Archbishop Perez's messages
Archbishop Pérez Congratulates Fr. Joseph Farrell on Election to Lead Augustinian Order
Archbishop Pérez issued the following congratulatory statement regarding Father Joseph Farrell’s election as the next Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine.
Local News
Pilgrimage of Prayer Honors Paraplegic Priest’s Path to Sainthood
The fourth annual Father Bill Atkinson Pilgrimage begins Sept. 25 with prayers of intercession to the late Augustinian priest and a four-mile procession from Villanova to Strafford.
AbbeyFest to Bring Christian Music to Generation Hungry for Hope
The 11th annual festival of music and faith is coming to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown, Bucks County on Saturday, Sept. 20. The day-long festivities feature seven artists and Mass with Archbishop Pérez.
Archbishop Pérez and EWTN’s Montse Alvarado Meet Pope Leo XIV to Discuss NCYC Youth Encounter
The Holy Father granted them a private audience in Rome on Sept. 6 centered on the Holy Father’s upcoming digital encounter this November with American teens at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis.

Photo features
Mass of the Holy Spirit Marks 194th Year at St. Charles Seminary
Archbishop Pérez celebrated the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Sept. 2, marking the start of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s 194th year of formation, with new faculty and staff making their Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity and seminarians receiving the traditional blessing.
Archbishop, Youth Delegation Witness Church’s Work in Ghana
In August, young Catholic leaders joined Archbishop Nelson Pérez on a CRS-led synodal trip to witness the Church’s mission of justice and human development in West Africa. See our photo gallery.
Young Adults Fill Conshohocken Ballroom for Theology on Tap
See scenes from the Aug. 26 Theology on Tap event in Conshohocken featuring Archbishop Pérez and Bishop Espaillat.
Faces of Hope
Meet the Faces of Hope
A new video and storytelling series that shines a light on the inspiring ways everyday Catholics across the Philadelphia region are putting their faith into action. Discover their stories, share their hope.
Why One High School Senior Became Catholic: ‘Everything Is Rooted in Love’
At 10, Tai lost his mom. At 18, he found a home in the Catholic Church. He’s now helping lead a youth group where dozens of teens choose faith together.
Miss Patricia Fled a War; Then She Built a Life of Profound Compassion
When Patricia Wahblo came to the U.S. as a refugee in 2000, Catholic Charities of Philadelphia welcomed her. She pays it forward every day, offering care and love to residents at Divine Providence Village.
Spirituality
How Do We Know Jesus Loves Us? We Look to His Cross
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the paradox of how the instrument of cruelest torture and death becomes a witness to love and life. Always the cross is a reminder of God’s love.

Commentaries
Portugal Gives Glimpse of a Reviving Church
On a trip with his wife, Guy Ciarrocchi sees a country with a vibrant, deep-rooted Catholic faith – universal and yet culturally distinct. Despite reports of a fading Catholic Church in Europe, it appears alive and well.
Calendar of Events
The Philo Set to Honor Connelly Foundation Nov. 12
Join the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute in honoring the Connelly Foundation with the 61st Sourin Award.
Camilla Hall Oktoberfest and Craft Fair Returns Oct. 4
Enjoy crafts, games, food, and more at Camilla Hall Oktoberfest and Craft Fair. Proceeds support the IHM Sisters’ convent and care center.
Profile
West Catholic’s Girls Learning Football Via Hard Work, Faith
“Seeing the face of Jesus in everybody” has been a lifelong calling for social worker and educator Katie Kavanaugh, who leads her fledgling flag football team at the archdiocesan high school.
Inspired by Jesus, Case Worker Cares for Children with Intellectual and Development Disabilities with Dignity, Integrity
Kimberly Cowley passionately advocates for the dignity and empowerment of children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities at St. Edmond’s Home for Children.
Driven by Prayer, Social Worker Leaves Retirement to Enrich Lives of Area Seniors
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Chris Minnick works to stabilize and enrich the lives of seniors in need, aged 60 and over.
Childhood Experiences Inspired Career Dedicated to Helping Other Families Experiencing Homelessness
Shawna Murray, whose own childhood experience inspired her dedicated career at Visitation Homes in North Philadelphia, helps at-risk families overcome barriers and find stability.

Vatican News
Crying Out to God Can be Sign of Hope, Not Crisis of Faith, Pope Says
Crying out to God during moments of extreme trial does not mark a crisis of faith but can reflect an act of total surrender to and enduring trust in God, Pope Leo XIV said.
Pope: Church Needs to Promote Greater Study, Understanding of Mary
The Catholic Church needs the theological study and model of Mary, Pope Leo XIV said, calling for a great promotion of Mariology in parishes, religious life and educational centers.
Obituaries
Sister Marie Hubert Kealy, IHM, dies at 89
Sister Marie Hubert Kealy died in Camilla Hall on August 21, 2025 in the 70th year of her religious life.

Hispanic Catholics
Damaris Thillet, Pilar en la Liturgia Hispana – La Voz de Dios September 7, 2025
En este Mes de la Herencia Hispana, celebramos con gratitud la vida y el servicio de Damaris Thillet, una mujer cuya voz ha marcado la fe de nuestra comunidad por más de cuatro décadas.
Padre Pío – La Voz de Dios August 31, 2025
En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez nos invita a descubrir la vida y espiritualidad de San Pío de Pietrelcina, mejor conocido como Padre Pío. A través de su testimonio de oración, sufrimiento ofrecido a Dios y amor profundo por la Eucaristía, aprendemos cómo su mensaje sigue transformando corazones hoy. También […]