Bishop Persico presides at Midnight Mass at Saint Peter Cathedral
By Allison Mosier12/26/2025
Midnight Mass at Saint Peter Cathedral stands as one of the most beloved and enduring traditions in the life of the Diocese of Erie—a sacred gathering where faith, beauty and memory meet in the stillness of Christmas night.
As the doors of the cathedral opened early on December 25, the Mother Church of the diocese glowed with warmth and reverence. Christmas lights softly illuminated the cathedral’s soaring columns and vaulted ceilings, while garlands, poinsettias and flickering candles framed the sanctuary. The stained glass windows, glowing gently against the darkness outside, cast rich hues across the pews, creating a setting that felt timeless and holy. For many who entered, the beauty of the cathedral itself became a prayer—an invitation to pause, reflect and prepare their hearts for the mystery about to unfold.
The cathedral was filled to capacity, welcoming parishioners, families and friends from across Northwestern Pennsylvania. Some were longtime members of the cathedral parish, others home for the holidays and many who make the journey each year as a cherished Christmas tradition. Together, they gathered beneath the lights, drawn not only by custom, but by a shared desire to welcome Christ anew.
Presiding at the liturgy was Bishop Lawrence T. Persico, who greeted both those present in the cathedral and those joining through broadcast and livestream. In his homily, the bishop reflected on the deeper meaning of Christmas and the gifts found in Christ’s birth. “In the birth of Jesus that we celebrate this day,” he said, “we are given all the gifts that we need to find the blessings of life that truly matter: meaning, purpose and peace.” Through Jesus, Bishop Persico reminded the faithful, we are offered nothing less than a relationship with God—one that teaches us how to love selflessly, forgive generously, and serve faithfully.
Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, Bishop Persico pointed to the angel’s message to the shepherds—ordinary people living on the margins—who were the first to receive the good news. “Do not be afraid… A savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” In those words, Bishop Persico noted, God’s message of hope continues to echo into the present day, especially in a world marked by division, suffering, and uncertainty.
Throughout the liturgy, the beauty of the cathedral and the solemnity of the Mass worked together to lift hearts toward the altar, where Christ becomes truly present in the Eucharist. Bishop Persico emphasized the importance of being present to that gift—to recognize that God continues to come close to his people, not only in moments of joy, but also in times of grief, loss and struggle. Christ, he said, enters our lives “in littleness and in the most unlikely ways,” including through the simple gifts of bread and wine.
This year’s Midnight Mass also carried special significance as one of the final pilgrimages of the Jubilee Year of Hope. For many in attendance, gathering at Saint Peter Cathedral on Christmas night became a final moment of reflection and gratitude—a quiet culmination of a holy year marked by prayer, renewal and hope.
The Diocese of Erie extends sincere thanks to the sponsors who helped make the broadcast and coverage of Midnight Mass possible: Gannon University, WJET-TV Erie and the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania. Their generous support allowed countless viewers to join in this sacred celebration from their homes.
Those unable to attend in person are invited to watch the full Midnight Mass on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6s5qrppaG9o
All are also invited to gather again at Saint Peter Cathedral for the Closing Mass of the Jubilee Year of Hope, celebrated on Sunday, December 28, at 11 a.m. As Christmas draws to a close, the faithful are encouraged to return to the cathedral—to stand once more beneath its lights, to encounter Christ in the Eucharist and to carry the hope of this holy season into the year ahead.
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