Local News

Coronation fit for the queen of heaven at Doylestown shrine

The icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa, blessed by St. John Paul II, was crowned by two archbishops during a standing-room-only Aug. 25 Mass. The gathering focused on Mary's roles as mother, intercessor and model, while highlighting the strong faith of the Polish Catholic community.

Priest walks in saint’s footsteps in California mission country

Father Matthew Guckin took time recently to study the work and life of St. Junipero Serra, the greatest of the 18th century Franciscans who evangelized the native peoples of the West Coast.

When others would look to retire, IHM sister takes on new mission in Peru

After decades of service in the United States, Sister Marie Bernadette Taraschi will join her fellow sisters in Lima to teach English -- and to witness to the Gospel while deepening her own spirituality through an encounter with the poor.

At the mountaintop: Half-century of change in Phila. Archdiocese

When Archbishop John Krol arrived to lead the Church in Philadelphia in the early 1960s, he could not know he was seeing the peak of population, sacramental life and school enrollment, as historical figures show.

Half of Catholics attending Mass 28 years ago no longer do, figures show

CatholicPhilly.com analyzes the long-term trend of declining attendance at Mass in the Philadelphia Archdiocese since 1990, accelerated by the sexual abuse crisis and parish mergers in recent years.

Where does major push to evangelize the young begin? With a party

Anthem is hosting a celebration next month for Archbishop Chaput's 75th birthday, with an after party, all in hopes of attracting young adults. That effort is part of a broad leadership training and outreach.

Addiction ministry centers on the power of the Eucharist

While belief in the Real Presence has declined sharply among American Catholics, the Calix Society focuses on "the source and summit" of the faith as part of its recently expanded efforts to combat substance abuse.

Abbey Fest set to draw 5,000 for 6th annual concert, fun day

The festival featuring top Christian bands, Catholic prayer and fun for the family returns Saturday, Sept. 21 to Daylesford Abbey in Paoli -- see the artist lineup and more details.

Former priest arrested on sex abuse charges in Bucks Co.

Francis X. Trauger, who had been laicized in 2005, was arrested Sept. 3 on charges of sexually assaulting two boys in the mid-1990s and early 2000s at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Levittown.

Little Sisters’ joy in serving elderly poor persists for 150 years

The Little Sisters of the Poor marked their milestone with a Mass last week at the cathedral with Archbishop Chaput. They carry on the charism of their foundress at Holy Family Home, serving the old and lonely with love.