Honoring and Congratulating Saint Rita of Cascia Parish and The National Shrine of Saint Rita On Its Centenary Year 1907 - 2007.

WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join with His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, distinguished clergy, and proud past and present parishioners of Saint Rita of Cascia Parish and the National Shrine of Saint Rita in celebrating its 100th Anniversary. We also join with them in recognizing the 550th Anniversary of the passing of its beloved patron, Saint Rita; and

WHEREAS, In the beginning of 1907, the Most Reverend Patrick Ryan, then Archbishop of Philadelphia, asked the Augustinian Friars from Villanova to found a parish to assist in the care of the tens of thousands of Italian families emigrating to Philadelphia. They chose as patron of this new foundation, Saint Rita of Cascia, who lived from 1381 until 1457. This choice was wise indeed, for not only was Saint Rita a native Italian, her canonization just a few years earlier, in 1900, was quickly bringing her inspirational story to worldwide attention, establishing her as a model of holiness and powerful intercessor in the most needy of cases; and

WHEREAS, The first Mass of Saint Rita Parish was held on June 23, 1907 in an old stable situated at the rear of the lot on which today stands the present church. The laying of the cornerstone took place on Sunday, October 27, 1907 and so began a glorious tradition that strongly continues to this day; and

WHEREAS, Since its founding one hundred years ago, the parishioners and clergy of St. Rita’s have remained faithful to their baptismal vows by committing themselves to the guiding Christian principles of faith, hope and charity. In today’s troubled world, nothing could have a deeper and more profound meaning than the message of Saint Rita of Cascia. May her life’s work continue to serve as a beacon for peace, forgiveness and understanding; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate all the members and friends of Saint Rita Parish and The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia on the great occasion of their 100th Anniversary of service to God and humanity.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Reverend Michael DiGregorio, OSA, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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