
Local News
‘What Hope Looks Like:’ Archbishop Pérez Ordains 8 Priests
A near capacity congregation in the Cathedral invoked the Holy Spirit in ancient tradition during the May 16 ordination of Philadelphia’s largest class of new priests in 23 years.
St. Charles Seminary Confers Degrees on 46 Clergy, Religious, Lay People at Concursus
The annual graduation ceremony of the seminary marked the academic achievements of people in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia – including eight new priests – all well prepared to “share God’s handiwork” in the world.
New Pact Eases Path to College for Archdiocesan Students
Mount St. Mary’s University and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced a partnership this spring offering scholarships up to $35,000 per year. The plan is already yielding strong results.
Commentaries
‘The Lord Be With You:’ Not as Warm as ‘Good Morning,’ But Much Deeper
The greeting extended four times during the Mass hints at an intimate relationship, a covenant, between God and His people at every moment. It has more meaning than a simple “hello,” and less risk of concussion, as Father Patrick Brady explains.
Profile
Second Chances, New Beginnings: Building Futures for At-Risk Youth
Once a sixth‑grader expelled from school, Ken Whalen now helps Philadelphia teens build skills, confidence, and second chances through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Youth Skills Building Program.
Port Richmond’s Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center: Transforming Lives, One Visit at a Time
Jennifer Scornaienchi has spent more than two decades transforming the lives of older adults, offering community, compassion, and vital services through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center.
Families Open Their Hearts and Homes to People with Disabilities Through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia Program
Wendy Cadet helps lead Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Life Sharing Through Family Living program, giving children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the chance to grow and thrive in loving homes.
From Student Volunteer to Leader in Service
Inspired by the after‑school program once run by her grandmother, Jessica Quinn now leads with the same spirit of advocacy at Women of Hope‑Lombard.
Spirituality
As We Offer Prayers to God, Jesus Offers Himself in Prayer for Us
The "priestly prayer" of Jesus in this Sunday's Gospel shows that prayer is both personal and communal because our relationship with God is both personal and communal. We are united in love by God who is Love, explains Msgr. Joseph Prior.

Vatican News
This Week: Church Prays, Acts With Compassion for People Around the 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 May 10, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Our New Priests
Power of Prayer, Personal Invitation Lead Montco. Man to Priesthood
Souderton resident Alexander Cross will be ordained a priest May 16 thanks to the encouragement of his best friend in college and the ardent prayers of his late pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville.
Intense Focus on Prayer, Service Led Seminarian to Cusp of Priesthood
Deacon Dominic Mirenda found the seminary’s Spiritual Year, with its disconnect from media, “the best year of my life.” After his ordination May 16, he’ll grow closer to God and help all souls get to heaven.
Doylestown Man Finally Will Serve People He Loves as a Priest
In college Deacon Charles Cappelli wondered if he could be a priest to bring Christ in the Eucharist to his friends. After his ordination May 16, he will be able to do that, just as Jesus fed the 5,000.
Priestly Calling Woven Throughout Deacon Thomas Cipolla’s Life
The Jenkintown resident began discerning his priestly calling as a boy asking his father to drive past the seminary’s Wynnewood campus. He will be ordained May 16.
Hope Kept Alive Deacon Declan Cole’s Boyhood Promise to Become a Priest
Doubts and other life options put the priestly vocation in question for the young Bucks County man, but a reliance on hope in Christ and on prayer have him ready for ordination May 16.
Sent With Mother’s Love From Nigeria, Called by God to Priesthood
When Deacon Jude Opara is ordained a priest for Philadelphia May 16 by Archbishop Pérez, he will have his mother’s image and cloth sewn into his vestment—a tribute to his African heritage and his Catholic faith.
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
Statement of Archbishop Pérez on the 1st Anniversary of the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Archbishop Pérez's statement marking the occasion of the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV as Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.

Photo features
Photos: Largest Class in 23 years Ordained to the Priesthood
Eight men were ordained priests for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Saturday, May 16 in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, during Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.
St. Peter the Apostle, Philadelphia, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Approximately 30 young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during a May 17 Mass at St. Peter the Apostle located in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Celebrates 189th Concursus Ceremony
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez attended the seminary’s May 13 Concursus at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Church, where degrees were awarded and Father Patrick Brady delivered the keynote address.
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
O’Hara’s Maggie Watkins Drives Team to 8-1 Mark on Mound, at Plate
The Cardinal O’Hara sophomore pitched a complete game with just two runs on four hits, then came through with a two-run single to walk off a 3-2 win May 7 over rival Archbishop Wood.
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.
Calendar of Events
Catholic Charities to Host Health Fair for Delaware County Families
The event will connect families with local health providers, community organizations, and family-focused agencies to offer valuable resources, information, screenings, education, and services for all ages.
Film ‘Cabrini’ to Screen Across Region This Summer
The film “Cabrini” honoring the life and legacy of Saint Frances Cabrini, will be shown throughout June and July at various theaters throughout the region.
Martin Saints Classical High School to Host Evening of the Arts
Martin Saints Classical High School will host a free Evening of the Arts on Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m., featuring student musical performances, artwork and craftsmanship projects.

USCCB
Archbishop Coakley Expresses Sorrow and Prayerful Solidarity With Muslim Community Following San Diego Islamic Center Shooting
U.S. Bishops to Meet June 10-12 in Orlando; Assembly to Be Live Streamed

Hispanic Catholics
Vocaciones que Nacen del Amor – La Voz de Dios May 17, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, conversamos con el Arzobispo Nelson Pérez sobre el llamado a las vocaciones sacerdotales, la necesidad de seguir acompañando a nuestros jóvenes y la importancia de escuchar la voz de Dios en medio del mundo actual.

