By Joseph Myers • Posted September 27, 2024

Upon his February 2022 assignment as the parochial administrator at St. Richard Parish, Father Matthew Brody made becoming acquainted with the South Philly parish a major goal.

He clearly felt fortunate that 2024 would mark the centennial of the parish named for the 13^th century English bishop, St. Richard of Chichester.

“It’s an honor to be here, and I’d say God’s providence made it so that I would help to oversee the 100th anniversary,” Father Brody, now St. Richard’s 10th pastor, said. He was appointed pastor in June 2023.

“We’re all so fortunate to have had a role in making this parish a thriving part of his call to minister to the world.”

To mark the parish’s centennial milestone, parishioners will gather at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 for Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez.

Following Mass, a four-hour, sold-out gala will further the festive day at the Ballroom at the Ben. A buffet dinner, live music, dancing, and door prizes will complement the spiritual formation that the parish has provided since its August 15, 1924 founding.

“We have such a rich history,” Father Brody said. “As we prepare to have our anniversary celebration, I’m realizing even more that we have a responsibility to take our legacy and move forward with it.”

Throughout the past two years, Father Brody has enjoyed getting to know his parishioners, many of whom have introduced themselves by stating their number of years within the parish.

These frequent mentions of their allegiance to St. Richard’s fills Father Brody with hope, as they indicate that the people want to accompany him in guiding many others to God.

To bring together all the parishioners, no matter how long their membership, Father Brody earnestly began to plan the anniversary a year ago. Over the ensuing months, anniversary celebrations have included a Pentecost Sunday healing Mass that included Anointing of the Sick, a beef and beer gathering, and a bingo night.

Students enrolled St. Pio Regional Catholic School, located at St. Richard’s, also joined in the celebrations through an art contest and Mass held on Thursday, Sept. 26.

“We have so much to be thankful for,” Father Brody said, noting some ways that parishioners have shown their unity over the century.

Parish events have included caroling from door to door to visit the homebound of the parish on the feast of St. Lucy; a cherished St. Pio festival in honor of the school’s namesake; the annual 40 Hours Devotion, St. Joseph Triduum, and May Procession; and the ongoing good works of the St. Vincent de Paul Society chapter and Senior Citizens Club.

“Celebrating everything that has made us who we are is going to be pretty amazing,” Father Brody said.

Looking ahead,  the pastor  hopes to make parish life as comforting for new St. Richard’s families as it has been for those who have proudly touted their parish affiliation to him.

In doing so, Father Brody knows he is giving St. Richard’s a strong start on its immediate and long-term future.

“One hundred years are impressive, but we always need to keep going forward,” he said. “That way, we can show that our lives as believers are a vehicle for expressing the Gospel.”