Local News

A holy history: Book tells story of Augustinian saints

“Hearts on Fire” by a local Augustinian priest offers short bios of canonized members of his order -- including a brother and sister -- plus saints in waiting including two Philadelphia men.

Four Phila. priests tour ministry for poor in Virgin Islands

Desperate poverty exists in the Diocese of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and four local parish pastors got an appreciation of the church's mission during a trip there March 19-21.

Drexel Hill concert bill looks to AbbeyFest, 6 months out

Some 500 fans of contemporary Christian worship music came out to Bonner and Prendergast High School last week for a concert ahead of this fall's sixth annual AbbeyFest at Daylesford Abbey, Paoli.

Cultural richness in archdiocese evident at Cathedral Mass

Thirty nations were represented with colorful banners and distinctive dress as Archbishop Chaput celebrated Mass March 23, thanking the people for their witness of faith and love of their culture.

With Courage, same-sex-attracted man tells redemption story

Genuine compassion, along with support from Courage International, can help everyone "begin the dialogue with love," said Karl Miller at St. Jude Parish, Chalfont.

Praying to Mary on North Philly’s mean streets

A dozen Catholics invoked Mary’s intercession March 16 on a street corner near St. Joan of Arc Church. They prayed the rosary in Spanish for the people of the poverty-plagued neighborhood.

Bridesburg parish welcomes relic of St. John Paul

St. John Cantius in Philadelphia, home to a vibrant Polish community, received a lock of the late saintly pontiff's hair March 16. Parish priests have been asked "to take the relic to those who are sick," said Father Joseph Zingaro.

Channel 6 to air new film on St. Katharine Drexel

"The Holy Heiress" will be shown Saturday evening, March 30. Experts recount the Philadelphia socialite's early life, later ministry, canonization and the installation of her new tomb and shrine at the cathedral.

Local pro-life group plans to host screening of ‘Unplanned’

Realizing that a woman can be old enough for an abortion but too young to see the new movie about it, a Generation Life organizer was inspired to host a showing of the film March 28 in Philadelphia.

Catholic student’s science project on pet disease goes national

Most students' projects go no further than their school, but Devyn Stek, 13, of St. Teresa of Calcutta in Limerick became the youngest person ever to present at a national gathering of scientists.