A closed Catholic grade school in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond section became the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s newest independent living residence for seniors when Nativity B.V.M. Place was blessed Nov. 6 by Archbishop Charles Chaput. See our photo gallery of the dedication of the 63-apartment facility, and read full coverage here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)
A prospective resident examines one of the efficiency apartments, rent-controlled to allow seniors to age in their neighborhood in comfort and security.
Archbishop Chaput blesses an apartment with holy water.
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The archbishop also blesses a common area for residents at Nativity Place.
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Nativity Place offers ample room for many community activities.
Students no longer scale the stairs of Nativity, but these guests on the dedication day Nov. 6 did just that.
Archbishop Charles Chaput addresses guests, including clergy such as Auxiliary Bishop Michael Fitzgerald (left), during a prayer service and dedication before the blessing of Nativity Place.
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Joseph Sweeney, secretary for Catholic Human Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and head of the Nativity project, addresses the audience at the dedication.
John Wagner, director of the archdiocesan Office for Community Development, which took the lead in transforming the former Catholic school through the help of federal and local funding, greets a guest.
The view from Nativity’s main lobby out to Belgrade Street in Port Richmond.
Office for Community Development staffers Suzanne O’Grady Laurito and Kimiko Doherty worked long and hard to make Nativity Place a reality for seniors.
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As I looked at the pictures of Nativity place; I tried to see the school that I attended from 1st grade in September of 1949. I couldn’t see the school but I could feel faint memories. The Nativity BVM school played a big part in the lives of the Kernan family. My dad attended, probably the old school across the street. And the six of us kids attended from September,1943, sister Nora; until the last one, Michael graduated in June,1968. The middle children’s lives were enriched there, Connie, Jimmy, Albert, and Joey. I think we were blessed. Now the ex-school will enrich the lives the seniors who will live there.
Nice to see a building to use rather than tearing it down. Funny it would be interesting to see how many alumni of the grade school are now senior residents.
This is very nice. I only wish there was more publicity. Every story pertaining to Catholics seems negative. This is a positive.
A wonderful accomplishment
Kudos to all that made it happen
Hopefully with the school taken care of
Our Beloved Church Will be Saved
James Rowson
Parishioner since 5/14/52