Local News

Ancient oratory makes a comeback in students’ contest

Young students from the four Regina Academies in the Philadelphia Archdiocese competed in a contest reciting poetry, speeches and literature from memory in a way that would have made the Romans proud.

Cuban-born Catholic sees benefit of warming U.S.-Cuba relations

Local Catholic Jorge Fernandez remembers the oppression in his Cuban homeland, but he thinks it's time for engagement rather than isolation, which the visit of President Obama represents.

Rally at cathedral supports sisters’ religious freedom case

About 100 people prayed for relief of the federal contraceptive mandate on the Little Sisters of the Poor and other church organizations March 23 in Philadelphia, just as the Supreme Court was hearing the case.

Holy Week liturgies set for cathedral, parishes in archdiocese

The holiest days of the year are beginning in Catholic churches around the world. See our schedule of liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and what to expect at a parish near you.

Youth and young adults ready for Holy Week activities

Young Catholics in groups across the archdiocese are helping parishioners mark the sacred days before Easter.

Archbishop Chaput responds to Belgium attacks

The archbishop called for prayers for the people killed, injured, suffering and mourning "as a result of this act of evil," and he asked during Holy Week that God "bring peace to our troubled world."

Concert aims to help deepen seminarians’ spirituality

Lovers of classical music will get a treat April 9 at St. Charles Seminary as they "walk in the footsteps of Pope Francis" by enjoying a concert that will benefit the Spiritual Year program at the seminary.

Cultural Heritage Mass gathers 700 faithful from 30 ethnic groups

Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated the Mass at the cathedral March 19 for Catholics from a wide and growing number of backgrounds -- Lebanese were represented for the first time -- to share their Catholic faith.

Information Night helps men explore diaconate

Are you called to be a permanent deacon? To help answer to the question, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will present information on April 21 at St. Charles Seminary.

Pa. bishops urge prayers in HHS mandate case

The bishops of Pittsburgh and Erie are preparing for March 23 when the U.S. Supreme Court hears their appeal in a major religious liberty case. In Philadelphia, a prayer rally is also planned. See the texts of the special prayers.