Posted May 23, 2014

Former residents of Don Guanella Village in Springfield moved into their new group homes in Downingtown recently, and saw their homes blessed in two ceremonies Tuesday, May 20. After the first blessing of the home at 125 Whiteland Avenue, participants including the residents of the two houses, their relatives, direct care staff, management team of Catholic Social Services’ Developmental Programs Division, St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, Friends of Don Guanella members and neighbors processed about two blocks to the location of the second house at 502 Grant Avenue for the second house blessing.

Catholic Social Services offers persons with developmental disabilities a continuum of care designed to enhance their quality of life by promoting individuality, empowering personal choice, promoting dignity and respect, and nourishing a family spirit rooted in Christian faith and values. (All photos by Maria Tucker)

(Read more about the men’s move into group homes in Downingtown here. )

  • Father Weber blesses a home and its residents with holy water.

  • Father Dennis Weber, S.C., leads the blessing of one of two new group homes for the developmentally delayed men of Don Guanella May 20 in Downingtown, following their move from the large facility in Springfield. (Photos by Maria Tucker)

  • Msgr. Joseph McLoone (right), pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Downingtown, participates in the blessing rite with Father Weber and residents of one of the Don Guanella group homes in the town.