Profile
Childhood dream of priesthood wavered but never waned
Alexander Pancoast's thoughts of becoming a priest arose at an early age. Even after a teenage crisis of faith, he overcame doubts and fears, leading to his upcoming May 18 ordination as a priest for Philadelphia.
Love of family, influence of priests leads him to ordination
David O'Brien, one of seven children from a close family at St. Peter Parish in West Brandywine, found in his boyhood pastor and high school campus minister models of a joyful priesthood he will join May 18.
He’s young and ready to bring people to God
Alessandro Giardini entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary right out of Bishop Shanahan High with the intention to let his friends "know God and how much he loves them.” Learn about the young man to be ordained priest on May 18.
Our man from Assisi: Road to priesthood brings him to Phila.
Deacon Francesco D'Amico wanted to be a pro soccer player in his native Italy until an injury, and the Neocatchumenal Way, changed his course. Now he prepares for ordination for the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Sean McMenamin keeps Irish roots firmly in Philly soil
The grand marshal of Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day parade and Cheltenham resident came to the U.S. in 1966 seeking better prospects for work. The Irish people, he said, "are survivors. That is in our DNA.”
Teaching teens the value of life is her life’s work
Martha Short received the top award from Pennsylvanians for Human Life Feb. 24 for her work leading the educational organization for 20 years, a role she practically inherited from her pro-life parents.
Couple’s key to 50 married years is personal bond with Christ
From hosting rosary groups and faith-sharing groups in their home to leading courses on marriage and parenting, Michele and John Doman of Visitation Parish in Norristown focus on a personal relationship with God and growing in fellowship with his followers.
Not seeking religious life, Sister Alice heard the call in the classroom
Growing up in Fishtown and hanging out with friends, she assumed she'd be a wife and mother. But as a lay teacher she felt a vocation, and now Sister Alice Gray has served for 50 years, 35 as a DRE.
National awardee sees rewards of teaching every day
Fifty years ago Margaret Egan began her career teaching in Catholic schools, and led SS. Peter and Paul School from its start. “The joys outweigh the sorrows" because she can make a difference in students' lives.
Young pro-life leader makes time for prayer, witness at UPenn
Standing up for the sanctity of life at a large secular university takes courage. Junior nursing major Theresa Dierkes of Drexel Hill is undaunted in her commitment of joining prayer and action for life.