CatholicPhilly

Local News

Blending Old and New, Seminary’s Chapel Wins Global Award

Immaculate Conception Chapel at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary’s new campus in Lower Gwynedd won a top international liturgical design award for its “bright, fresh, and forward-looking” features that are “stunning.”

‘Disciple with a Camera’ Brings Kensington’s Forgotten to the Screen

With his documentary Mercy at the Gates, Newtown’s Dan Tarrant films not only the poor and addicted souls of the community, but the also the ministers who, like God, love them unconditionally.

Chemistry Teacher and Her Family Create Magic at a Very Special Prom

Archbishop Ryan High School’s gym was transformed into a prom setting on April 11 for young people with special needs thanks to Athletes Helping Athletes and volunteers like teacher Mary Beth Sullivan.

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Spirituality

As With Sacred Heart, Symbol of Fire Enflames Us With Compassionate Love

"Our hearts were burning within us," the disciples recount in the Gospel reading for this Sunday, which Msgr. Joseph Prior explains by pointing to a tradition of lighting the fire of faith and hope in the resurrected Jesus.

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Vatican News

This Week: Africa Welcomes Pope Leo Under Shadow of War in World

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 April 12, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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Commentaries

The Sign of the Cross: Four Seconds That Witness Everything

The ancient gesture affirms the Holy Trinity at the start of Mass, a meal, a car drive and so many moments of life. It also stands against a modern Christian tendency to dismiss the suffering of the cross, writes Father Patrick Brady.

Easter Isn’t Over: The Key to Communion, Reconciliation, and a More Welcoming Church

Writer Anne DeSantis proposes the virtue of affability as one way to carry the good practices of Lent into Easter and beyond, and to embody the spirit of a Church that invites all to deeper communion and holiness.

What it Means for Pope Leo to Receive the Liberty Medal

When the Holy Father receives the honor July 3, he will convey the importance of religious freedom and Catholic social teaching for the world, writes Philadelphia resident Basil Merenda.

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Archbishop Pérez

Statement from Archbishop Pérez Supporting Pope Leo XIV and His Calls for Peace

In a statement issued April 13, Archbishop Pérez said Pope Leo XIV's "continued calls for peace, hope, diplomacy, and the conversion of hearts should be heeded by all."

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Sports

Korey Francis Follows Pa. State Title With Baptism into Catholic Church

The junior at Msgr. Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School and PCL boys’ basketball MVP led his team to their first PIAA championship while preparing to become Catholic through his school’s OCIA program.

Bishop Shanahan Announces New Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach

Bishop Shanahan High School announced Peggy Evans as its new varsity girls’ volleyball head coach, with her tenure set to begin in the Fall 2026 season.

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Profile

Estela Reyes-Bugg to Retire After 30 Years of Saying Yes to Service

The Philadelphia resident has started new initiatives from community centers to Project Rachel to leading volunteers for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, all with the compassionate love of Jesus in her heart.

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Calendar of Events

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church to Celebrate 25th Anniversary with Free Concert

Free-will donations will benefit Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.

St. Jude Church, Chalfont, to Celebrate New Organ with Dedication Concert

Celebrate St. Jude Church’s new Allen organ at a free dedication concert April 19 with guest organist Rudy Lucente and local musicians.

EcoPhilly to Host 5th Annual Summit at Villanova University on May 9

The EcoPhilly Summit returns May 9 at Villanova University, uniting Catholics throughout Philadelphia to turn "hope into action" for care of creation.

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USCCB

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman on Doctrine Issues Clarification on Just War Theory

Bishop Chairmen Urge Administration to Extend Commitments on Life to All Vulnerable Mothers, Infants, and Children in the Womb

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Hispanic Catholics

Caminando con Jesús, sin reconocerlo – La Voz de Dios April 19, 2026

En este episodio de Pascua de La Voz de Dios, Marianela reflexiona sobre el poderoso Evangelio de los discípulos de Emaús (Lucas 24, 13–35).

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Obituaries

Reverend Henry James Hutchins, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Pius X Parish in Broomall, dies at 84

Reverend Henry James Hutchins, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Pius X Parish, Broomall, died on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

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