Local News
Relics of St. Bernadette Coming to 3 Local Catholic Sites
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Philadelphia, St. Thomas of Villanova Church, and Malvern Retreat House will offer pilgrims encounters with the saint’s relics, with prayers and Masses, Sept. 28-Oct. 4.
Catholic Leaders Respond to Immigration Crisis at Two-Day Meeting
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez told his own immigrant’s story, including racial discrimination, during Mass for the “Witness to Hope” conference Sept. 17-18 at Villanova University. He inspired attendees to form pastoral plans for accompanying immigrants.
St. Helena Church Hosts Norristown Flower Show to Praise Creation
The parish in Blue Bell, Montgomery County and the Norristown Garden Club hosted a free event Sept. 12 to help people encounter the parish and build a commitment to care for creation.

Photo features
Photos: ‘Witness to Hope’ Conference Focuses on Accompanying Immigrant Communities
Villanova University hosted the "Witness to Hope: Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities" conference, bringing together clergy, religious leaders, and lay faithful for a two-day event focused on supporting immigrant families.
See Scenes: Archbishop Pérez Meets With Priests Serving Hispanic Catholics
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez joined bishops and archdiocesan leaders Sept. 16 for a gathering with nearly 40 priests serving Hispanic Catholics in 37 parishes across the Philadelphia region. See a photo gallery.
Photos: Catholic Charities Blesses New Immigration Center
Named for a patron saint of immigrants, St. Toribio Romo Center will serve as a new space for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Immigration Legal Services.
Commentaries
As School Begins Again, Students Discover the Nearness of Christ
Bishop Keith J. Chylinski invites young people heading back to school during this 175th anniversary year of the Catholic school system in Philadelphia to encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a refuge and source of unity.
3 Ways to Evangelize Those Who Have Drifted From the Faith
Everyone knows someone who was baptized Catholic but no longer participates in the Church. Anne DeSantis shows practical ways to listen and invite people back, while prayerfully trusting in God.
Synodal Listening Sessions Set for Season of Creation this Fall
As part of a national effort, EcoPhilly is leading discussions in the Philadelphia area in September and October to hear ways of raising up “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor,” writes Aaron Lemma.
Spirituality
Gospel Calls Us to Live God’s Way, the Way of Mercy
This Sunday's Gospel parable -- two sons are called, only one acts -- invites us to ponder God’s mercy and His invitation to repentance. It calls us to reflect on our attitude toward God’s gracious call and show mercy to others.

Calendar of Events
Permanent Diaconate Discernment Day Set for Oct. 3 at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
The day, themed “Called to Serve as Christ the Servant,” will provide an opportunity for participants to spend time in prayer, conversation and discernment with permanent deacons, their wives, members of the Archdiocesan Clergy Office, and the Diaconal Formation Team.
In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America Screening at St. Augustine Sept. 21
This compelling film explores the people, movements, and pivotal moments that have shaped Philadelphia and the nation.
History Fair to Highlight Philadelphia’s Catholic Heritage
The St. Augustine Heritage Foundation will host a history fair from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Oct. 10 at St. Augustine Church in Philadelphia.
People and Events
Project Magis to Honor Allen D. Wilen with 2026 Award
Project Magis will honor Allen D. Wilen with its 2026 Magis Award for his leadership in helping nonprofit, health care and faith-based organizations navigate crises while safeguarding vulnerable populations and advancing the common good.
Young Adults Invited to Apply for 2027 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Applications are open through Oct. 15 for young adults ages 19-29 to serve as Perpetual Pilgrims on the 2027 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage.
Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education Announces HR Leadership Transition
The Office of Catholic Education announced Aug. 19 that longtime Human Resources Director James J. Molnar will transition to a part-time leadership development role Oct. 1 as Jessa Lodovici, a veteran Archdiocesan HR manager and Rising Stars Leadership Program graduate, prepares to succeed him.

USCCB
U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Establishes a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence
250th Anniversary
Quakers’ Toleration Led Skeptical Young Nation to Accept Catholics as Americans
Catholics were present in colonial America but faced restrictions and discrimination. In Philadelphia, the cradle of religious liberty, they found freedom to worship and earned respect from their peers.
Not All Were Patriots: Remembering American Catholics Loyal to the British Crown
While many noted 18th century Catholics sided with the American patriots during the Revolution, numerous lesser-known Catholics sided with Crown forces – and paid a price when they left Philadelphia.
Catholics Had Prominent Roles in Last 3 Milestone Celebrations of America’s Founding
The large-scale commemorations of 1876, 1926, and 1976 in Philadelphia saw contributions and leadership from the Catholic community, a local historian points out.
George Meade’s Catholic Faith Made Him a Merchant of the Revolution
The Philadelphia philanthropist and father of 10 played a major economic role in funding the American colonists’ eventual victory over the British empire.
Catholic Faith Shaped Commodore John Barry’s Life, Service in American Revolution
The Irish immigrant’s legacy and his imprint on the United States Navy affords him a permanent place of honor in Philadelphia.


