CatholicPhilly

Archbishop Pérez

Archbishop Pérez Issues Statement on Pennsylvania Abortion Funding Decision

In an April 23 statement, Archbishop Nelson Pérez said that he is "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania’s ruling on the use of public funding for abortion.

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Local News

200 Local Catholic School Students Join in Day of Service for Youths

Gathering with Archbishop Pérez April 15 at Lansdale Catholic High School, students from across the region stuffed bags of needed items for kids in Out of School Time Programs run by Catholic Charities of Philadelphia.

Philly-Based Religious Orders Champion St. Francis in Jubilee Year

The Capuchin Franciscans and Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia live the beloved saint’s ministry and spirituality daily, during this year marking 800 years since his death.

‘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.

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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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Commentaries

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.

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.

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Photo features

Mass Celebrates Neumann Scholars, Incoming Class of 2030

The Connelly Foundation hosted a Mass and reception honoring the Neumann Scholars class of 2026 and welcoming the incoming class of 2030 to archdiocesan secondary schools.

Missionary Hub Leaders, Volunteers Gather for Spring Retreat

Staff and volunteers from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s five Missionary Hubs joined leaders from the Strategy Office and the Catholic Leadership Institute on April 14 for a retreat focused on prayer, reflection, and collaborative outreach

Photos: Christ in the City Hosts Encounter Fundraiser Dinner in Blue Bell

The evening highlighted the ministry’s impact in the community and invited support for its mission.

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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.

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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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Sports

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.

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.

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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. Gianna Feast Day Mass at Nativity of Our Lord Church Set for April 28

Celebrate St. Gianna Beretta Molla’s feast April 28 at Nativity of Our Lord, Warminster, with a Rosary, Mass, relic veneration, and reception.

Villanova to Mark First Anniversary of Pope Leo XIV with Panel Discussion

Villanova University will host “Pope Leo @ One: Augustinian, Pastoral, Prophetic” on April 28 at the Connelly Center Villanova Room, featuring a panel of Church leaders, journalists, and scholars reflecting on the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate.

Pro Life Union of Greater Philadelphia’s March for Life Set for April 25

The annual Philadelphia March for Life will take place April 25 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, before participants process to Independence Mall for a rally featuring speaker Ryan Bomberger.

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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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