Archbishop Pérez
Archbishop Pérez’s Statement on the Proposed Elimination of Educational Tax Credit Programs
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez issued the following statement June 23 on the proposed elimination of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs.
Local News
Father Eric Banecker Discusses New Role as Moderator of the Curia, Missionary Discipleship in Q&A
The newly appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia reflects on his new role, missionary discipleship, signs of hope in the Church of Philadelphia, and his favorite Philadelphia sports team.
Formed by Home and Parish, New Priests Now Sharing Faith With All
Three new priests ordained for Philadelphia describe how they learned the Catholic faith from their families. Now they are leading their parents and siblings, along with the faithful at their first parishes, into deeper devotion.
‘Praise on the Hill’ Draws Dozens of Faithful for Evening Prayer, Music
St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lenni, Delaware County offers the monthly evening of eucharistic adoration, praise music, the sacrament of penance, and benediction for parishioners and guests from near and far.
Religious Freedom Week Brings Focus on Faith in Public Square, Human Dignity
The ninth year of the U.S. Bishops’ summer campaign of prayer and action is under way, uniting American Catholics with the intercession of two English martyrs.
Archbishop Announces Latest Clerical Changes Effective July 1
See the new assignments for five permanent deacons, plus changes for 10 priests of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Spirituality
Our Honors for Good Fathers Reflect God’s Intimate Love
On Father's Day, we thank fathers for their love and join them in thanking our heavenly Father for His love which makes theirs possible and powerful, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior.

Photo features
Bishop Esmilla Celebrates Mass at National Filipino Pilgrimage in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Efren V. Esmilla celebrated Mass during the June 13 National Filipino Pilgrimage at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where the faithful honored Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.
Archbishop Pérez Dedicates Sacre Coeur Adoration Chapel in Havertown
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on June 12 dedicated and blessed the Sacre Coeur Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Denis Church, establishing the 24-hour Eucharistic space as an archdiocesan shrine for prayer and reflection.

Sports
More Than 300 Archdiocesan Seniors Set for College Athletics
AOP athletics announced that 310 graduating seniors will compete in college sports in 2026–27, with football, baseball, and basketball topping the most represented sports.
Commentaries
The Sacred Heart of Jesus: A Path to Healing in a Divided World
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us that in a divided and wounded world, true healing and lasting peace begin when we allow Christ’s mercy and love to transform our own hearts, says Anne DeSantis.
After More Than 60 Years, Archbishop Wood Graduation Comes Home
The Class of 2026 returned to a long tradition by walking in graduation ceremonies at the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. It was a multigenerational moment of pride, writes Principal Katherine Nobles.

People and Events
Little Flower HS Establishes $300K Scholarship Endowment Honoring Sister Mary Scullion
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls announced a $300,000 endowed scholarship fund June 9, honoring alumna Sister Mary Scullion and expanding access to four-year tuition support for students in need.

Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo Visits Spain With Message of Unity, Care for Migrants
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 June 7, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

Profile
Family’s Three Generations Weave Legacy of Faith at Bishop Shanahan H.S.
The archdiocesan high school, now located in Downingtown, Chester County, counts among its many graduates the Lamb family, including a father, his three children and their grandparents, sweethearts in the Class of 1964.
Andrew Santoleri: Faithful Altar Server, Prayer Warrior, and Model of Holiness
The young man with Down syndrome keeps Jesus and the Blessed Mother at the center of his life, and his prayerfulness inspires his family, friends, and parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills.
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.
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.
Calendar of Events
Daylesford Abbey to Host Program on Immigration, Racism, and Climate Justice June 27
Sister Carol Zinn will lead a June 27 program at Daylesford Abbey examining immigration, racism and climate through the lens of justice.
Annual Keys and Sword Event to Honor Philadelphia Police Captain
Philadelphia Police Capt. Lou Campione will receive the 2026 Keys and Sword Award from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and the Shrine of St. Katharine Drexel on June 26 in recognition of his nearly 50 years of service with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Rummage Sale to Benefit Local Community
The Ladies of Mount Carmel will hold a June 22–25 rummage sale featuring gently used items, with proceeds supporting parish efforts.

USCCB
Deacons Continue to Bring a Spirit of Renewal and Encouragement to the Missionary Ministry of the Church, Says Archbishop Hicks
Bishop Thomas’ Statement on the Anniversary of the Dobbs Decision

Hispanic Catholics
Formando Discípulos en Casa: Catequesis, Familia y Fe en el Dia de los Padres – La Voz de Dios June 21, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, conversamos con una directora de educación religiosa sobre la importancia de la catequesis en la formación de nuestros niños y jóvenes.

