St. Benedict The Moor Church

"NOTICE, COLORED ROMAN CATHOLICS"

"All Colored Roman Catholics are requested to meet at 10 o'clock every Sunday morning at Sacred Heart Church, twenty-second and Binney streets, for instructions.  All other persons who desire instruction in the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church are invited. -Adv."
("History of an Institution", Jack Angus)

Beginnings

In 1918, Fr. Francis B. Cassilly and African-American Catholics formed a mission church at 2429 Parker Street.  They called it St. Benedict's Community Home.

In 1923, the congregation moved to the present location 2423 Grant Street, a building that was once a roller rink, pie factory, and an African Methodist Church.

In 1928, Fr. Francis Cassilly petitioned Bishop Joseph F. Rummel to celebrate the Feast of St. Peter Claver.  The bishop endorsed it and forwarded it to Cardinal William O'Connell of Boston, who in turn sent the petition to Rome.  The petition was approved the following year.
("History of an Institution", Jack Angus)

In 1923, the Sisters of Mercy begin a school.

In 1958, Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan presided at the dedication of our new church.

In 1990, corpus of African-American Risen Christ was installed in the sanctuary.