Archbishop Pérez
Remarks by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on 2026 Liberty Medal for Pope Leo XIV
At a news conference Monday, March 16 in Philadelphia, the National Constitution Center announced that it is awarding Pope Leo XIV the 2026 Liberty Medal as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez offered the following remarks.
Local News
Pope Leo XIV to Receive Liberty Medal Marking America’s 250th Birthday
The Holy Father will greet the Philadelphia region virtually July 3 via livestream as he accepts the prestigious award acknowledging his work to promote religious liberty and freedom with dignity for people around the world.
St. Francis Xavier Parishioners Enjoy First St. Patrick’s Day Party in 7 Years
The parish in Philadelphia’s Fairmount neighborhood resumed a longtime tradition interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The party reunited former residents and welcomed young parishioners for music, dance, and fun.
South Philly Priest Named as Catholic Relief Services Global Fellow
In addition to serving at St. Monica Parish, Father Edward Town presents to local parishes and schools CRS’ life-saving work of helping the neediest around the world and here at home.
Commentaries
Group from Archdiocese Makes Case for Immigration Reform at U.S. Capitol
Dozens of pilgrims from the Philadelphia region traveled to Washington last week urging meaningful reform of immigration laws through advocacy and prayer, writes Matthew Gambino.
Hearts on Fire: Young Adults Encountering the Sacred in the Heart of Philadelphia
The retreat that Jesuit Father Patrick Nolan will lead March 21 at Old St. Joseph’s Church blends silence, solid preaching, shared meals, and fellowship. It’s a simple recipe to return to the Lord this Lent.

Photo features
Archbishop Confirms 30 Young Catholics at St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Jamison
Archbishop Nelson Pérez confirmed 30 young Catholics March 11 at the Bucks County Parish.
St. Colman Parish, Ardmore, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Archbishop Nelson Pérez confirmed 12 young Catholics March 8 at St. Colman Parish in Ardmore. See our photo gallery.
Spirituality
Gifted by the Light of Faith, We Keep the Firelight Strong at Lent
In the Gospel for this Sunday, Jesus heals the man born blind. As Msgr. Joseph Prior explains, the man sees the world as never before by the light of faith that guides us as well.
Vatican News
This Week: Middle East Conflict Rages On as Calls to Conscience Rise
CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of March 8, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Sports
Veteran Assistant Amanda Kirby Steps Into Head Coach Role at Holy Ghost Prep
A longtime assistant coach and respected educator steps into a new role as Holy Ghost Prep prepares for its first full season in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
Catholic Rivals Battle for District 1 Basketball Title for 3rd Straight Year
With the score tied and 40 seconds to go, Pope John Paul II went on an 8-0 run and prevailed over Bishop Shanahan for the district championship and a trip to the PIAA Class 4A state playoffs.

Calendar of Events
Renowned Irish Tenor to Perform Benefit Concert for IHM Sisters March 15
Join the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for a benefit concert featuring Irish tenor Mark Forrest in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Villa Maria House of Studies
Philly Pops Brass Ensemble to Bring Broadway Favorites to North Philly
The event celebrates the enduring spirit of Broadway and the power of live music in sacred spaces.
Delaware County Charismatic Communities to Host Healing Mass March 23
Join the Delaware County Charismatic Renewal for a Healing Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle March 23, with prayer teams available and all welcome.

Profile
Lauren Joyce Brings ‘Startup Energy’ to Missionary Hub in Phoenixville
The Chester County native leads the Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, where she sees the good work the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. She loves to build bold new ventures, evangelize those seeking connection, and build the flame of a relationship with Jesus.
Setting the World on Fire for Christ, at least in NE Philly, is Jeffrey Shields’ Goal
The Missionary Hub director at St. Matthew Parish in the city’s Mayfair section brings a creative missionary spirit and a lifetime of evangelization and ministry experience to his new role.

USCCB
Archbishop Coakley Welcomes Appointment of Archbishop Caccia as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
The Catholic Relief Services Collection Reveals Christ’s Love to Vulnerable at Home and Abroad
Hispanic Catholics
El encuentro profundo entre Jesús y la mujer samaritana – La Voz de Dios March 8, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Padre Wesly Tavares sobre el encuentro profundo entre Jesús y la mujer samaritana en el Evangelio de San Juan.

