Abbeyfest Continues to Grow in its 12th Year

The Greater Philadelphia area continued its late-summer tradition of hosting its annual Abbeyfest Music Festival. For its second year in a row, it was held at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, an hour drive from Philadelphia and two hours from Manhattan. All enjoyed a picture-perfect and seasonably breezy day.

The event on September 19th drew 5,000 attendees from Philadelphia, its surrounding suburbs, and as far as New Jersey and Delaware. It began at Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA. At first, the event drew 2000-3000 people. In 2025 and 2026, the numbers nearly doubled, and a bigger space was sought. Thanks to the Pauline Fathers who oversee the National Shrine in Doylestown, they offered a few spare acres of land to hold the event.

Joe Melendez returned to emcee along with Hannah Scahefer while offering his Hip-Hop beats to the event. Reflecting on his time as emcee, Melendez shared that he was “excited about what God’s going to do when He gathers us together as the body of Christ. Last year, we heard testimonies from people that have been coming to AbbeyFest for years, some kids after adoration, what that experience was like for them, what God was communicating to them.”

One of the event’s hallmark commodities is their musical lineup. Returning were Seph Schlueter and Father Isaiah. Danny Gokey made his debut at the annual event. While he is not Catholic, his two preceding headliners were not Catholic, yet Melendez remarked: “We’re the Body of Christ, and you might not be part of the Catholic Church, but you’re part of our family here.” Sarah Kroger provided music before and during Mass and the candlelight adoration. 

This year’s headliner was none other than American Idol finalist Danny Gokey. Despite falling third place in 2009 behind Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, Gokey launched his music career and eventually became a rising star in Christian music.  His music resume includes being a three-time Grammy nominee, Dove Award winner, and multiple-time K-LOVE Male Vocalist of the Year. He also provided music for the March for Life rally in 2024.

The event had much laughter, Catholics seeking God in everything they do, and even a candlelit adoration. After adoration, some attendees shared what God said to them. One that stood out was how we all must keep going in our faith journey, no matter what.

Abbeyfest continues to grow, unite the body of Christ, and will inspire others to continue living the gospel through acts of faith.

Preparations for the 2027 event will soon be underway. Do learn more about how one can support the mission of Abbeyfest today.