Local News
At 75, archbishop’s still here: See inside church’s succession process
Even though a bishop must submit his resignation on his 75th birthday, it might not be accepted. A St. Charles Seminary professor tells how the laity can assist in a transition process that's both spiritual and practical.
What that mysterious word ‘church’ really means
That simple and well-worn term is often misunderstood, says a theologian at St. Charles Seminary. The "church" describes God's multinational people, and the parish is where we meet them.
Migrants, families plead to ‘make America great through love,’ not hatred
Survivors of torture, detention and disaster recounted their experiences at an archdiocesan prayer vigil on Sept. 23. The event drew some 300 attendees over an issue that represents "a moral quagmire that begs for a just solution."
Decline in baptisms, marriages seen as harbinger, call to community
Since 1961 infant baptisms have dropped 79% and Catholic marriages 69% in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, where the long-term trends will inform future planning. A local priest explains the communal experience of sacraments in parishes.
Catholics recall good advice of good St. Pio: Pray, hope, don’t worry
The "gruff, even grumpy" 20th century saint's fierce holiness reflected a deep love for Christ which several area parishes celebrated with Masses, talks and veneration of his relics in honor of his feast day, Sept. 23.
St. Mary Medical Center aims to heal whole person — body and soul
The 357-bed hospital with a trauma unit and rehab facility is one of five remaining Catholic hospitals in the Philadelphia region. St. Mary's, part of Trinity Health, practices pastoral care as much as physical healing.
Mission-driven St. Mary’s doctors heal with human touch
Dr. Nisha Gandhi, a heart failure expert and Dr. Lester Ruppersberger, an ob/gyn physician, exemplify how the Langhorne Catholic hospital dovetails diversity and mission, for the love of patients.
British lawmaker urges Phila. Catholics to act on slavery, persecution
In visits to several groups last week in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, Lord David Alton, a devout Catholic, said Catholics here should rely on their heritage to confront the most urgent issues of our day.
Capuchins, Catholic Social Services shower new moms with support
The friars teamed up with the Archdiocese at a Sept. 13 gathering that combined practical assistance with a sense of community, following the example of St. Francis.
Archdiocese invites faithful on pilgrimage to Mary’s shrine
Plans are underway for the Oct. 19 visit of parishioners of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to one of the world's great churches, the Basilica National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.