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Also naming Ritner Street, between South 17th Street and South 18th Street, "Bishop Louis DeSimone Way", in honor and recognition of his decades of exemplary service to Saint Monica Parish, the worldwide Catholic Church, and the City of Philadelphia.
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WHEREAS the Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Philadelphia, has dedicated his 95 years of life in selfless commitment to the Catholic faithful and the broader communities of our City, region and beyond; and
WHEREAS, As an undergraduate student at Villanova University, Louis DeSimone answered his country's call to serve in World War II, becoming an Army officer in North Africa and Italy, and taking part in the liberation of Rome in 1944; and
WHEREAS, Upon completing his formation for the priesthood at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary and his ordination on May 10, 1952, Father DeSimone embarked on what would become seven decades of ministry in the parishes, schools, and charitable institutions that serve 1.5 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, In November of 1976, Father DeSimone was named a Prelate of Honor by Pope Paul VI and appointed as Pastor of Saint Monica Church - the spiritual leader of 5,000 families in South Philadelphia's largest parish; and
WHEREAS, On June 27, 1981, Saint John Paul II, then the Pope, chose Louis DeSimone as the first Italian-American ever to become a Catholic bishop in Philadelphia. Likewise, he was the first to live and serve primarily in South Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, While remaining as Pastor of Saint Monica Parish for a quarter century, Bishop DeSimone was called to, and faithfully carried out, national and international leadership roles in the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the worldwide Catholic Relief Services, and Catholic Charities USA; and
WHEREAS, Bishop DeSimone's concern for the wider community at home and across the globe ha...
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