Local News
Hundreds pack cathedral for Mass with family focus
The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul was standing-room-only Sunday night for Archbishop Chaput’s Mass to start Advent. He also blessed images of the Holy Family for worshipers, and the official hymn of the World Meeting of Families was sung for the first time -- hear the hymn and see the lyrics.
Sisters’ motto: When giving, keep it simple and keep it quiet
Two daughters of the philanthropists who started the Connelly Foundation, which they now run, accepted the prestigious Barry Award recently. The recognition was out of character for them and their family, but it gave them a way to honor their parents and the work of supporting worthy causes.
World economy is built on trust; break it, and all are harmed, says Jesuit
Reflecting on the global financial crisis of 2006-2010 and the Catholic Church's efforts to "promote the common good of society," Father Drew Christiansen advocated for an "economy of grace" during a recent talk at Villanova University.
New senior facility in Port Richmond gets started with blessing
Nativity B.V.M. Place will transform from a closed Catholic school into an assisted living facility so elderly residents can continue living in their community. The project was blessed by Bishop John McIntyre with archdiocesan officials, civic leaders and area residents.
Back from Rome, archbishop looks toward pope’s visit to Philadelphia
Archbishop Charles Chaput is back from Rome where he caught a glimpse of the discussions that promise to take place at the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. The congress and visit by Pope Francis, he said, "could be the rebirth of the archdiocese."
Archbishop to celebrate Mass for start of Advent, with family theme
All families coming to the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul this Sunday, Nov. 30, will receive a replica of the 2015 World Meeting of Families icon to be blessed by Archbishop Chaput. The official hymn for the World Meeting will also debut.
In Philadelphia, married priests and wives find respect and acceptance
The Vatican's recent lifting of a ban on ordaining married men as priests in the Eastern Catholic rites in the U.S. just formalized a process that had already been in practice, said Ukrainian Catholic Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Philadelphia.
Pope Francis will visit two archdioceses in Philadelphia
Archbishop Stefan Soroka of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia hopes the pope will visit the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which he calls "one of the best kept secrets in Philadelphia."
Our Lady of Guadalupe to be honored in special vigil Mass
The vigil Mass will be celebrated Dec. 11 by Archbishop Charles Chaput at the cathedral and will be preceded by a procession from several churches in Philadelphia that have large Hispanic ministries.
New head of Hispanic Catholic ministry seeks diversity and unity in church
Kathia Arango, the new director of the archdiocesan Office for Hispanic Catholics, comes to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at an exciting time when Hispanic ministry is growing every year. She wants to help Latinos express their common Catholic faith in their language and with their distinctive cultural traditions.