CatholicPhilly – News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Archbishop Perez's messages

Archbishop Pérez Issues Statement on Killing of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, DC

In a May 23 statement, Archbishop Pérez expressed sorrow over the May 21 fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy officials in Washington, DC, offering prayers and urging peace and unity amid the tragedy.

Local News

Graduation Dates Announced for 15 Archdiocesan Catholic High Schools

Graduation season is underway—here’s when Catholic high schools across the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia will hold their Baccalaureate Masses and Commencement Exercises.

Annie’s Home Begins New Ministry to Empower Pregnant Women in Crisis

The Northeast Philadelphia residential program not only offers housing and basic needs, but education and empowerment for young mothers.

Father Mike Schmitz Unpacks Jesus’ Parables via Laughter, Tears in Philadelphia

In his talk May 20 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, the host of the “Bible in a Year” podcast moved a packed audience closer to Christ's heart through the power of stories.

Five Men Ordained Priests for Service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Through the sacrament of holy orders received May 17, the priests begin their new mission to serve for the good of souls in the Philadelphia region.

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Commentaries

Goodness, Truth, Beauty Remain Amid Year of Changes at Seminary

Bishop Keith Chylinski reflects upon St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s move to its new campus, his own time as its rector, and the endurance of God’s abundant grace.

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Photo features

St. John Vianney, Gladwyne, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation

Young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Pérez as he celebrated Mass May 21 at the Montgomery County parish.

Across the Aisles: Assumption B.V.M. Church, Feasterville

Young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Pérez as he celebrated Mass May 18 at the Bucks County parish.

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Spirituality

Peace Jesus Gives Isn’t Far Away, But Within

Jesus brings the gift of peace himself as he dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, Msgr. Joseph Prior explains. For this reason, the Lord tells us to "not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”

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People and Events

Andrea Ciliberti Named New Principal at Bonner & Prendie HS

Andrea Ciliberti will lead the archdiocesan high school in Drexel Hill effective June 16.

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Sports

PCL Flag Football, Lacrosse Teams Eagerly Eyeing State Titles

In the second-ever girls’ flag football Catholic League championship, Lansdale Catholic prevailed. The girls’ and boys’ lacrosse champs are heading to the PIAA playoffs.

Izzie Baron, ‘Glue’ of Her Softball Team, Sticks Close to Family, Faith

The Archbishop Ryan standout reflects on the strong ties of her beloved family, teammates, and Catholic faith as her high school playing days wind down, and her future as a caregiver nears.

As Spring Season Closes, Many PCL Teams Remain in Playoff Hunt

In Catholic League baseball, softball and girls’ and boys’ lacrosse, the cool weather gives way to a heated final week of the regular season, with typical drama heading into the postseason.

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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.

Catholic Couple Nearly Gave Up on Faith – Now They Build It for Teens

From near-divorce to renewed vows, Natalie and Gio Morales rebuilt their marriage through faith. Now they use that same honesty and hope to lead the Church’s next generation.

Dan Tarrant Brings God to the World Through Catholic Filmmaking

The resident of Warminster, Bucks County brings a Jesus-centered approach to his art through which he shares stories of God’s relationship with people on the margins of society.

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Vatican News

Pope Appoints Religious Sister Secretary of Dicastery for Religious

In his first appointment of a top-level official of the Roman Curia, Pope Leo XIV named Sister Tiziana Merletti, a canon lawyer, to be secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Pope Advances Sainthood Cause of Missionaries Killed Trying to Save Indigenous

Pope Leo XIV has advanced the sainthood causes of two missionaries whose murders in the Amazon jungle in Ecuador led to the protection of remote Indigenous peoples from encroaching extractive industries.

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Calendar of Events

NPM On the Road: Inspiring Pastoral Musicians in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians invites liturgical leaders and musicians to a dynamic two-day conference August 6-7 featuring workshops, sacred music, and community-building opportunities.

Silent Directed Retreat: “Come and Rest Awhile” at Mother Boniface Spirituality Center

A weeklong silent retreat in July in Northeast Philadelphia invites participants to rest, reflect, and renew their relationship with God through prayer, daily Mass, and spiritual direction.

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Hispanic Catholics

La Voz de Dios May 18, 2025

Esta semana en La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela Núñez conversa con Leslie Dávila, Directora de la Oficina para la Protección del Menor, y Marisally Santiago, Directora del Ministerio de Jóvenes y Adolescentes, ambas de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia.

La Voz de Dios May 11, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, celebramos dos regalos de Dios: la elección de un nuevo Papa y la espera gozosa de una nueva vida.

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USCCB

Bishops Encourage Young People to Lead the Way as “Catalysts of Hope” in Care for Our Common Home

Protecting Pregnant Mothers and their Children Can Never be Considered “Obsolete”

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