A Wonderful New Milestone For South Philly!

Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will bless and dedicate Saint Rita Place and the Cascia Center, a new affordable housing community for independent seniors in South Philadelphia. Saint Rita Place is the sixth of its nature developed by Catholic Housing and Community Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CHCS).

Wednesday, November 10, 2021
10:00 a.m.
Saint Rita Place and the Cascia Center

1148 South Broad Street (Corner of Broad and Ellsworth Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19146

In partnership with the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, a ministry of the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, the five-story mixed-use space incorporates the Shrine’s vision for the Cascia Center with affordable housing for seniors as they age in place within their community. The building was designed by Cecil Baker + Partners Architects. 

Brief remarks from attending dignitaries will precede the Rite of Blessing. Attending dignitaries include City and Government Officials, and project development partners, as well as benefactors.

Following the blessing and dedication, Archbishop Pérez will tour the building and join current CHCS housing residents for light refreshments. 

The celebration will be broadcast via Facebook Live on Archbishop Pérez’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ArchbishopPerez/. 

Background Information on Saint Rita Place and the Cascia Center

Saint Rita Place consists of 46 one-bedroom apartments for income eligible seniors 62 and older on the second through fifth floors. Features of the building include a community room, food cupboard, laundry facilities, resident lounges, as well as on-site social services to assist residents with aging in place. 

Located on the ground floor, the Cascia Center will be a multi-purpose space for the work of community-building, peacemaking, and reconciliation. The Center consists of offices, conference rooms, a kitchen, and facilities to serve the needs of individuals and groups who come as religious pilgrims to the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia. The staff of the Shrine and the Augustinian Friars of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova will use the space to draw people together in friendship, education, and professional service to welcome, heal, and build bridges toward a more just and loving world.