
Local News
Bishop Chylinski Addresses Mental Health Awareness in New Video
As May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Auxiliary Bishop Keith J. Chylinski, who holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology, is calling on Catholics to confront mental health stigma and seek healing with faith and hope as part of renewed efforts by the U.S. bishops.
D.C. Cardinal Joins Villanova Panel Marking First Year of Alum Pope Leo’s Papacy
Cardinal Robert McElroy and others reflected on the Augustinian roots and prophetic impact of the Holy Father’s ministry ahead of his first anniversary as pope.
Three Men to be Ordained Permanent Deacons May 9
On Saturday, May 9 the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will ordain three new permanent deacons during a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant.
Spirituality
Through Holy Spirit, Jesus Leads Us in Each New Day
Life's journey is marked by the challenges and gifts of each day, observes Msgr. Joseph Prior. He explains how Jesus remains with us to help reach our goal with confidence.
Vatican News
This Week: Archbishop Pérez Visits Rome to Share in Church’s Work of Charity, Diplomacy
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 26, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
People and Events
Archdiocesan Students Rally at Capitol for Education Choice, EITC Anniversary
Students and leaders from archdiocesan high schools joined school choice advocates at the Rockin’ the Capitol 2026 rally in Harrisburg on May 5 to promote K 12 school choice and highlight the 25th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
Philadelphia March for Life Draws Faithful to Center City
The annual Philadelphia March for Life was held April 25, hosted by the Pro‑Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, bringing together clergy, families, and pro‑life advocates from across the region.
Archbishop Pérez
Archbishop Pérez Visits Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome
While in Rome on April 27 for meetings of The Papal Foundation, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez visited the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy as it prepares to mark 325 years of forming priest‑diplomats for service to the Holy See.
Commentaries
Peace in Our Time, and in Our Hearts
Prayer and a living relationship with Christ are the foundation of peace, writes Anne DeSantis. Peace grows where love and truth are present, and it flows from the deliberate choice to will the good of others.
CYO Night at Penn Relays Sees Kids Racing to Win
On a school night this week, children in parish CYO programs ran hard at the long-standing relay carnival at Franklin Field. They made a lifetime of Catholic memories, writes Dan Tarrant.
Rediscover the Gift We Might Forget: Catholic Education
A Catholic high school senior says his school has become so familiar that it’s often taken for granted. Brendan Towell urges taking a fresh look at the gift of Catholic schools, and helping others do the same.

Photo features
Our Mother of Good Counsel Opens 140th Anniversary Year with Special Mass
Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr opened its 140th anniversary year April 26 with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez. See our photo gallery.
St. Thomas More, Pottstown, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Sixteen young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during an April 25 Mass at the Montgomery County Parish.
Archbishop Pérez Joins Redemptoris Mater Seminarians for Prayer and Dinner
Archbishop Nelson Pérez joined seminarians from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of Philadelphia for vespers and dinner during an April 22 visit celebrating prayer, fraternity, and missionary formation.
Culture
Book Reveals How Catholic Relief Services Turned Its Mission Toward Justice
Catholic identity and the Church’s social teaching inspired CRS to transform from charity to solidarity, writes retired Villanova professor Suzanne Toton in her recent book.
Groundbreaking Service of Franciscan Sisters Explored in New Film
An award-winning screenwriter showcases the local, national and international impact of compassion by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, based in Delaware County.

Sports
Villanova, Notre Dame to Open 2026–27 Basketball Seasons with Rome Doubleheader
The Catholic universities will face off Nov. 1 in men’s and women’s basketball games in Italy, part of a broader program of Mass, academic events and cultural activities reflecting their shared Catholic identity.
Archdiocese Recognizes High School Scholar-Athletes for Fall and Winter Sports
The honor rolls recognize high school student‑athletes across the archdiocese who earned first- or second-honors academically while competing in their respective sports.
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.

Calendar of Events
Epiphany Singers to Perform Choral Concert at Cathedral Basilica
The Philadelphia-based choir will conclude their season with a free concert at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul with a program titled “There Will Come Soft Rains" on Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m.
Legacy Conference to Explore Catholic Estate Planning and Stewardship
The free conference on May 21 at Malvern Retreat House will bring together clergy, experts, and families to discuss Catholic estate planning and building a faith-based legacy.
St. John Fisher Parish, Boothwyn, to Host Annual Afternoon Tea
St. John Fisher Parish in Boothwyn will welcome guests for its Annual Afternoon Tea on May 3, featuring tea, sandwiches, and an afternoon of fellowship.

USCCB


