CatholicPhilly

Local News

Archbishop Pérez Announces New Clergy Assignments

New assignments have been announced for several priests and permanent deacons, with appointments taking effect between August and October 2025.

From Soil to Soul, Parish Gardens Grow Community, Compassion

From Northeast Philadelphia to Chester and Montgomery counties, parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are drawing parishioners and students to lend their hands toward growing food and friendship in their communities.

St. Matthew’s Young Adults Pack Venue to Learn of Hope

The young members of the parish in Conshohocken, Montgomery County welcomed Archbishop Nelson Pérez and Bishop Joseph Espaillat to Theology on Tap Tuesday, Aug. 26.

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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.

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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.

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Spirituality

Jesus Offers Gift of Life in Discipleship, Asks Our Commitment to It

The greatest gift, that of the Kingdom of God, is to be valued above one's possessions and relationships, Jesus teaches in this Sunday's Gospel. Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the demands of such a commitment, and the fruits it bears.

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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.

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Calendar of Events

Pilgrims of Hope: Archdiocesan Jubilee Journey to the Nation’s Shrine Oct. 28

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will journey to the the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., as part of the Jubilee Year ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ culminating with a 4 p.m. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

That Man Is You! 13-Week Fall Series Begins Sept. 13 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

The fall series features well-known teachers and motivational speakers to help men grow in faith, identify spiritual challenges, and engage in the battles of today.

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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.

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Vatican News

Pope Meets Israeli President, Discusses ‘Tragic’ Situation in Gaza

As Israeli military operations in Gaza continued, Pope Leo XIV met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican.

Salvation Comes from Being Strong Enough to Ask God for Help, Pope Says

The human longing for love is not a sign of weakness but demonstrates that no one is completely self-sufficient and that salvation comes from letting oneself be loved and assisted by God, Pope Leo XIV said.

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Obituaries

Sister Marie Carroll Isselmann, formerly Sister M. Edward Therese, IHM, dies at 84

Sister Marie Carroll Isselmann died in Chester County Hospital on August 19, 2025.

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Hispanic Catholics

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 […]

Misión Pastoral a Ghana de Arzobispo Pérez – La Voz de Dios August 24, 2025

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Arzobispo Nelson J. Pérez sobre su próxima misión pastoral a Ghana, que marcará su primera visita al continente africano.

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USCCB

On 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Faithful Encouraged to Renew Commitment to Racial Equality and Justice

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Calls for Special Collection for Humanitarian Relief and Pastoral Support in Gaza

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