St. Bedes Dedicated, Archbishop Attends

Hundreds of the faithful, including Philadelphia's Archbishop Charles Chaput, came out to the dedication of the renovated sanctuary at located in the Holland section of the township.

The sanctuary, which was re-done to fit a Neoclassical style, features updated air-conditioning, a new alter, marble columns and a new stone-like floor.

Also, featured in the church are many artifacts from the shuttered Most Blessed Sacrament Church, which was located in South Philadelphia. Many of St. Bede's stained glass windows and several nearly 90-year-old oil paintings were bought from the former parish.

The $4.5 million project to renovate the church, which was founded in the mid-1960s, began almost two years ago.

“Impressive is the first word that comes to my mind," Bruno Bevilacqua, of Northampton, said when describing the renovated sanctuary.

Several church members said that with the renovations complete the parish's dreams have finally been realized.

“This magnificent edifice is a dedication to the glory of the lord,” , who only became archbishop if the Philadelphia diocese in recent weeks, told the congregation.

“It’s really amazing. We are so lucky to have this virtual cathedral in our township,” said Vincent Deon, a township supervisor and parishioner at St. Bedes.

Many who worked on the project are parishioners at the church, which boasts 10,500 registered members.

“Everyone has done so much work to make this project a success,” said Ed Rogowski, a parishioner at the church who spent much of his time helping renovate the building.

Last night’s two-hour service brought out over 100 hundred officials from the archdiocese, members of the community and local politicians.

“It was a beautiful mass in a beautiful church,” said church member Kathleen Mccann, of Feasterville.

After the service most of the attendees came outside the church and greeted the new archbishop.

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, who attended the service, briefly met Archbishop Chaput outside the church.

“I think it’s really great he’s here. He’s coming to area Catholics at a very important time,” Fitzpatrick said.

A reception featuring members of the church and local leaders wrapped up the evening.