St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother
8910 Gap-Newport Pike,
P.O. Box 709,
Avondale, PA 19311 What characteristics and/or stories about the parish's namesake, St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, are among the most cherished by the pastor and/or parishioners?
Although St. Gabriel lived a short life, dying of tuberculosis just short of this 24th birthday, he was a normal vibrant youth, interested in the theatre, music, dancing and hunting — an attractive and inspiring patron for young people.
Why was this name selected for the parish? Who first suggested it?
When the original building was constructed as a mission of Saint Patrick, Kennett Square, some of the supporters’ ancestors were from the Abruzzi region in Italy, where Saint Gabriel spent his last years and where he is buried. Fr. Richard Ward, then pastor of St. Patrick, petitioned for this name.
The parish celebrates the Feast Day of Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother which is February 27th with a novena preparation, a day of Eucharistic adoration, a special Mass, veneration of his relic, and a social.
What special devotions are observed at the parish?
During Advent and Lent, we have morning prayer before or within Mass. We have the public recitation of the Rosary on the first Tuesday of each month, on first Saturdays, and on all Tuesdays of May and October.
Of which ministries are you most proud?
All of them, but especially our catechetical ministry and our unsung churchkeeping ministry.
Are there any new ministries projected to begin this year?
We hope to expand and strengthen our present ministries and organize a group to contact new parishioners a few months after their registration to invite them to participate more fully in parish life.
Those who are not parishioners might be surprised to know:
We are the first parish established by Cardinal, then - Archbishop Anthony Bevilacqua in September 1988.
Has anyone famous, now or previously, been a member of the parish?
Corbin McNeill, former CEO and President of PECO/Exelon Corp., and Charles and Mary Ciarrocchi, parents of Pat Ciarrocchi, TV newscaster, who herself has visited, worshipped and addressed us.
Does the parish have any ethnic celebrations or traditions?
We have an annual spaghetti dinner featuring homemade sauce and meatballs in the Southern Italian tradition.
What interesting artifacts, architectural features and/or special works of art are in the church?
We have a beautiful replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta that was originally in Saint Edward the Confessor Church in Philadelphia. Our magnificent stained glass windows at the gable ends are from Assumption B.V.M. Church, Philadelphia. Our new Church building was awarded “best institutional religious project 2002 merit construction award of excellence” by the Associated Builders and Contractors.
What amusing incidents comprise the parish's history?
Newcomers to the parish area at times ask about the pungent aroma of mushroom compost. The answer I was initially given was: “Father, you’re smelling money!”
What occasions of or in the parish have been particularly poignant?
The construction and dedication of our new Church, completed in 2002.
What are among the most commonly asked questions about the parish?
Who is your patron — is it the Archangel? Where are you located?
The pastor would also like all to know the following about the parish:
We have a wonderful number of Catholics with young children who are very committed to the faith. Our older parishioners are very committed as well, and delight in welcoming newcomers. From our foundation, we have embraced stewardship. Among our parishioners are most of the mushroom growers in Pennsylvania.
— Compiled by Melissa Fontanez
PARISH FACTS:
Cluster: 41
Date Founded: September 25, 1988
Current Pastor:
Father Richard J. Maisano
Name of School:
We do not have a parish school at this time, but 86 of our children attend neighboring Catholic schools. Our current enrollment in our religious education program is 268 students, pre-K through grade 8
Number of Registered Individuals: 2, 465
Number of Registered Families: 726
Annually, number of:
Baptisms: 30
Marriages: 6
Funerals: 9 |