Just months after reopening its doors following a devastating three-alarm fire, Our Mother of Consolation Catholic School marked a milestone Sunday — celebrating the first Christmas in its rebuilt school in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.
More than 50 students gathered for a holiday party, which transformed the school cafeteria and other rooms into a space for crafts, music, snacks and photos with Santa Claus. The event followed Mass and brought together students, teachers and parishioners for an afternoon many once feared might never come.
“I’m able to celebrate in this glorious new school with my friends, such a merry Christmas,” said fifth grader Johnny Matthew. “It just makes me feel happy, but even more relieved.”…