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With approximately 10,000 registrants from more than 3,600 families, St. Monica Church, 17th and Ritner streets, never lacks prayerful participants at its two daily and six weekend Masses. The worship site for South Philly’s largest parish has received readers’ blessings as the top church.
“I feel honored to be the pastor of such a beloved site,” Rev. Joseph Kelley said.
The 10th-year pastor and his colleagues celebrate the sacraments in two churches where parishioners and visitors adore opportunities to reverence their creator, with Lent always raising the amount of devotes. Forty-two years after an intense fire necessitated a rebuilding phase, the 118-year-old Girard Estate house of prayer hosts a number of additional services, such as two novenas, including a recently completed one to St. Francis Xavier, a Valentine’s Day Mass for married and soon-to-be-wed couples and an August triduum honoring its patron saint and her son, St. Augustine. It also is preparing its flock for Easter Sunday by offering Stations of the Cross adoration and will help the parish’s elder care program to mark its 10th anniversary in November.
As a popular location for weddings, too, it has enabled numerous pairs to heed Jesus’ message to “love one another as I have loved you.” That abundance of affection resonates with Kelley.
“I love my time here and am grateful for this distinction,” he said.
Epiphany of Our Lord revealed itself in second, and St. Nicholas of Tolentine ventured into third.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Cuisine
Scannicchio’s Italian Restaurant: Gravy/sauce
Geno’s Steaks: French fries / cheesesteak
PrimoHoagies: Hoagie
Johnny Chang’s: Sushi
Nick’s Old Original Roast Beef: Roast beef sandwich
City Pizza: Pizza toppings
Green Eggs Café: Sunday brunch
Penrose Diner: Waffles
Popi’s Italian Restaurant: Business luncheon/banquet
FrancoLuigi’s Pizzeria: Romantic outing
Ristorante Pesto: Italian restaurant
Cantina Los Cabalitos: Ethnic restaurant (non-Italian)
Noir: New restaurant
Sweet Tooth
Termini Bros.: Cannoli (tie)
Potito’s Bakery: Cannoli (tie) / cupcakes
Italiano’s Water Ice: Water ice
Lerro’s Candy Co.: Candy store
Staying Active
DanceAdelphia: Dance studio
Girard Academic Music Program: Music program
Marconi Plaza: Place to walk your dog
Stickball: Schoolyard/street game
Guerin Recreation Center: Recreation Center
Wake Up Yoga: Place to take a yoga class
Places
East Passyunk Avenue: Neighborhood
Pennsylvania Burial Co.: Funeral home
Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School: School
St. Monica: Church
Ten Pennies: Florist
Chickie’s and Pete’s: Place to enjoy a game
Sports
Frank Natale: High school coach
Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School Saints: High school team
Citizens Bank Park: Pro sports venue
Chase Utley: Current Philly pro athlete
Ed Snider: Philly pro sports owner
And the Rest
Mummers Parade: South Philadelphia tradition
Councilman Mark Squilla: Politician
Social Scene: South Philly Review section
Disc jockey: Category not on this list
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