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)
![Nativity Place IMG_8417](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/Nativity-Place-IMG_8417-e1447340603420.jpg)
A prospective resident examines one of the efficiency apartments, rent-controlled to allow seniors to age in their neighborhood in comfort and security.
[banner1]
[banner2]
![Nativity Place IMG_8390](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/Nativity-Place-IMG_8390-e1447340574868.jpg)
Students no longer scale the stairs of Nativity, but these guests on the dedication day Nov. 6 did just that.
![Nativity Place IMG_9499](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/Nativity-Place-IMG_9499-e1447340677363.jpg)
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.
[banner3]
![Nativity Place IMG_9425](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/Nativity-Place-IMG_9425-e1447340657814.jpg)
Joseph Sweeney, secretary for Catholic Human Services for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and head of the Nativity project, addresses the audience at the dedication.
![Nativity Place IMG_8368](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/Nativity-Place-IMG_8368-e1447340506641.jpg)
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.
![laurito dougherty](https://catholicphilly.com/media-files/2015/11/laurito-dougherty.jpg)
Office for Community Development staffers Suzanne O’Grady Laurito and Kimiko Doherty worked long and hard to make Nativity Place a reality for seniors.
PREVIOUS: Hispanic Family Day at St. Charles Seminary
NEXT: Across the Aisles: Ukrainian major archbishop visits Philadelphia cathedral
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