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.

Local News
Ellen Mansfield Named Director of Philanthropy for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
Ellen Mansfield, a veteran fundraiser with more than two decades of experience and a record of leading multimillion-dollar campaigns, will oversee philanthropic strategy at Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.
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.
Peace Garden at IHM Motherhouse Nourishes Bodies, Souls, Community
The “seed-to-table” approach means everything grown in the Immaculate Heart Sisters’ eight-bed garden, from vegetables to fruit to herbs to flowers, brings joy and good health to the sisters’ tables.
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.
Spirituality
By Baptism We’re All Prophets, Sharing in Jesus’ Words of Life
It might be inconvenient and even dangerous to speak out against injustice like the prophet Jeremiah did. But just as Jesus called people to faithfulness because of love and trust in the Father, so too must we do, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

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.

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.
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.

Vatican News
Christ’s Love is Stronger than Hatred, Pope Says at Audience
Jesus' love and forgiveness do not deny the truth of pain and betrayal, but they do prevent evil from having the last word, Pope Leo XIV said.
Pope Sets Aug. 22 as Day to Pray, Fast for Peace in Ukraine, Holy Land
Pope Leo XIV asked Catholics to observe Aug. 22 as a day of prayer and fasting for peace and justice, particularly in Ukraine and in the Holy Land.
Obituaries
Sister M. Kathleen Dunn, IHM, dies at 87
Sister M. Kathleen Dunn died in Camilla Hall on July 25, 2025. Sister was in the 69th year of her religious life.

Hispanic Catholics
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.
La Voz de Dios August 10, 2025
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, la conductora Marianela Nuñez conversa con Jorge Fernández, presidente del Serra Club de Filadelfia, y Jesse Serrano, vicepresidente de Alcance Hispano.