“Never look for self in anything but always seek the glory of God and the good of your neighbor.”
Blessed Mary Angela
Increased construction costs, along with a shortage of building supplies and laborers contribute to high housing demand and soaring prices. This impacts the availability of safe and accessible housing that meets the needs of the older adult populations. As a community’s needs change, the Felician Sisters discern how they can help. The ongoing transition of convents, orphanages and schools helps to meet the needs of their communities.
By prayerfully considering how best to follow Blessed Mary Angela’s imperative to “always seek the glory of God and the good of your neighbor” Felician Sisters have been providing homes that are safe shelters for those who need them, giving people an opportunity to live with dignity.
Our Lady of Grace Village
Newark, DE
The 180-acre Our Lady of Grace property was originally home to an orphanage run by the Felician Sisters, which served the area’s most vulnerable children for more than 60 years. In its later years, the facility transitioned into a group home for children in foster care. When it closed in 2009, the Felician Sisters began to discern how best to use the property.
Our Lady of Grace Village opened in November 2021 and serves households with incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. The project received a 2015 Low Income Housing Tax Credit award from Delaware State Housing Authority, generating more than $8 million in equity to help make these family units a reality. Twelve accessible units were built, and six are designated for persons with disabilities. Felician Sisters also live in the community, serving their neighbors in a ministry of presence.
In line with the Felician Sisters commitment to their Franciscan heritage of responsible environmental stewardship, the community includes “green” features, including increased insulation, energy efficient heating and cooling systems, Energy Star-rated appliances and low-flow water fixtures. The complex was built and Energy Star-certified to assist residents in keeping utility costs to a minimum. The community building is powered in part by a rooftop solar array.
Our Lady of Grace Village represents the transformation of one social need – care of orphans – to another, appropriate to our times – affordable housing.
“I’m really grateful that I’m here and I’m grateful that they built it the way they did. It’s the perfect place.”
Elizabeth Rider, resident
Angela Court Senior Residence
Philadelphia, PA
Angela Court Senior Residence, located on the campus of Felician-sponsored St. Ignatius Nursing & Rehab Center, is a beautiful, low-income elderly apartment housing community with 121 apartments. Funded by low-income tax credits, Angela Court provides a safe, comfortable and modern housing option with support services so residents can maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Francis House
Philadelphia, PA
In 2020, the St. Ignatius Nursing & Rehab Center administrative team hosted the blessing and dedication of Francis House in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designed as 6 “neighborhoods,” with 10 units in each, Francis House accommodates frail elderly individuals who need personal care services or assisted living, a service that is critically lacking for low-income individuals in the Haverford North neighborhood of Philadelphia. Francis House consists of 60 efficiency apartments that share common dining and living areas. The design accommodates frail elderly individuals who need personal care services.
I’m so grateful for the sisters who built this house. Everything’s so gorgeous. We thank the sisters for everything!
Ray Usher, resident
Angela’s House
Buffalo, NY
Opened in 2023, Angela’s House offers 67 affordable senior housing units with 12 units supporting residents with special needs and those who were formerly unhoused. The former Villa Maria Academy, which had closed in 2006, sits adjacent to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Buffalo, NY and is a creative repurposing of the 6-story Gothic Revival building. The sisters had prayed for a “ministry for our Villa Maria Academy building that would embrace our Felician values and mission.” A collaboration with developers, New York’s government housing services, and housing ministries for homeless people and women veterans gave new life to the beautiful historic 80,000 square-foot building. Angela’s House shares a chapel with the sisters and includes support and case management spaces, bringing new vitality to residents and the neighborhood.
