CatholicPhilly

Faces of Hope

Meet the Faces of Hope

A new video and storytelling series that shines a light on the inspiring ways everyday Catholics across the Philadelphia region are putting their faith into action. Discover their stories, share their hope.

Miss Patricia Fled a War; Then She Built a Life of Profound Compassion

When Patricia Wahblo came to the U.S. as a refugee in 2000, Catholic Charities of Philadelphia welcomed her. She pays it forward every day, offering care and love to residents at Divine Providence Village.

Meet the Man Who Has Delivered 211,000 Diapers — and Inspired a Community

Frank Keegan saw a need and responded—with faith, persistence, and hundreds of thousands of diapers. His Faces of Hope story is a reminder that the first step to serving others is simply showing up and asking where you're needed.

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Local News

Changed Canonization Plans Bring New Spiritual Opportunities for Pilgrims

Pilgrims from Philadelphia prepare to celebrate the canonizations of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati — both in Rome and at home — with renewed faith and joyful anticipation.

New Shrine to Our Lady of Kibeho Dedicated at Basilica of the Miraculous Medal

The outdoor shrine to the Blessed Mother’s apparition in Africa features “a statue of Our Lady with color,” which speaks to the predominantly Black residents of Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.

Better Mental Health Resources Geared for the Black Community is the Focus of St. Athanasius Series

A Redemptorist priest and clinical counselor shares a Biblical and scientific approach to managing trauma for residents of Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood.

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Photo features

Scenes: Move-In Day at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Seminarians returned for the 2025-2026 year at the Lower Gwynedd campus in the first year under new rector Rector Fr. Christopher Redcay.

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Commentaries

October Conference Aims to Empower Catholic Youth Ministry

Ministers with youth and young adults, educators, and other Church leaders from across the eastern U.S. will meet in Philadelphia as Archbishop Pérez leads discussions of the U.S. bishops’ plan to accompany and evangelize young people.

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Spirituality

Invitation to Faith in Jesus Is Our Way Into Kingdom of God

Just "going with the flow" might suffice for casual situations, but entering heaven through the "narrow gate" takes strength, which Jesus gives to those who possess not status or wealth but faith in him, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

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Sports

Brad Wanamaker Named Head Coach of Roman Catholic Basketball

Former NBA guard returns to alma mater to lead storied Cahillites program.

Wise Beyond her Years, Samy Staublein Learns to Listen to Mom

The St. Hubert's senior and two-sport star, who shined in the Carpenter Cup softball tournament and PCL playoffs, heeded good advice in her college search.

Teen Gets a Taste of Pitching on Phillies’ Mound

Archbishop Ryan grad Jake Marchesano saw a lifelong dream fulfilled after he pitched a flawless outing for the Philadelphia Catholic League team in the Carpenter Cup June 16 at Citizens Bank Park.

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Calendar of Events

Pope Leo XIV Invites All the Faithful to Pray and Fast for Peace on Friday, Aug. 22

Pope Leo XIV has invited all the faithful to take part in a day of prayer and fasting for peace on Friday, Aug. 22, the commemoration of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

PA March for Life Set for Sept. 22

The Pennsylvania March for Life will take place Monday, Sept. 22 in Harrisburg, bringing together people from across the state to stand in support of every human life.

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Profile

West Catholic’s Girls Learning Football Via Hard Work, Faith

“Seeing the face of Jesus in everybody” has been a lifelong calling for social worker and educator Katie Kavanaugh, who leads her fledgling flag football team at the archdiocesan high school.

Inspired by Jesus, Case Worker Cares for Children with Intellectual and Development Disabilities with Dignity, Integrity

Kimberly Cowley passionately advocates for the dignity and empowerment of children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities at St. Edmond’s Home for Children.

Driven by Prayer, Social Worker Leaves Retirement to Enrich Lives of Area Seniors

Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Chris Minnick works to stabilize and enrich the lives of seniors in need, aged 60 and over.

Childhood Experiences Inspired Career Dedicated to Helping Other Families Experiencing Homelessness

Shawna Murray, whose own childhood experience inspired her dedicated career at Visitation Homes in North Philadelphia, helps at-risk families overcome barriers and find stability.

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Vatican News

Authentic Faith is Seen in Love of God and Neighbor, Pope Says

When Jesus described the path to salvation as a "narrow gate," he was not placing limits on God's mercy but was challenging people who were convinced they had done enough to be saved, Pope Leo XIV said.

Christians are Called to Help World Find Peace, Reconciliation, Pope Says

Even as Christians continue the dialogue aimed at restoring their unity, they are called to work together to bring peace and reconciliation to a deeply divided world, Pope Leo XIV said.

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Obituaries

Sister Dolores Kathleen Gain, IHM

Sister Dolores Kathleen died in Camilla Hall on July 27, 2025 in the 77th year of her religious life.

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Hispanic Catholics

Misión Pastoral a Ghana de Arzobispo Pérez – La Voz de Dios August 24, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Arzobispo Nelson J. Pérez sobre su próxima misión pastoral a Ghana, que marcará su primera visita al continente africano.

La Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Virgen María – La Voz de Dios August 17, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela habla con el P. Juan Mora, FM, sobre la Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Virgen María, una de las fiestas más hermosas y profundas de nuestra fe católica.

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USCCB

On 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Faithful Encouraged to Renew Commitment to Racial Equality and Justice

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Calls for Special Collection for Humanitarian Relief and Pastoral Support in Gaza

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