William Hagans, 26, of South Philadelphia, is facing a number of charges in this case.
Investigators say Hagans was identified by tipsters, who saw surveillance video released by police last week.
VIDEO: Watch the surveillance video on phillypolice.com.
That video was of men walking near Saint Gabriel's on Dickinson Street.
Investigators say on two occasions last week Hagans broke into the convent and stole nearly $1,000 while the nuns were asleep.
Some of the money was even taken from a nun's purse. Most of the money was meant for educational classes and Christmas presents for the needy.
