Archbishop Nelson Pérez and Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson stand before St. Rita Place, an archdiocesan affordable senior housing complex in South Philadelphia built with the support of multiple private and government partners and formally dedicated by the archbishop Nov. 10.

During a Nov. 10 dedication ceremony, Archbishop Nelson Pérez blesses the South Philadelphia-based St. Rita Place, the sixth affordable senior living complex opened by the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Dozens of funding and development partners attended the Nov. 10 dedication of St. Rita Place in South Philadelphia.

Heather Huot, director of archdiocesan Catholic Housing and Community Services, noted that development of St. Rita Place began a decade prior to its Nov. 10 dedication.

Archbishop Nelson Pérez greeted U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (right) and City Councilman Mark Squilla (left) at the Nov. 10 dedication of St. Rita Place.

Archbishop Nelson Pérez toured St. Rita Place with several residents following the Nov. 10 blessing and dedication.

South Philadelphia native Joseph Corsey, one of 46 older adults who will move into the new St. Rita Place complex on Broad Street, inspects a unit’s senior-accessible bathroom, which features grip bars and in-shower seating. (Gina Christian)

Suzanne O’Grady Laurito, assistant director of Catholic Housing and Community Services, guided Archbishop Nelson Pérez through the newly opened St. Rita Place.

Residents of St. Rita Place relaxed in their new community room following the building’s Nov. 10 dedication. (Gina Christian)

Each one-bedroom apartment at St. Rita Place features a full kitchen. (Gina Christian)

St. Rita Place, the sixth affordable senior housing unit built by the Philadelphia Archdiocese, will provide 46 age- and income-qualified apartments while housing the National Shrine of St. Rita’s Cascia Center. (Gina Christian)