Local News

Students develop ways for blockchain to ease poverty locally

A "hackathon" among 50 Villanova students from multiple disciplines studied how to use the emerging digital transaction technology to address poverty in concrete ways, such as credit management.

HUD secretary tours archdiocesan senior living facility

Ben Carson, who directs the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, visited Nativity B.V.M. Place on Nov. 22. Located in the city's Port Richmond section, the residence, one of five in the Archdiocese, provides affordable housing for older adults.

Long-whispered racism endured by nuns revealed by researcher

Shannen Dee Williams, in her Nov. 16 Black Catholic History Month presentation, exposed the racial prejudice that African American religious sisters faced in their ministries since the 19th century.

Homeless ministry marks third annual World Day of the Poor

Some 60 clients and supporters gathered on Nov. 18 at St. John's Hospice, an archdiocesan outreach that provides more than 300 hot meals each weekday, to reflect on how the disadvantaged offer an encounter with Christ himself.

Sex abuse crisis can lead to conversion church needs, theologian says

A Boston College professor told participants at a Villanova conference that the abuse crisis is an impetus toward reform. The church must listen to survivors and seek change as she discerns God’s will.

A Catholic school first: 6 Neumann scholars named in Media

Six of the eighth graders at St. Mary Magdalen School have won the prestigious four-year Catholic high school scholarship, the most from any one school in the history of the Connelly Foundation's program.

Pope accepts resignation of Ukrainian bishop in Phila.

UPDATED - Auxiliary Bishop John Bura of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is 75, the age at which canon law requires bishops to submit a letter of resignation.

Couple donates Radnor mansion to train Augustinian friars

James and Mary Colleran donated their a 10,000-square foot family home to the Villanova-based order as the new house for novices beginning their formation from all across the United States.

Parish program helps seniors stay healthy at home

An archdiocesan program has become a national model by partnering with 11 local parishes to provide independent older adults with much-needed services, as the nation faces a "tsunami of aging."

Wayne-based executive named to national Catholic council

Daniel Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute which trains leaders among bishops, clergy and laity around the country, has been named to a mostly lay-led advisory council to the U.S. bishops.