Local News

Pilgrims and soldiers make their way to Phila. for papal events

As pilgrims from the Diocese of Erie drove across Pennsylvania Monday, Sept. 21 they met personnel of the Pennsylvania National Guard at a turnpike stop, also bound for Philadelphia.

Sisters make communion hosts, but pray full time

The Poor Clare nuns in Langhorne are baking altar breads for the papal Masses in Philadelphia. But their main work is prayer, especially for the World Meeting of Families.

Pope’s use of Spanish may say something deeper

Pope Francis is expected to deliver speeches mostly in his native language during his visit to America. The mix of Spanish and English will be familiar to many of his listeners.

Local parishioner will conduct choirs for papal Masses in Phila.

David Kimock, music director at St. Andrew Parish in Newtown, will lead a 100-voice choir and a 500-voice choir for Masses celebrated by Pope Francis Sept. 26 and 27. Kimock will be accompanied by St. Andrew's organist.

Thanks to financial aid, 480 more couples to attend World Meeting

The World Meeting of Families provided scholarships to help poorer families from around the globe and the U.S. to participate in the congress that begins this week in Philadelphia.

Pope Francis personally invites you to join him

The pope recorded a video encouraging everyone to come to Philadelphia for his visit next weekend, Saturday, Sept. 26 to Sunday, Sept. 27. Watch the video, and read reaction to it from Archbishop Charles Chaput.

Pilgrims heading to Neumann U by bus and on foot for papal events

Franciscan hospitality, including hot showers, will be offered at the Aston campus to pilgrims from other Franciscan colleges and diocesan groups.

The pope and ‘the queen’ will lift souls at festival

Aretha Franklin, the "queen of soul," will belt out quintessentially American music with a slate of entertainers before Pope Francis at the Festival of Families in Philadelphia.

Tickets for parishioners begin arriving at parishes

Representatives of archdiocesan parishes stopped into the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center Monday, Sept. 14 to pick up tickets to public papal events.

Shocker at Mass: Family learns they’re going to meet the pope

The Bowes family of St. Christopher Parish in Northeast Philadelphia was surprised learn at Sunday Mass that they’ve been chosen to greet Pope Francis when he arrives in the city Sept. 26.