The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s newest urban mission brings worship of God and care for one’s neighbor right to the streets of Kensington. See a photo gallery from inside the converted bar at Allegheny Avenue and on the nearby streets. Read the full story here. (Photos by Sarah Webb and Marybeth Malloy)
Father Joseph Devlin, co-coordinator of Mother of Mercy House, celebrates daily Mass Jan. 26 in the mission.
Father Joseph Devlin celebrates Mass as Sister Ann Raymond Welte, I.H.M. (left) and Father Liam Murphy (center) pray. Mass is celebrated Tuesday through Friday at noon at Mother of Mercy House.
Father Murphy offers the blood of Christ to a communicant.
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Sister Ann Raymond introduces Geoff Gusoff (left), a third year medical student at University of Pennsylvania, to Dr. Francis McNesby, a doctor at St. Christopher Hospital for Children. Both men are volunteering at Mother of Mercy House but this was their first meeting.
Father Joseph Devlin and Father Liam Murphy chat with guests after Mass.
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Chatting with two men in the Kensington community on a recent morning are Mother of Mercy House co-coordinators Father Murphy (far left), Father Devlin (right) and Sister Ann (center).
Sister Ann hands a bag of groceries to a woman from the community.
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Volunteers serve donated hot dogs, pretzels and gifts to share with residents on Christmas Eve.
Children from the community were overjoyed when Santa came to visit Mother of Mercy House’s Christmas celebration.
Sister Ann organizes donated food and supplies in the early stages of Mother of Mercy House.
Father Murphy offers a blessing on the Kensington sidewalk.
Volunteers work to remove the bar so that an altar may be installed at Mother of Mary House.
Fathers Liam Murphy and Joseph Devlin celebrate Mass on the Kensington sidewalk.
Father Joseph Devlin celebrates Mass on the sidewalk outside Mother Mercy House in Kensington.
The old bar that was converted to Mother of Mercy House brims over with donated coats in the fall for those in need as winter approached.
Mother of Mercy House uses the hashtag #GivingTuesday to get the word out on social media as they reach out to the community in Kensington.
Father Murphy and Sister Ann offer coffee and chat with people on a cold day.
Father William Murphy speaks with residents of the Kensington neighborhood who share hoagies and snacks at Mother of Mercy House.
Members of the community come out for a Christmas celebration at Mother of Mercy House.
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Joe, Liam and Ann
No doubt you have brought The Lord to Kensington! Granted, He was waiting for you there since the SSJ Welcome Center opened 10 yrs ago, but He needs you three on the streets! You are in my daily prayers. k
God bless your work!!!!! Mercy is at large!!!!
My hat if off to you Father Murphy. When you left ABVM I didn’t think you would have much success. I was terribly wrong and impressed with what you are doing.
May God always be with you.
The “go out” aspect of the gospel seems to be an answer for evangelizing. Blessings on continuing and let’s hope the positive response continues.
Wonderfully inspiring. The Church at her best.