
Archbishop Perez's messages
Minneapolis Church Shooting ‘A Senseless and Evil Act,’ says Archbishop Pérez
In response to the deadly shooting at Annunciation B.V.M. Church in Minneapolis on Aug. 27, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez issued a statement calling for prayer, healing, and a united stand against violence, especially in sacred spaces.
Archbishop Pérez: Statement on the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Ahead of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1, Archbishop Pérez encourages prayer and action during the Season of Creation, which runs through Oct. 4, calling on communities to plant “seeds of peace and hope."

Photo features
Annual Archbishop’s Day for Educators Celebrates High School Teachers, Staff
Staff from the 15 archdiocesan high schools gathered at Bishop Shanahan for the third annual Archbishop’s Day for Educators, celebrating with Mass, music, and more.
Local News
Ministry 101 Course Equips Parish Ministers to Engage with Youth
The day-long interactive session is the first step in “The Track,” a formational program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to help adults lead ministry with youth effectively.
New Website, Platforms, Bring Radio Ministry to New Listeners
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s La Voz de Dios radio show for Spanish-speaking listeners is now also a podcast on multiple leading platforms. A new website updates the look of the 25-year-old ministry.
New Shrine to Our Lady of Kibeho Dedicated at Basilica of the Miraculous Medal
The outdoor shrine to the Blessed Mother’s apparition in Africa features “a statue of Our Lady with color,” which speaks to the predominantly Black residents of Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.
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.
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.
Meet the Man Who Has Delivered 211,000 Diapers — and Inspired a Community
Frank Keegan saw a need and responded—with faith, persistence, and hundreds of thousands of diapers. His Faces of Hope story is a reminder that the first step to serving others is simply showing up and asking where you're needed.

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.
Spirituality
Jesus Shows How to Cross Invisible Lines of Division With Humility, Charity
In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus confronts class distinctions with a parable on how taking the "lowest position" and caring for others with love transcend social status. Msgr. Joseph Prior points to the modern example of St. Katharine Drexel.
Sports
Beating Softball Burnout, Star Relearns Love of the Game
Cardinal O’Hara grad Hayden Sissons found that softball “went from something I loved to something that created stress.” Her coaches and teammates of the national championship travel team, the Blue Angels, “saved the game for me.”
Brad Wanamaker Named Head Coach of Roman Catholic Basketball
Former NBA guard returns to alma mater to lead storied Cahillites program.
Wise Beyond her Years, Samy Staublein Learns to Listen to Mom
The St. Hubert's senior and two-sport star, who shined in the Carpenter Cup softball tournament and PCL playoffs, heeded good advice in her college search.

Calendar of Events
11th Annual AbbeyFest Set for Sept. 20
The annual festival draws thousands for a day of live music, prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and family-friendly activities.
Permanent Diaconate Information Session to Explore Call to Serve Christ
Catholic men with a deep spiritual life are invited to join for an information session exploring the call to serve Jesus Christ and his church within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as permanent deacons.
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
Pope Sends His Condolences After ‘Terrible Tragedy’ of School Shooting
Pope Leo XIV sent his "heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness" to all those affected by the "terrible tragedy" of a shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis that left two children dead and 17 people injured.
Hope is Knowing that God is Near and that Love Will Win, Pope Says
Christian hope is not about avoiding pain and suffering but about knowing that God gives people the strength to persevere and to love even when things go wrong, Pope Leo XIV said.
Obituaries
Sister Virginia Assumpta McNabb, IHM, dies at 92
Sister Virginia Assumpta McNabb died in Camilla Hall on August 18, 2025 in the 74th year of her religious life.

Hispanic Catholics
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.
La Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Virgen María – La Voz de Dios August 17, 2025
En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela habla con el P. Juan Mora, FM, sobre la Solemnidad de la Asunción de la Virgen María, una de las fiestas más hermosas y profundas de nuestra fe católica.