Local News
Conference offers men opportunity to re-energize their spiritual lives
The fourth annual Men’s Spirituality Conference, held March 3 at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia, broke its own tradition by featuring a woman for the day’s keynote address. It was an extraordinary step, but Immaculee Ilibagiza was an extraordinary speaker. In 1994, during 100 terrible days, Hutu rebels massacred 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda, […]
Rally for religious freedom at Independence Hall
Philadelphia Catholics and pro-life supporters will gather at a Rally for Religious Freedom to voice their concerns regarding the HHS Mandate which Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has called, “flawed and dangerous.” Friday, March 23, 2012 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Independence Hall, 500 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia On January 20, the U.S. Department of […]
Former archdiocesan CFO arrested for embezzlement, most losses recovered or insured
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s former chief financial officer, Anita Guzzardi, was arrested after turning herself in to Philadelphia detectives March 13. Guzzardi, 42, was charged with five counts mostly of theft stemming from her alleged embezzlement of more than $900,000 in archdiocesan funds from 2005 to summer of 2011, according to a press release from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Reverend Louis C. Bier placed on administrative leave
Father Louis C. Bier, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Springfield, Delaware County, has been placed on administrative leave by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, according to a statement by the archdiocesan Office for Communications March 12. The action came in response to concerns regarding Father Bier’s current suitability for ministry. The concerns are […]
More than 1,000 men gather to grow in their faith, spirituality
The fourth annual Men’s Spirituality Conference, held March 3 at Archbishop Ryan High School in Northeast Philadelphia, broke its own tradition by featuring a woman for the day’s keynote address. It was an extraordinary step, but Immaculee Ilibagiza was an extraordinary speaker. In 1994, during 100 terrible days, Hutu rebels massacred 800,000 Tutsis in Rwanda, […]
Montco coroner releases report on Cardinal Bevilacqua’s death
Suspicion surrounding the death of Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, former Archbishop of Philadelphia, has been laid to rest. He died of natural causes Jan. 31 at St. Charles Seminary in Wynnewood, according to Montgomery County Coroner Walter I. Hofman. “Elderly people with pre-existent natural disease often die quite suddenly,” Hofman said March 8 at press conference […]
Mary Mother of Captives support group helps families of prisoners
Her name is Maryann and she doesn’t want her last name published. She is a 12-year survivor of breast cancer. She also has a son who is 25. He is in prison serving a term of two to five years. Maryann, 60, attends regular support group meetings for her breast cancer. She also has started […]
Meet Paul Gleason Sr., the longest serving Knight in the world
To live to be a centenarian is certainly a distinction. To discover that you are the longest serving member of the 1.8 million Knights of Columbus in the entire world is quite another. That would be Paul J. Gleason Sr., who is a member of Phoenixville Council #1374 whose singular longevity in the Catholic men’s […]
Archdiocese issues statement on Father McCormick
At approximately 5 p.m. Friday, March 2, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia learned that Father Patrick G. McCormick was arrested Feb. 23 and charged with patronizing a prostitute, according to a statement by the archdiocesan Communications Office. “This information is deeply troubling,” the statement said. It explained that Father McCormick informed the Archdiocese on Feb. 24 that he had […]
Bishop DeSimone celebrates 90th birthday at St. Monica Parish
It was a full church for the Saturday vigil Mass at St. Monica Church in South Philadelphia on Feb. 18 when retired Auxiliary Bishop Louis A. DeSimone returned as the parish honored him for his 90th birthday on Feb. 21. Bishop DeSimone, who was pastor of St. Monica’s for a quarter century before his retirement, […]