Local News
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.
Black Catholics celebrate faith and service in Philadelphia
At the annual banquet of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, the African-American Catholic men and women in the archdiocese honored many people making contributions to the community. They also awarded scholarships to Black Catholic students.
Parish’s talks on suicide give young and old pause for thought
St. Peter Parish in West Brandywine hosted a speaker Nov. 16 for two presentations – one for youths and one for adults – on suicide and how to reach out and prevent it before it occurs.
‘Thrilled’ at news of papal visit, Philadelphia Catholics are thinking big
A day after the historic announcement of Pope Francis’ intention to visit Philadelphia next September, the reality of the challenges and joys of the event is sinking in for planners, civic officials and ordinary Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Catholics eager to enjoy family and papal events next year
Perhaps it should be expected, but worshipers at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul were universally enthusiastic as they reacted to the news that Pope Francis will visit Philadelphia next September.