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.”

Formed in Faith at Archdiocesan Schools, 85 Teens Enter Church

OCIA preparation built on the spiritual curiosity of dozens of students in Philadelphia-area Catholic high schools. The young people committed to receiving their sacraments of initiation this Easter.

‘Testament to Love’: North Philly Catholic School Classroom Dedicated to Late 37-Year Teacher

Mary L. Walker passed away 30 years ago, but her faithful, compassionate impact remains imprinted on thousands whom she touched and who gathered April 11 to remember her loving example.

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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

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.

Bend the Knee: How Genuflection Makes Missionary Disciples

We might kneel to the Caesars and creeds of our age, but dropping to a knee in church is the first act of Christian missionary formation, writes Father Patrick Brady. We learn to worship God alone so we can proclaim Him fearlessly.

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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

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.

Catholic Charismatic Conference Set for May 9

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal will hold the Catholic Charismatic Conference Saturday, May 9, beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Plymouth Meeting.

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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

Un Matrimonio que Sirve con Amor desde Bensalem – La Voz de Dios April 12, 2026

En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, conversamos con José y Mercedes Hernández, un matrimonio profundamente comprometido con su comunidad en Bensalem, PA y miembros activos de la parroquia St. Charles Borromeo.

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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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