Have a happy and safe Memorial Day
Vo l. 6 4 N O. 2 1
w w w. s o u t h p h i l l y r ev i ew.c o m
M ay 2 6 , 2 0 1 1
Time warp The Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s inaugural walking tour journeys through local streets while revealing a tension-filled past. By Alexis Abate Review Contributor
S
ince its beginning, South Philadelphia has become known for its niche little neighborhoods packed with diversity while being reminiscent of the Old World. Second only to Ellis Island, the city was also an immigration port from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. The Delaware River’s tidal nature served as a metaphor for these waves of immigration that continue today. With the sunlit river in the background, the Historical Society of Pennsylvania See TERRITORY OF DREAMS page 12
Sports
The Archdiocesan Boy Choir has built an international reputation for offering stunning performances. Its South Philadelphia presence is likely to increase this summer with an appearance at a Phillies game.
High noon
p h o t o p r o v i d e d b y R e v. d a n m c l a u g h l i n
Bases loaded
Six local teams have extended their seasons with playoff appearances. By Alvaro Balderas and Joseph Myers................Page 35
A renowned group’s stellar voices helped a Newbold church celebrate a mid-day Mass in honor of its patron saint. By Joseph Myers R e v i e w s ta f f w r i t e r
A
15th century nun’s reverberant example paired with an ensemble’s resonant tones Sunday to produce an early afternoon homage. The Archdiocesan Boy Choir of Philadelphia made its initial trip to The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, 1166 S. Broad St., laud-
ing the site’s namesake on her Feast Day. A packed affair, the noon gathering served as the third of the day’s five Masses and came one day after devotees completed nine days of prayer to St. Rita, the Saint of the Impossible. Like eager concertgoers, many attendees sought seats in the 104-year-old house of worship an hour before the service. They came clutching some of the 11,000 ros-
es for sale and peered at the altar as the young visitors arrived. The 38 performers, all with copious songbooks, posed for pictures. Donning black cassocks and red mozzettas and sashes, the 7- to 14-yearolds, representing the five-county Archdiocese, then processed to the loft, with a banner bearing “Cantate Domino,” or See FEAST DAY page 10