Local News
Local Masses, march continue pro-life observance this year
With the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. moving online, area faithful are invited to join Archbishop Pérez and other pro-life leaders for Philadelphia-based events.
MLK’s dream is now our task to realize, says archbishop
During a Jan. 18 interfaith prayer service, Archbishop Nelson Pérez said slain civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision that must be fulfilled in order to "heal our land."
National News
Supreme Court justices criticize rush on 13 federal executions since summer
Although the Supreme Court, known for its deliberative processes, cleared the way for the execution of Dustin Higgs Jan. 15, two justices made clear dissents that called into question the speed of these decisions and the constitutionality of capital punishment.
Ohio cathedral vandalism suspect, police officer killed in volley of gunfire
Toledo Police Officer Brandon Stalker, 24, and suspect Christopher Harris, 27, exchanged gunfire near Toledo's Catholic cathedral. Stalker was shot and later died at a hospital, while Harris was shot by police after a standoff and died later. Bishop Daniel Thomas offered prayers and support for police.
Pope: King’s ‘vision of harmony, equality for all’ remains timely
With "social injustice, division and conflict" threatening the common good, people need to recommit to the vision of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Pope Francis wrote in a letter to the Rev. Bernice King, daughter of the slain civil rights leader.
Archbishop Perez's messages
On MLK Day, Archbishop Pérez forms Commission on Racial Healing
As Americans commemorate the life and ministry of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Archbishop Nelson Pérez has formed a diverse 15-member committee of local Catholics to root out racism and "build a beloved community."
Hispanic Catholics
El día de MLK, el Arzobispo Pérez forma la Comisión de Sanación Racial
Mientras los estadounidenses conmemoran la vida y el ministerio del Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., el Arzobispo Nelson Pérez ha formado un comité diverso de 15 miembros de Católicos locales para erradicar el racismo y "construir una comunidad querida."
World News
‘For the love of God, send us oxygen,’ plead bishops in Brazil’s Amazon
During this second wave of COVID-19 in the Amazon region, people are dying not only because of overcrowded hospitals but from a shortage of oxygen tanks. Bishops are watching "our sisters and brothers die of suffocation; a terrible death."
COVID-19 and ecumenism: Pandemic prompts prayer, action
Mutual charity and virtual ecumenical prayer among Christians have been good effects of the pandemic, highlighted in the 2021 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25.
Rome university reverses decision to honor Father Pavone
Father Frank Pavone, founder of Priests for Life, is a staunch supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump and had become controversial for his political rhetoric and for continuing tensions with his bishop.
Photo features
Diverse young adults’ group prays with archbishop at St. Cyprian Church
Archbishop Nelson Perez celebrated Mass with the Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees young adults and parishioners of the West Philadelphia parish Jan. 10.
St. Katharine’s, Wayne welcomes Archbishop Pérez
The archbishop celebrate the 5 p.m. vigil Mass on Saturday, Jan. 9, after which he greeted parishioners of the Delaware County parish and their pastor, Msgr. Hans Brouwers.
Commentaries
Ave atque vale, Father Gus
Father Eric Banecker offers a fond farewell to the departed Augustinian priest beloved by many priests and seminarians. He radiated the joy of the Gospel, even in the humblest of circumstances.
History’s greatest inaugural speeches
Elise Italiano Ureneck looks at the inauguration speeches of three presidents -- Washington, Lincoln and Kennedy -- and one of Jesus, calling us to renewal and the most important truth.
The church must go out
Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia writes that we must bring Christianity back to the streets, and through diverse participation, profoundly rethink humanity's toughest questions, a task which needs everyone's help.