Local News

The Martyr of Denver?
Father speaks in Phila. of son who laid down his life for friends

Kendrick Castillo died shielding his classmates during a school shooting in May. Ukrainian Archbishop Borys Gudziak believes the boy should be beatified, and invited his father and mother to speak here about their son.

After second abuse allegation, priest found unsuitable for ministry

Msgr. Joseph Logrip, 74, had been cleared of an allegation of child sexual abuse in 2011 but he was permanently suspended Dec. 8 after another more recent allegation was found to be credible.

Santa makes lunch stop in NE Philly

The Claus couple delighted some 30 clients of archdiocesan Catholic Social Services with a Dec. 6 appearance at a Christmas party for busy parents and their kids.

300 women share true meaning of Advent at St. Elizabeth Parish

The parish in Chester Springs hosted the "Advent by Candlelight" event Wednesday evening, Dec. 4 for women to socialize, reflect on two talks and pray together before the Christmas rush begins.

St. Charles Seminary hosts Ukrainian-rite liturgy

Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak celebrated an elaborate Divine Liturgy Nov. 20 in St. Martin's Chapel. The head of Byzantine Ukrainian Catholics in the region urged seminarians to "serve where the need is greatest."

New South Philly center keeps senior visitors spry

Dedicated on Dec. 5, the archdiocesan facility at St. Edmond Church will offer meals, benefits counseling, exercise equipment and "a flat-out good time" to some 100 older adults a day.

Pa. governor vetoes Down syndrome abortion bill

Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a bill that would prohibit abortion based solely on a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome drew condemnation from the head of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.

Marian feast not a holy day this year, but go to Mass anyway

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception has been moved to Monday, Dec. 9. While attending Mass that day isn't an obligation, honoring Mary offers “the antidote for a dissatisfied life.”

St. Rita Shrine grateful for $50,000 donation

The St. Alfio Society of Pennsylvania gifted the national shrine in South Philadelphia Nov. 25 to aid its mission to help "make the world a better, safer, and more peaceful place.” 

Christmas cards provide hope for the hungry

With handcrafted artwork and heartfelt greetings, archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services affirms the reason for the season, while raising funds for the agency's food cupboards.