That two Catholic parishes are thriving within a mile of each other in Ahwatukee and share the same anniversary year is certainly a reason for many of their members to be grateful.
And for their pastors, it’s also something to marvel at – even if they can’t fully explain how it is that St. Benedict Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Catholic Church both have thrived despite their geographical proximity.
“I really don’t know,” said Fr. Manasseh Iorchir, V.C., pastor of St. Benedict. “Ahwatukee seems to be like a kind of unique town…such a loving community, very peaceful, and lots of schools. I think [there’s] a high percentage of middle class, in a way. So probably that could be it. It just happens to have a lot of Catholics here.”…