Parish and School Closing
...Chester. Both areas saw a major decrease in parishioners, with both areas losing around 60% of registered members from 1970 to 1990. Due to this and lingering financial concerns, in 1993 eight parishes in North Philadelphia would close and consolidate into two new ones: Our Lady of Hope and St.
Philadelphia’s First Catholic Cathedral
...races its history to 1763, when a second church was needed for the growing number of Catholics in the city. Built on land originally bought to serve as a cemetery for Old St. Joseph’s, Old St. Mary’s was referred to as “Mission Number 1” as St. Joseph’s was seen as
Archbishop Ryan
...s also active in expanding ministry work for the marginalized. He opened a number of institutions, including, St. Joseph’s House for Homeless Industrious Boys and the Philadelphia Protectory for Boys (now St. Gabriel’s Hall) in 1888 and 1895, respectively.[10] Ryan was also active in labor relations, working on a number
Philadelphia’s First Bishop
...p Egan suffered ill health for many years, with symptoms suggesting tuberculosis. His poor health was exacerbated by the almost yearly outbreaks of yellow fever in Philadelphia. During these outbreaks, over half the city residents fled to the country, and churches and gathering places were nearly empty. Streets were piled