This ministry serves unaccompanied refugee minors fleeing violence, instability, and poverty

Bishop John J. McIntyre, who oversees Catholic Social Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will preside over the dedication and blessing of Blessed Oscar Romero House, a 12 bed transitional living home for unaccompanied refugees between the ages of 13-18. It is a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS). The residence is named for Blessed Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador (1977-1980), who suffered martyrdom amid his efforts to fight for social justice and defend the rights of the poor and marginalized in his home country.

Thursday, May 12, 2016
Dedication and Blessing
4:00 p.m.
Blessed Oscar Romero House
3968 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA 19020 (Bucks County)

Brief remarks from attending dignitaries will precede the Rite of Blessing, which will be followed by a tour of the Blessed Oscar Romero House and a reception. The residents and several of their legal guardians will be present, along with staff and volunteers.

Blessed Oscar Romero House serves youth who have fled their countries of origin due to war, ethnic or religious persecution, human trafficking, and other hardships. Current residents originate from Central America and Central Africa. Among the languages spoken by the residents are Spanish, French, Swahili, and other Congolese dialects.

“This work reflects our long term mission in the spirit of Saint John Baptist de LaSalle, caring for and assisting the least, the last and the lost to have hope, to achieve their dreams of a better life. Serving the needs of unaccompanied refugee minors certainly is in keeping with the history of Saint Francis – Saint Vincent Homes, which has been accompanying at-risk youth for over 100 years,” said Joseph Lavoritano, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Youth Services Division.

Blessed Oscar Romero was an adamant defender of human rights. He spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture. This May 23rd will mark the one year anniversary of his Beatification, the last step prior to canonization as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. 

For more information about CSS Blessed Oscar Romero Home, please contact Omar Alegria at 215-901-3032.

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Editor’s Note: Due to the sensitive circumstances involved with the residents of Blessed Oscar Romero House, please respect the following guidelines for covering this event: youth are permitted to be interviewed but no identifiable facial images or names are permitted to be included in the coverage of the event. Thank you. 

Contact:

Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)