CatholicPhilly – News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Archbishop Perez's messages

Archbishop Emphasizes Unity, Peace on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Archbishop Pérez reminded the faithful to recognize suffering in our human family stemming from the sin of racism, and to respond as instruments of peace and healing on the observance of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Jan. 20.

Archbishop Pérez Issues Pastoral Letter, Invites All to Join Discussion

Archbishop Nelson Pérez invites everyone to read his letter on planning a new way forward as the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, and to join him for discussions for our bright future in the years ahead.

Local News

March for Life 2025 Inspires Local Faithful to Expand Actions for Life

Events starting Jan. 24 in Washington, D.C. will culminate with a march that shows tens of thousands of people’s commitment to build a culture of life – especially when they return to their local communities.

El Camino Cafe Serves Relaxed Way for Young Adults to Explore Faith

The café, hosted in Northeast Philadelphia beginning Jan. 18 at Holy Innocents Parish, can invite guests “to make new friends in a very faith-friendly space” over a cup of coffee.

Reverend Christopher Redcay Appointed Next Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Father Redcay will succeed Bishop Keith Chylinski, who has served as Rector since 2022 and was appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia in Dec. 2023.

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Photo features

Scenes: Archbishop Pérez Names Reverend Christoper Redcay Next Rector of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Father Redcay is currently the Director of Spiritual Formation for Theology Division students at the Seminary and was ordained as a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1989.

Photos: Annual Religious Education Mass and Award Ceremony

The Office for Catechetical Formation hosted its Religious Education Mass and award ceremony Jan. 11 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

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Spirituality

Mary’s Words, ‘Do Whatever He Tells You,’ Place Trust in Jesus

Jesus' miracle at Cana reminds us that God’s love is present in every aspect of our lives, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior. Like water turned into wine, Jesus transforms our worries and pain.

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Commentaries

The Measure of a Man: Bill Silk’s Love Is Amplified Now That He’s Gone

The death of a friend reminds Patrick Walsh of the good man he befriended, and the legacy of love and laughter he left upon the Church and the world.

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Calendar of Events

Nationwide Prayer Vigil for Life to Take Place Jan. 23-24

The USCCB urges the faithful to observe the nationwide prayer vigil and pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life in post-Roe America.

American Catholic Historical Society to Hold Lecture on History of Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church Jan. 19

Holy Redeemer Church in Philadelphia has the distinction of being the first Catholic church in the Western hemisphere built for Chinese people. Learn more at the ACHS Lecture on Jan. 19 at the Society House.

42nd Annual Archdiocesan Interfaith Prayer Service Set for Jan. 19

St. Athanasius Parish will host the 42nd annual Archdiocesan Interfaith Prayer Service, honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy.

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USCCB

Gaza Ceasefire an “Encouraging Sign of Peace” for the Middle East

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Sports

Pope John Paul II Junior Named 2024-25 Gatorade Pennsylvania Volleyball Player of the Year

Pope John Paul II junior Norah Busch is the first student-athlete from the school to receive this honor.

Two-Sport Star Knows Highs, Lows of Roman Catholic Athletics

As senior C.J. Miller plays football to become stronger and basketball to become faster, he appreciates the chance to add to his school’s winning legacy – even when there’s heartbreak.

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Pope Francis

Pope Offers Prayers for Those Impacted by LA Wildfires

"I am praying for all of you," Pope Francis said, using his televised Sunday Angelus address to speak directly to the people impacted by the wildfires in Southern California.

Pope to Diplomats: Sweep Away ‘Clouds of War,’ Let ‘Winds of Peace’ Blow

During the Holy Year 2025, the international community should strive "to overcome the logic of confrontation and embrace instead the logic of encounter," Pope Francis told ambassadors and other diplomats accredited to the Holy See.

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Hispanic Catholics

La Voz de Dios Jan. 12, 2025

Acompáñanos en el este episodio de La Voz de Dios, conducido como siempre por Marianela Núñez, donde tendremos como invitado especial al Arzobispo Nelson Pérez. Juntos exploraremos su reciente carta pastoral, abordando su visión para el futuro de la Iglesia en Filadelfia.

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