News
Masses suspended in Philadelphia Archdiocese due to pandemic
Archbishop Nelson Perez announced that public Masses will cease in all Catholic parishes in the archdiocese beginning March 18 at 12 noon. Churches will stay open for private prayer, where people should maintain social distance.
Epiphany Parish hosts Shroud of Turin replica, prays on Jesus’ sacrifice
The South Philadelphia parish displayed a replica of the cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus, on loan from the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia, as an aid to Lenten devotion.
St. Eleanor parishioners honor the Blessed Mother in Lenten series
Nearly 200 people gathered March 9 at the Collegeville parish to begin a journey with Mary on the first night of a Lenten triduum to pray and reflect on Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
Masses on TV, social media provide alternatives to closed church doors
In pandemic-unnerved America, we're all shut-ins now. There are many ways to watch Mass in communities where public Masses have been halted in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite coronavirus, faithful turn out for Sunday Mass
Although excused from the Sunday obligation due to the pandemic, young and old were in the pews over the weekend, many drawn by the Real Presence in the Eucharist.
Summit held to address church’s ‘twin crises’ of abuse, leadership failure
The Catholic Partnership Summit drew 260 Catholic leaders from 63 U.S. dioceses, including bishops, diocesan staff, university presidents, corporate leaders, abuse survivors and more than 30 young adults.
Amid pandemic, half of U.S. seminarians in Rome go home
At the Pontifical North American College near the Vatican, 92 seminarians remained of the 192 enrolled this year. Universities in Rome closed March 5, and Italy began a nationwide lockdown March 10.
Priest in Diocese of Yakima hospitalized with coronavirus
A 48-year-old parish pastor is being treated for pneumonia caused by the virus. He had a high fever two weeks after returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and received a positive diagnosis after a third test.
Public Mass ban in Italy leads to new focus on ‘spiritual Communion’
The practice of inviting Jesus into one's heart and soul when receiving the actual Eucharist isn't possible is part of Catholic tradition -- and necessary where Catholic Mass is not offered regularly.
Sister Marie St. Anne, I.H.M., dies at 90
The former Mary Ellen McClung served as an Immaculate Heart of Mary sister for 70 years, mostly teaching in grade schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.