Society of St Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia

08/10/2026

AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

We are also aware of a video currently circulating on social media that contains inaccurate information concerning the reopening of St. Donato Church and the individuals and organizations involved.

Because the video has reached a large audience, we believe it is important to respectfully set the record straight.

The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia is the only organization working with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia regarding St. Donato Church. The Society is also working closely with Father Matthew Phelan, O. de M., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, in connection with these efforts.

Contrary to statements being circulated, Nick Russo and a group of friends did not petition the Archdiocese and did not reopen St. Donato Church. We are grateful to anyone who cares about St. Donato and wishes to see it preserved, but historical and organizational facts needs to be accurately represented.

It is also important to clarify that St. Donato Church has not been reopened for regular public use at this time. The church is currently open only for special occasions and approved events, including the recent Feast Day Vigil.

The Society continues to work with the Archdiocese as we seek a path forward for this historically significant church and its future.

We make this clarification not to diminish anyone's enthusiasm for St. Donato, but because the history of St. Donato matters. The people who have worked, prayed, sacrificed, donated, volunteered, and advocated for this sacred place deserve to have that history accurately recorded.

We invite everyone who loves St. Donato to join us in moving forward together, respectfully and truthfully, as we work toward preserving its legacy for future generations.

Thank you again to Bishop Esmilla, Father Phelan, our benefactors and donors, our volunteers, and everyone who joined us for the St. Donato Feast Day Vigil Mass and Pasta Bar Celebration.

May St. Donato and St. Frances Cabrini continue to intercede for us, and may God bless everyone who has helped keep the faith and memory of this sacred place alive.
The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia

08/10/2026

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR THE ST. DONATO FEAST DAY VIGIL

The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia extends our deepest gratitude to everyone who helped make the St. Donato Feast Day Vigil Mass and Pasta Bar Celebration such a beautiful and memorable evening.

We are especially grateful to Bishop Efren Esmilla for joining us and for his presence, support, and pastoral encouragement as we continue our efforts surrounding the historic St. Donato Church.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to Father Matthew Phelan, O. de M., Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes and overseer of the St Donato site whose support, guidance, and dedication have been so important to this continuing effort. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to the spiritual life of our community and to the future of St. Donato.

To all of the parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes we to want express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support you show to the Society of St Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia, your commitment to our mission is deeply valued.

To all of our benefactors and donors, thank you for believing in this mission and for helping make our work possible. Your generosity is helping us continue the important work of preserving a place that holds such profound spiritual and historical significance.

To our volunteers, who gave their time, energy, talents, and hearts to make the evening possible, we cannot thank you enough.

And to everyone who attended the St. Donato Feast Day Vigil Mass and Pasta Bar Celebration, thank you for coming, for praying with us, for celebrating with us, and for showing your support and love for St. Donato and its remarkable history.

Your presence demonstrated that St. Donato is more than a historic building. It is a place of faith, prayer, community, and memory—and we are committed to doing everything we can to help preserve that legacy for generations to come.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
May St. Donato and St. Frances Cabrini continue to intercede for all who have supported this sacred mission.
Society of St Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia

AN IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION

We are also aware of a video currently circulating on social media that contains inaccurate information concerning the reopening of St. Donato Church and the individuals and organizations involved.

Because the video has reached a large audience, we believe it is important to respectfully set the record straight.

The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia is the only organization working with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia regarding St. Donato Church. The Society is also working closely with Father Matthew Phelan, O. de M., pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, in connection with these efforts.

Contrary to statements being circulated, Nick Russo and a group of friends did not petition the Archdiocese and did not reopen St. Donato Church. We are grateful to anyone who cares about St. Donato and wishes to see it preserved, but historical and organizational facts needs to be accurately represented.

It is also important to clarify that St. Donato Church has not been reopened for regular public use at this time. The church is currently open only for special occasions and approved events, including the recent Feast Day Vigil.

The Society continues to work with the Archdiocese as we seek a path forward for this historically significant church and its future.

We make this clarification not to diminish anyone's enthusiasm for St. Donato, but because the history of St. Donato matters. The people who have worked, prayed, sacrificed, donated, volunteered, and advocated for this sacred place deserve to have that history accurately recorded.

We invite everyone who loves St. Donato to join us in moving forward together, respectfully and truthfully, as we work toward preserving its legacy for future generations.

Thank you again to Bishop Esmilla, Father Phelan, our benefactors and donors, our volunteers, and everyone who joined us for the St. Donato Feast Day Vigil Mass and Pasta Bar Celebration.

May St. Donato and St. Frances Cabrini continue to intercede for us, and may God bless everyone who has helped keep the faith and memory of this sacred place alive.
The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia

08/03/2026

HI EVERYONE!!!!!
MANGIA MANGIA MANGIA MANGIA
GET YOUR PASTA BAR FUNDRAISER TICKETS NOW!!!!!!!

ST DONATO FEAST DAY PASTA BAR FUNDRAISER
8/6/2026 - 3 - 5:30PM
ST FRANCES CABRINI SCHOOL
405 NORTH 65TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19151

YOU CAN ORDER YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://www.thesocietyofstfrancescabriniofphiladelphia.com/stdonatofeastdaypastabar/

OR SCAN THE QR CODE IN THE PHOTOS

OR IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO COME BUT DOESN'T DO THE INTERNET PLEASE PASS ON THE SOCIETY'S PHONE NUMBER SO THEY CAN CALL AND ORDER THEM FOR PICK UP AT THE DOOR. 484 416 0668

07/29/2026

Hi Everyone,

Checkout the Society of St Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia in the August 2026 Edition of the Italian American Herald. Thank you our Corporate Sponsor Vigilant!

07/28/2026

Hi Everyone,
The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia is excited to share a delicious update to the menu for the St. Donato Feast Day Pasta Bar Fundraising Dinner! We have replaced the starter salad with delectable caprese skewers, adding a fresh and flavorful twist to your dining experience. We hope you are as enthusiastic about this change as we are! Join us for an incredible evening filled with great food and community spirit. Do not miss out on this opportunity—secure your tickets today! Click the link below:

https://thesocietyofstfrancescabriniofphiladelphia.com/stdonatofeastdaypastabar/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTUiKBwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXcwQ0hpbnc2Z0ZYSEtmbGxzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeWyq53PlnqKziV-vgy-e_ACd9mSqCxMYplFZZpTyB839XQwnwd_szWpFWFVU_aem_hn89naK-dfIdQLgX7hJj9g

or scan the QR Code in the picture.

07/25/2026

Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia invites you to join us for the St. Donato Feast Day Pasta Bar Fundraiser

Join us for a delicious afternoon of homemade Italian favorites while supporting restoration and preservation of St Donato Church.!

Thursday, August 6, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:30 PM

St. Frances Cabrini Catholic School
405 North 65th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151

Ticket Prices
-Adult — $25.00
- Child (Under 12) — $12.50
- Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children) — $70.00

Your Ticket Includes
- Fresh Salad
- Italian Bread
- Pasta Entrée
- Dessert
- One Drink

Purchase Tickets Online!
Click the link or scan the QR code below to order your tickets.
https://thesocietyofstfrancescabriniofphiladelphia.com/stdonatofeastdaypastabar/

Celebrate the Feast of St. Donato with great food, family, and fellowship while supporting the Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia!

Everyone is welcome!

07/24/2026

BIG BIG NEWS

06/29/2026

Hello Everyone,

We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with you! The Society of St. Frances Cabrini of Philadelphia is honored to announce our participation in the upcoming National Eucharistic Pilgrimage 2026. This significant event promises to be a remarkable journey of faith, unity, and spiritual renewal. To learn more about the details and schedule, please take a moment to view the attached flyer. We can't wait to embark on this pilgrimage together!

05/10/2026

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

05/06/2026