'He's A Great Man': Happy Homecoming For Next Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's a happy homecoming for Philadelphia's next archbishop and the new leader for the region's Catholics is already making history. Archbishop-elect Nelson Perez will be the first Hispanic archbishop to lead the archdiocese. It's not the first time he's served here in Philadelphia.
Students from Saint Agnes in West Chester have a new bragging right. Perez, their former pastor, will soon become the leader of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
"We've known him for so long since when he was here at St. Agnes and I just thought it was awesome he was coming to Philly finally," said Mack Manley, a seventh-grader at St. Agnes.
Perez is well known to many Catholics in the area.
Perez attended the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia's Wynnewood section, where he earned a master of arts in theology degree in 1989.
Perez then went on to become a pastor at Saint Ambrose Parish in Northeast Philadelphia, followed by Saint Agnes Parish. He also taught at La Salle University.
Perez was the pastor of Saint William Parish in Northeast Philadelphia from 2002 to 2009.
Parishioners at Saint Williams couldn't be more excited.
"I think it's great," Ed Emery said. "I think Father Perez was such a great pastor at our parish and he's a great man, a great man."
"He's always a very good homily, very engaging and personal. He would actually walk out into the aisle and speak to you," Caroline Guy said.
On Thursday, Perez was credited for starting many initiatives, including expanding part of the Catholic school at a time when many were closing.
"He brought people to our doors. He supported Catholic education," said Chris Collins, a third-grade teacher at the school. "And he had such a vision for our school."
Some students were baptized by the bishop back when he was a monsignor.
"I just feel very blessed to be baptized by a nice and loving guy," said Lola Papenhausen, a fifth-grade student.
"I'm super happy that he's back here in Philadelphia," fifth-grader Pierce Nebins said.
Perez's mass of installation will take place on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.