BLOGNIC ALERT: Philadelphia – Thursday evening!

I believe we have locked down the time and place for the Philadelphia blognic.

I can be at the Irish Pub at 20th & Walnut in the Rittenhouse Square area Thursday evening, 23 October, from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Other bloggers and clerics who read and post are especially welcome, though it is a weeknight and we all know how busy you are.

I suggest that if someone arrives a little early they might stake out an area.  Thursday is Game 2 of the World Series, which starts at 8:00 pm.  I suspect the place will be pretty amped up. 

Before the blognic, I hope to spend time in the afternoon at the Museum, which closes at 5:30 pm on Thursday.   I suppose I would then walk to the Pub, depending on the weather, perhaps with a visit to the Basilica on the way. 

I have never seen the Basilica here.  More on that as the day approaches.  

As is the case for all blognics everywhere, this is very informal.  People can order food for themselves, for others, or not.  Order whatever you want to sip, for yourself, for others, or not, it’s up to you.  There is no other agenda other than meet each other, chat and have some fun. 

That the Phillies are in the Series is icing on the cake!   That’ll just make this more memorable.  

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)
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34 Comments

  1. Kradcliffe says:

    I can only say that I am jealous, jealous, jealous. Philadelphia is one of my very favorite places on Earth and I had a wonderful three years living there. It’s also where I began to convert to Catholicism… an old Augustinian hermit at the National Shrine to St. Rita had quite a lot to do with it.

    I look forward to seeing photos and hearing all about it.

    Someday, maybe, you will come to Scotland. In the meantime… have fun in Philly!

  2. Jon says:

    Father,

    I’m afraid I only know of places out here in horse n’ buggy country to recommend, but you pick the establishment, and I’ll be there!

  3. Josiah Ross says:

    Wherever you o, I ope it’s close to home. I don;t have a car, so I’m basically stuck with wherever I can go with SEPTA.
    It depends on what kind of food you’re thinking about, or what neighborhood you’d be thinking about.

  4. b says:

    Dear Father,

    As you may know, our Philadelphia Phillies will be playing Game 2 of the World Series at 8pm on Thursday. You may wish to consider this when setting the time.

    Most likely, somewhere near Rittenhouse Square would be best given its central location. While not the nicest place, the Irish Pub (20th & Walnut) has capacity and therefore could accommodate a large number of people (however, it may be packed with people in anticipation of the game). For something a little more up-market, one could consider Twenty Manning (20th and Manning), Parc (east side of the Square), or even Pub & Kitchen (20th & Lombard).

    If you do indeed decide to settle on something in the Rittenhouse area, I highly recommend you pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Church (20th & Locust). It is a stunning structure and has a very interesting collection of relics and other items. I am sure Fr. Mackle, the pastor, would be more than accommodating to someone of your standing, Fr. Z.

    Do keep us posted.

  5. Jon says:

    Father,

    If it’s Thursday, I now have some other fellows who’ll come along – including a “man in black.”

    I’ll keep my eye peeled for the time.

  6. Hmmm… yes… World Series… we must keep this in mind. I suppose Philadelphians might have an interest in that.

  7. dcs says:

    I have never seen the Basilica here.

    It is quite nice, especially now after the renovations (two ugly “side altars” – basically just decorations where a side altar would be – were removed and replaced with dignified altars, the baldachino was cleaned and polished, and a new reredos was added).

  8. opey124 says:

    Can I borrow you Z Mobile Fr.?
    Hope y’all have a blessed time!

  9. Josiah Ross says:

    Well,that’s certainly close to home! Unfortunately,at 19, I’m below the drinking age, so I don’t expect to be able to come.

  10. Dan says:

    “I am sure Fr. Mackle, the pastor, would be more than accommodating to someone of your standing, Fr. Z.”

    Fr. Z meets Fr. Mackle…hmmm…perhaps an outcome along the lines of Godzilla meets Mothra.

  11. John Enright says:

    If the Irish Pub gets crowded, you can go next door to The Bards which is an Irish pub located right next to the Irish Pub.

  12. Charivari Rob says:

    Pubs have been know to serve soft drinks.

  13. Jon says:

    Father,

    See you Thursday!

  14. Charivari Rob says:

    “known” (sorry, I was in “Post, then think” mode)

  15. Bro. David says:

    only 2 hrs??? that’s not a lot of time, father… with someone as popular as you…. 2 hrs is not enough time.

  16. Joe Magarac says:

    Just wanted to echo b’s recommendation that you visit St. Patrick’s near Rittenhouse Square. I have been there for daily Mass a few times when travelling on business; the priest who says it does the best job I have ever seen of doing a versus populum NO Mass that is quick, quiet, and reverent. His 2-minute homilies are better than most priests’ 10-minute talks.

  17. Lucia says:

    Dear Father, Welcome (back?) to Philadelphia. I hope you and your friends have a wonderful time at the Blognic. As a transplant to Philadelphia and a convert to the Church (brought up Presbyterian in North Carolina), I am so grateful for the rich and vibrant Catholic life here, especially the Benedictines of Jesus Crucified, who used to be in nearby Devon before moving to Connecticut, and my parish, Saint Francis de Sales, with its beautiful music and liturgy as well as exemplary outreach programs. With prayers and best wishes, Lucia

  18. FOLKS: Chime in if you are going to come to the blognic.

  19. dcs says:

    Oh – I believe the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter & Paul may be closed by 5:00 or 5:30 pm. You may want to go there first before going to the Art Museum (I assume that’s the museum to which you’re referring – there are others on the Parkway as well).

  20. Bro David: It is good to keep these things simple. And people can stay as long as they want! Keep in mind that this is a good chance for people to meet each other and network, in the old fashioned way. It doesn’t have to be only about meeting me.

  21. William A. Torchia, Esquire says:

    Dear Readers:

    Father has asked me to start a discussion here about switching to The Bards, instead of the Irish Pub. He wants to hear your opinions about this, so join the discussion and post your comments.

    William A. Torchia, Esq.

  22. dcs says:

    The Bards is less of a sports bar (I’m not sure it even has a TV set) but it is also a bit small. I probably won’t be able to make it, anyway, but for those that do, the Bards is small. Another option would be Fado at 15th & Locust.

  23. Steve says:

    I too would suggest you visit the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul before the Art Museum. You may want to contact Msgr. Michal McCulken ahead of time for a personal tour (be sure your tour includes the crypt, under the Main Altar.) Perhaps you can celebrate Mass at one of the side altars in the EF?) While you are in the Philadelphia and if you have the time, maybe you can make it a Pilgrimage during Philadelphia’s 200th Anniversary as a Diocese. Stop in at the National Shrine and final resting place of Saint John Neumann, C.SS.R. at 5th Street and Girard Avenue. Did you know that he held the document for Pope Pius IX during the Proclamation of the Immaculate Conception? And then off to Bensalem, a short ride North on I-95 to Woodhaven Road and a slight right onto Route 13 North to see the final resting place of Saint katherine Drexel, foundress of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. Since you came to the U.S. to preach a Forty Hours, how symbolic it would be to visit the Cathedral that Saint John Neumann had initiated when he was bishop of Philadelphia. Remember too that he initiated the Forty Hours Devotion in the U.S.A. While you are at the Cathedral Basilica be sure to see the Baptismal font used for the Christening of Saint Catherine Drexel which is in the Cathedral Chapel (next to the Basilica).
    As for the “Irish Pub” I too would suggest a change of venue to “The Bard”. It is not a Sports’ Bar, “The Bard” is a quieter place. It may be small but a call to the proprietor may reserve the entire back area for you. Besides, “The Bard” has a better Irish Menu (check out the boxty) than does “The Irish Pub”, an Irish American franchise. Besides, with a few Roman Collars in “The Bard” it will look like a scene our of “The Quiet Man” (lol).

  24. John Enright says:

    No reason why the Irish Pub and The Bards can’t be used simultaneously.

  25. Kradcliffe says:

    Lucia: is that St. Francis de Sales in West Philly? I used to live a block from there and went to Mass there a few times as I was starting to convert. The priest was very kind and helpful.

  26. Hey Fr. Z,

    I’m going to do my best to make it. I think I should be there. Would I be correct in assuming you’ll be in clericals? I only ask so that I can know how to identify you and the group, as it is likely to be crowded for Game 2 (GO PHILLIES!!!!). Hope to see you there!

    Grace and Peace,
    Michael

  27. William A. Torchia, Esquire says:

    Friends of Fr. Z:

    Sounds as if the idea of the Irish Pub and the Bards as an either or or both should work. In whatever case, we will find each other. Any objections?

    WAT
    VP of LLA

  28. Josiah Ross says:

    St.Francis de Salles in West Philly is a really great church. It was my regular parish before I found Our Lady of Lourdes in Overbrook. Wonderful organ and choir at De Salles.

  29. Edward P. Walton says:

    This Irish Pub was host to Gov. Palin last month. The Pub has a large area downstairs that they use for private parties.Do not confuse this one with their sister pub at 12th and Walnut St.

  30. Edward P. Walton says:

    This Irish Pub was host to Gov. Palin last month. The Pub has a large area downstairs that they use for private parties. Do not confuse this one with their sister Pub at 11th and Walnut St.

  31. Steve says:

    Fr. Dan Mackle is Pastor of Saint Patrick parish, in the vicinity of The Irish Pub and “The Bards”, not the Cathedral Basilica. Msgr. Michael McCulken is the Pastor/Rector Primus there. Fr. Mackle was the MC for Cardinal Beviliqua when he presided at the Basilica.

  32. mysticalrose says:

    Hi Fr. Z! I can’t wait to meet you this evening!! See you at the pub!

  33. Josiah Ross says:

    So how will we recognize each other? Secret password?

  34. Tom in NY says:

    Docet “verbum clavem” — totum latine etiam semper — proponere?

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