St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church (Philadelphia)
St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the University City section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The parish was established in 1890 to serve the growing Catholic population in the area, particularly associated with the nearby University of Pennsylvania.
The current church building, a prominent example of Romanesque Revival architecture, was designed by architect Henry Dagit and completed in 1911. It features a distinctive copper dome, elaborate stained-glass windows, and intricate interior details. The church is known for its impressive acoustics and the quality of its pipe organ.
Throughout its history, St. Francis de Sales has been an active parish, offering a variety of religious services, educational programs, and social outreach initiatives. The parish school, St. Francis de Sales School, has provided Catholic education to generations of students.
The church's location near the University of Pennsylvania and other educational institutions has made it a popular place of worship for students and faculty. St. Francis de Sales continues to serve as a vibrant center of Catholic faith and community in West Philadelphia.