The Reverend Mr. Richard S. Withers will be ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The ordination will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.

Reverend Withers is the son of Ida Astor and Robert Withers and hails from San Fernando Valley, California. He grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey before moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he became the first diocesan hermit in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2001.

Following his ordination, Father Withers will celebrate his First Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Coatesville. This mass will be concelebrated by Reverend Monsignor Michael Magee, Reverend Monsignor John Jagodzinski, and Father Juan Mora.

CatholicPhilly recently featured Brother Withers in a profile titled “At 70, ‘Trailblazer’ Becomes First Hermit Priest in Archdiocese of Philadelphia.”

The Ordination Class of 2025 for the Church of Philadelphia consists of five men who will likely serve as parochial vicars after their ordination.

Thanks to support from the Catholic Charities Appeal, the ordination mass will be streamed live on several platforms including Vimeo and Facebook starting at 10:00 a.m.

For technical assistance regarding live stream coverage, contact Daniel Kearns at 215-888-0305.

Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary has been preparing men for priestly service since its founding in 1832. It recently relocated to Lower Gwynedd Township where it continues its mission with updated facilities and technology.

The Catholic Charities Appeal remains a vital fundraiser for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since its inception in 1958. It supports numerous organizations and ministries across five key areas: Social Services, Evangelization, Special Education, Mission Parishes, and Retired and Infirm Priests.