National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

(Photo/www.SaintRitaShrine.org)

The Catholic World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadephia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 22-27, 2015. Learn more about the meeting at www.worldmeeting2015.org/. This is the second of several shrines in the Philadephia area that
we’ll highlight before the meeting.
Destination: The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia is in the south part of Philadephia, near its Italian Market. It is dedicated to St. Rita, a 15th century wife, mother, widow and nun. She is known as a peacemaker, as someone who  helped others seek reconciliation and who aided those in difficulty.
Masses are offered Saturday at 8 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.; Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.; Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Why to go:  Philadephia’s Archbishop Patrick Ryan established the parish in 1907 after receiving a large donation from Lucas Burke. The parish was entrusted to the Augustinian Friars, who continue serving the shrine community today. After serving the city’s immigrants and its changing neighborhoods for 80 years, it had fallen into disrepair. Renovation began in the 1990s, leading to its recognition as a national shrine in 2000.
The shrine is home to a variety of art­ — including sculpture, stained glass and more — that highlights the life of St. Rita. Plan your visit by checking the virtual tour on the shrine website.
Amenities: There is a gift shop. Hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and after Mass until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Special events: Beginning last month and continuing through May 2015, the Augustinian friars at the shrine are offering a healing Mass at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month.
Admission: Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The Mission is closed Easter Sunday and Monday, Thanksgiving, and from Dec. 24 through Dec. 26. Cost is $6.50 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for children over 7, free  for children under 6.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Children are welcome, as they would be to any church.
Info: Address: National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19146. Phone: 215/546-8333. Web: www.SaintRitaShrine.org

 - Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
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