Profile
Young woman makes music as ‘a way that I please God’
The three highest priorities for Angela Alquiros, 16, are God, family and music, and she is happy to combine all three as an accomplished pianist, choir member and soloist at Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, Plymouth Meeting.
The cultivation of a new religious vocation
Like a seed planted and watered by encouragement, a young Northeast Philadelphia woman has professed her religious vows. Sister Maria Sophia Gerlach reflects on her decades-long journey to following God's call. (Watch our video of the ceremony.)
It’s still a wonderful life after 78 years of ministry
Holy Child Sister Eleanor Carbin, 96, is one of the longest serving religious women in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Her vocation, with ministry in Philadelphia, Africa and Europe, offers “hundred-fold rewards every day.”
Angelini breathes life of prayer and music into Cathedral liturgies
One of the special joys of liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in recent years has been the beautiful soprano voice of cantor Charlene Angelini. Her training and faith equip her well for her new role as musical director.
A living link to black Catholic history, parishioner leads the way into future
“Mother” Alma Bailey, 91, grew up in the segregated South before becoming Catholic in 1949 after serving as a nurse in WWII at Tuskegee. Today at B.V.M. Parish in Darby, she raises funds and welcomes new African arrivals.
Pro-life Democratic governor’s family, Catholic faith motivate his politics
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards received an award July 27 named for former Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey, once derided by national Democrats. “I am a proud Democrat and very proudly pro-life,” Edwards said in Philadelphia.
Archdiocese’s new youth ministry leaders are Franciscan U grads
Read about the life journeys of Jacob King and Megan Mastroianni, respectively director and associate director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Though both born Catholic, they drifted away but came back as faithful young adults.
By caring for foster child, Phila. couple is making the world a better place
Mike and Nicole Darrah of Northeast Philadelphia are raising a boy through Catholic Social Services' foster care program. The baby doesn't know his situation, only that the Darrahs love him, "and that puts a smile on (his) face.”
After 25 years, pastor loves parish ministry — and it shows
Father Louis Bellopede loves serving the people of his parish, St. Mary's in Schwenksville, in all the moments of their life. "I love the priesthood. I enjoy getting up every day," he said, "and doing it all over again.”
He helps Vietnamese navigate the strange new land of America
Chinh Dinh has been helping new arrivals from his Vietnam homeland resettle in the Philadelphia region for more than 30 years from his base at the Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia, which recently honored him.