The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence (DGDP), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), marked the feast of their patron, Saint Luigi Guanella (Don Guanella) with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, October 24.

Most Reverend Joseph L. Coffey, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese for Military Services, was the principal celebrant and homilist.

Men and women served by The Communities of DGDP as well as their families and caregivers were in attendance for the prayerful occasion. Supporters and benefactors of the program were also invited to participate.

In honor of Saint Luigi Guanella’s feast day, Archbishop Pérez released a video message as part of the celebration this year. The Archbishop said, “Today, his legacy is central to the mission of The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, a ministry of Catholic Social Services serving more than 400 men and women each day. Our dedicated staff work to preserve their dignity and transform their lives. I’m so grateful for all of the remarkable achievements made there each day!”

In addition to Mass, the day also marked The Communities of DGDP’s Day of Giving. This initiative invites supporters to show their support for the 400 men and women that make up The Communities of DGDP as well as the program’s mission of embracing persons with intellectual disabilities with professional and compassionate care.

(Photo: Sarah Webb)

The spiritual legacy and heritage of Saint Luigi Guanella remains an integral part of the mission of the Intellectual Disabilities Division of Catholic Social Services.

Saint Luigi Guanella was a 19th-century Italian priest who ministered to children with physical and intellectual disabilities. Don Guanella’s patronage stems from the historical context on which The Communities of DGDP were founded.

A priest and founder of the Religious Orders of the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence, and the Pious Union of Saint Joseph Prayer Association, Don Guanella advocated for further acceptance of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities as brothers and sisters and as blessings from God.

In the late 1940s and 1950s, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia invited Don Guanella’s religious orders — the sisters of the Daughters of Saint Mary of Providence and the priests and brothers of the Servants of Charity — to establish programs in the region.

The Communities of DGDP are dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. Dedicated staff and volunteers provide a continuum of care offering a wide range of programming options including: Community and Campus-Based Living Arrangements, Life Sharing Through Family Living, Respite Care, and Day Programs. For more information, please visit https://dgdpcommunities.org/