SS. Peter and Paul Parish on Boot Road in West Chester recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a Mass led by Bishop John McIntyre, writes Lou Baldwin for CatholicPhilly.com.

The parish was created in June 1967 in rapidly growing East Goshen by carving out parts of SS. Philip and James in Exton, St. Patrick in Malvern, SS. Simon and Jude in Westtown, and St. Agnes in West Chester.

The first Masses were celebrated by the parish’s founding pastor, Father Michael Bednar, at Immaculata College and Villa Maria House of Studies. At the time, the congregation numbered around 400 families.

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Construction on the parish’s church began in December 1968, with one of the most important additions coming just 16 years ago. Then, Father James Foley oversaw the opening of the parish school at SS. Peter and Paul.

“It’s a beautiful school, and we are very blessed,” said principal Margaret Egan.

The current pastor, Father Angelo Citino, believes that SS. Peter and Paul embodies “the strong faith and generosity of the people.”

Read more about the parish’s 50th anniversary at CatholicPhilly.com here.

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