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.
Missionary Discipleship Classes Aim to Train Catholics as Evangelizers
Getting Catholics comfortable with sharing their faith freely with others – especially in Missionary Hubs – is the goal of a 10-part series this spring.
Archbishop Pérez Announces Clergy Changes
Announced Jan. 19, pastoral assignments span Havertown and Philadelphia, alongside a seminary leadership change, and one retirement.

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.
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.
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.

Calendar of Events
Daylesford Abbey to Host Charismatic Mass for Healing Jan. 24
Participants can take part in a range of prayer and healing ministries during the 6 p.m. service at the Abbey.
Hearts on Fire: Virtual Vocation Gatherings for Young Women
Young women discerning religious life are invited to join the MSBT Sisters for monthly Zoom gatherings offering reflection, presentations, and open conversation.
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.
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.

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

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.

