leo's has real bells that make the most beautiful sound - and are still operated by hand, pulled by a rope, just like when the Church was built in 1915. There's nothing like hearing the bells in the tower ring before Mass, or during the consecration, or after Mass. The parish offers weekly Adoration, Confession before every Mass every day, Rosary before Mass every day, monthly Catechism classes for the children, men's and women's groups, and more. This is a community that strives to live according to all of the teachings of the Church. We love God, and we love our neighbor. In fact, some of those neighbors in Merion Village have begun joining us for Mass on a regular basis. Often on Sundays after Mass, you'll see several families hanging out in the park while their children play - our parish has so many wonderful children. We have been blessed to have the support of Bishop Robert Brennan, who erected the Oratory in 2020, as well as our current bishop, Earl K. Fernandes, who participated in a Solemn High Mass with Pontifical Assistance from the Throne recently. If you are seeking a warm, loving, and welcoming parish, look no further than St. Leo's Oratory.
I have been Catholic my entire life and I was searching for a community that lives out their faith and bonds together. I found it at this church. The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest making the Latin Mass available for all, has been a great blessing. Many great families that I have met there. St. Leo’s is my spiritual home and I’m glad to be there. Many thanks to Bishop Brennan, ICKSP, Canon Talarico and Canon Silvey for this opportunity to grow with a Latin Mass community.
As of this year I became a part of the Catholic Church through St. Leo's. This parish has an excellent and godly priest in Father Silvey, and the Traditional Latin Mass is beautiful, reverent, and like Heaven on Earth.
