
Local News
Service Earns ‘Big Ed’ Callahan NFL’s Ultimate Fan Honor
The parishioner of St. Matthew’s in Northeast Philadelphia hosts tailgate parties at Philadelphia Eagles’ games that have raised more than $500,000 for the Eagles Autism Challenge since 2019.
Musical Guest Francesca LaRosa Helps Draw Faithful to St. Denis Parish
The parish in Havertown, Delaware County got a boost in attendance to its Lenten Stations of the Cross as the Catholic composer, singer and songwriter inspired parishioners and guests for the devotion and eucharistic adoration.
Pope Leo XIV to Receive Liberty Medal Marking America’s 250th Birthday
The Holy Father will greet the Philadelphia region virtually July 3 via livestream as he accepts the prestigious award acknowledging his work to promote religious liberty and freedom with dignity for people around the world.
Sports
March Madness This Year Touts PCL Players, Legendary Coaches
Seven Philadelphia Catholic League high schools are represented among the men’s and women’s teams in the NCAA Division I tournaments starting this week.
Veteran Assistant Amanda Kirby Steps Into Head Coach Role at Holy Ghost Prep
A longtime assistant coach and respected educator steps into a new role as Holy Ghost Prep prepares for its first full season in the Philadelphia Catholic League.
Archbishop Pérez
Archbishop Pérez Sends Letter to Muslim Faith Community for Eid al-Fitr
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez shared a message March 17 offering prayerful greetings to the Muslim community in Philadelphia as they prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Commentaries
Group from Archdiocese Makes Case for Immigration Reform at U.S. Capitol
Dozens of pilgrims from the Philadelphia region traveled to Washington last week urging meaningful reform of immigration laws through advocacy and prayer, writes Matthew Gambino.
Hearts on Fire: Young Adults Encountering the Sacred in the Heart of Philadelphia
The retreat that Jesuit Father Patrick Nolan will lead March 21 at Old St. Joseph’s Church blends silence, solid preaching, shared meals, and fellowship. It’s a simple recipe to return to the Lord this Lent.

Photo features
Photos: St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Parade Highlight Irish Traditions
Hundreds gathered to celebrate Irish tradition and heritage with Mass and a parade in Center City, Philadelphia.
Archbishop Pérez Celebrates Confirmation Mass in South Philadelphia
Fifteen young Catholics were confirmed by Archbishop Nelson Pérez on March 15 at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in South Philadelphia. See our photo gallery.
Spirituality
In Raising the Dead and Conquering Death, Jesus Share Life With Us
Msgr. Joseph Prior explains how Jesus' raising Lazarus to life is a sign of the Lord's victory that leads us from the darkness of death, sorrow and grief to the bright light of life, love, joy and hope. His sign of love calls us to faith in Him.
Vatican News
This Week: Middle East Conflict Rages On as Calls to Conscience Rise
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 March 8, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

Calendar of Events
Renowned Irish Tenor to Perform Benefit Concert for IHM Sisters March 15
Join the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for a benefit concert featuring Irish tenor Mark Forrest in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Villa Maria House of Studies
Philly Pops Brass Ensemble to Bring Broadway Favorites to North Philly
The event celebrates the enduring spirit of Broadway and the power of live music in sacred spaces.
Delaware County Charismatic Communities to Host Healing Mass March 23
Join the Delaware County Charismatic Renewal for a Healing Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle March 23, with prayer teams available and all welcome.

Profile
Lauren Joyce Brings ‘Startup Energy’ to Missionary Hub in Phoenixville
The Chester County native leads the Missionary Hub at St. Ann Parish, where she sees the good work the Holy Spirit is accomplishing. She loves to build bold new ventures, evangelize those seeking connection, and build the flame of a relationship with Jesus.
Setting the World on Fire for Christ, at least in NE Philly, is Jeffrey Shields’ Goal
The Missionary Hub director at St. Matthew Parish in the city’s Mayfair section brings a creative missionary spirit and a lifetime of evangelization and ministry experience to his new role.

USCCB
Archbishop Coakley Welcomes Appointment of Archbishop Caccia as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
The Catholic Relief Services Collection Reveals Christ’s Love to Vulnerable at Home and Abroad

Hispanic Catholics
Inmigración y dignidad humana: la voz de la Iglesia en Capitol Hill – La Voz de Dios March 15, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, reflexionamos sobre la reciente visita de una delegación de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia a Capitol Hill para dialogar con legisladores sobre la realidad de la inmigración en Estados Unidos.

