Local News
Archdiocesan summer camp gives kids ‘a bit of heaven on earth’
The messy fun of Camp Rainbow shines in the smiles of kids from St. Edmond's Home for Children, part of Catholic Social Services' continuum of care for persons with disabilities.
Designer bag bingo helps spread the Gospel in Kenya
Presentation B.V.M. Parish in Cheltenham hosted an Aug. 5 match that raised some $6,000 for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Mombasa, whose order works "to evangelize the people of God" through education and health care.
Philly saint a ‘disciple of the Eucharist,’ says pastor
Four years after her shrine's move to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, St. Katharine Drexel continues to be a "powerful reminder" of the Real Presence, prayer and service to others, said Father Dennis Gill.
Rosaries needed for agency serving vulnerable women
Catholic Social Services is calling for rosaries and messages of hope to encourage clients battling homelessness, addiction and mental illness -- and you can help.
Ukrainian POW attack shows some are ‘available to the devil’ for cruelty, says pastor
A July 29 strike that killed more than 50 captured Ukrainian soldiers reveals 'the devil also has a plan,' said Father Roman Pitula, rector of the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia.
People and Events
Catholic Foundation welcomes new CFO
James Moretti, a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jenkintown, brings more than 30 years of financial management experience to his new role.
Papal Foundation adds key members to team
Longtime Catholic development professionals Sharon Kucia and Ian Rangel will expand the organization's efforts to help the most vulnerable in the developing world.
World News
Ambassador says pope will visit Ukraine before Kazakhstan trip
After an Aug. 6 meeting with Pope Francis, Andrii Yurash, Ukraine's ambassador to the Holy See, said the people of Ukraine "have been waiting for the pope" since the start of the war.
At least 12 dead as bus carrying Polish pilgrims crashes in Croatia
The Aug. 6 accident also seriously injured at least 30 members of the group, who were en route to the Marian shrine at Medjugorje.
Pope advances sainthood causes, including priest killed in Ukraine
With decrees signed by Pope Francis Aug. 5, one woman and five men have moved closer to canonization, including Father Péter Oros, who was shot by Soviet police at the height of the Cold War in Ukraine.
Catholic radio stations ordered closed, parish raided in Nicaragua
As the nation's Sandinista regime continues its attacks on the Catholic Church, officials from the Diocese of Matagalpa say they are "restrained, but with inner strength and with joy and peace in the Lord."
National News
Asylum-seekers will be allowed in as DHS ends ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy
In an Aug. 8 announcement, the agency said it looked to a "a quick and orderly" halt of a policy that has kept asylum-seekers out of the country while they await immigration court hearings.
Fraternal order honors Ukrainian Knight for leading war relief efforts
Youriy Maletskiy, who received the St. Michael Award at the Aug. 2-4 Knights of Columbus convention, was lauded for being "an instrument of hope" amid Russian's invasion of Ukraine, which has killed thousands and displaced millions.
Our Sunday Visitor names Gretchen R. Crowe as editor-in-chief of OSV News
The longtime Catholic journalist said the new media outlet, launching Jan. 1, will "share information, spread the Gospel and promote the common good."
Sports
New lacrosse coaches up the game for St. Joe’s Prep, O’Hara
Mark Princehorn and Jen Armstrong are ready to take their teams to the next level this coming season.
Vin Scully, legendary Dodgers announcer and lifelong Catholic, dies at 94
The sports broadcasting icon, who died Aug. 2, said his career had been "an extraordinary opportunity, and God has blessed me for doing it all these years."
Obituaries
Sister Barbara Ann Beck, spiritual director, dies at 83
A professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, she served extensively throughout the Camden and Allentown Dioceses, as well as in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Sister Margery Lowry, ministry co-founder, dies at 79
A member of the Sisters of Mercy, she helped establish Mercy Neighborhood Ministries to expand educational opportunities for children in North Philadelphia.
Commentaries
Summer stories of grace and giving in action
Throughout the area, the work of the Gospel is lived out in ministries made possible by supporters of the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, writes Sarah Hanley.
Spirituality
God gives the kingdom, and calls us to be good stewards
The great treasure that is the kingdom of God requires us to make Jesus' teachings a part of our daily lives, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.
Culture
Free for all: Movies from 1922 available online at no cost
Take a walk down memory lane with historic films -- including romances, dramas and horror flicks -- available online at no cost.
Calendar of Events
Dr. Alveda King to give pro-life talk at Delco parish
On Aug. 19, St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media will host the acclaimed author, speaker and niece of civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for a talk on preserving life and healing from loss.
Northeast Phila. parish hosts Fatima holy hour
Faithful are invited to pray for world peace and an end to the COVID-19 pandemic at an Aug. 13 gathering sponsored by the World Apostolate of Fatima.
Acclaimed organist performs benefit concert for Ukraine
Gail Archer will present works by contemporary Ukrainian composers at a Sept. 11 performance, with all proceeds supporting Caritas and the Little Servant Sisters as they minister to war victims.