CatholicPhilly

Local News

Faithful at MLK Jr. Service Share Hope for a ‘Beloved Community’

Archbishop Nelson Pérez and one of the first Black students at Girard College, plus interfaith leaders and choirs, joined a rousing day of prayer and reflection on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Archbishop Pérez Announces Clergy Changes

Announced Jan. 19, pastoral assignments span Havertown and Philadelphia, alongside a seminary leadership change, and one retirement.

Prayers, Collaboration Leading to Growth of Phoenixville Young Adults

In less densely populated towns, Catholic young adults seeking friendship can struggle to host group events consistently. When Lauren Pickell relied on prayer and the help of archdiocesan ministry leaders, her Chester County group gained traction.

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Photo features

Photos: Interfaith Community Gathers to Honor the Legacy of MLK Jr.

Faith leaders and community members gathered in North Philadelphia on Jan. 18 for an interfaith prayer service honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Profile

Missionary Hub Director Brings His Faith Journey Home to Chester

Joshua Bean was raised in the Delaware County as a devout Protestant. Since his January 2025 entry into the Catholic Church, he views his new role of missionary leadership with his neighbors as “orchestrated” by God.

From Rice Pudding to Renewal, Corona Finds Calling to Missionary Discipleship

Rooted in years of ministry, personal conversion, and a passion for evangelization, Nina Marie Corona steps into her new Missionary HUB role ready to meet people in their need and guide them back to God.

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Spirituality

Jesus’ Baptism Reminds Us to Give Thanks for God’s Gifts

Life and love are not earned by us, nor do we take them, but we receive these good gifts from God with gratitude, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. By our baptism, we share in the divine life.

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Calendar of Events

Seminary to Host 2026 Cardinal Foley Lecture on Media and Papacy

Dominican Father Patrick Mary Briscoe, a popular podcast host and noted preacher, will offer the annual lecture on Monday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Julia Ball Auditorium at Gwynedd Mercy University.

18th Annual Man Up Philly Men’s Conference Set for Feb. 28

Men across the Philadelphia region are invited to gather for the men's spirituality conference at Cardinal O’Hara High School. The annual event features a strong lineup of speakers and entertainers, plus Mass with Archbishop Perez.

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Commentaries

The ‘Little Way’ of St. Therese Endures as her Centennial Begins

100 years after the young French saint’s canonization, writer Brianna Dauby sees in a relative’s death that signs of hope, the way of holiness, and God’s graces continue today.

Jesus Delights in the Gift of Our Broken Heart, Which He Can Heal

What can we give to our newborn Savior? Writer Mark Griswold suggests we offer all that we have, our very heart, battered as it may be.

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Vatican News

This week: Pope Leo Encourages Parish Catechist, Lauds Free Press, Prays for Common Good

CatholicPhilly presents a weekly roundup of international news from Vatican News, the official news portal of the Holy See. The following report on the week of Jan. 12, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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USCCB

Administration’s Regulatory Change is a Truly Significant Step to Support Essential Religious Services in the United States

MEDIA ADVISORY: National Prayer Vigil for Life on January 22

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Hispanic Catholics

Volver a lo Esencial en la Vida de Fe – La Voz de Dios Jan. 18, 2026

En este programa especial, volvemos a escuchar una conversación que sigue siendo profundamente relevante hoy: una invitación a regresar a lo esencial permaneciendo en Cristo en medio de los desafíos y las bendiciones de la vida cotidiana.

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Obituaries

Reverend John J. Sibel

Reverend John J. Sibel, retired, resident, Villa Saint Joseph, Darby, died on Friday, January 2, 2026.

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