Archbishop Perez's messages
Archbishop Pérez Welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Exhortation “Dilexi Te”
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez shared a statement Oct. 14 welcoming the recent release of Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi Te (“I Have Loved You”).

Local News
Archdiocesan Pastoral Center to Relocate in Center City Philadelphia Next Year
The Church’s administrative offices comprising 250 employees will move little more than a block away beginning in spring of 2026. The current site at 222 North 17th Street, built in 1971, faces cost prohibitive maintenance needs. The move will focus resources on mission as opposed to maintenance.
African Family Heritage Mass Honors Unity From Faith’s Diversity
Archbishop Nelson Pérez celebrated the Mass Oct. 12 and offered words of honor and encouragement for those living their Catholic faith through their shared cultures.
Steve Colestock Named Chief Human Resources Officer for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
Colestock will lead a unified, mission-driven HR strategy across all Catholic Charities of Philadelphia program areas.

Photo features
African Catholic Community Celebrates Heritage and Faith at Annual Mass
The African Family Heritage Mass, now in its 11th year, brought together Catholics from across the archdiocese to celebrate their shared faith and rich cultural traditions. See our photo gallery.
Scenes from the Annual Fall Clergy Workshops
Priests from across the archdiocese gathered at St. Helena Parish in Blue Bell Oct. 8-9 for the annual Fall Workshop. See our photo gallery.
Across the Aisles: St. Martha Parish, Northeast Philadelphia
Young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez as he celebrated Mass Oct. 11 at the Northeast Philadelphia parish.
Commentaries
Pope Francis’ Decade-Old Lesson: Detainees Are Our Family
When the Holy Father visited Philadelphia in 2015, few people witnessed his visit to the men and women in a Philadelphia prison. His words to them ring as prophetic witness to us today, writes Matthew Gambino.
Faces of Hope
Meet the Faces of Hope
A new video and storytelling series that shines a light on the inspiring ways everyday Catholics across the Philadelphia region are putting their faith into action. Discover their stories, share their hope.
Saying ‘Yes’: How Rising Together Alliance Builds Inclusion in Catholic Schools
With the Rising Together Alliance, Vicki Szostek and Susan Schuller are opening doors so kids with disabilities can learn—and feel included—in their Catholic schools.
To Worship Freely: Faith-Filled Journey from the South of Vietnam to South Philly
For Hung Hoang, faith is more than Sunday Mass. It’s a daily relationship with Christ that shapes everything he does—especially his work with the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement.
Spirituality
The Power of Persistent Prayer
Msgr. Joseph Prior reflects on how St. Monica’s unwavering prayer for her son reminds us that true faith trusts God’s timing even when the answers seem delayed.
People and Events
Serra Club to Celebrate Five New Priests at Mass, Luncheon
The annual tradition hosted by the Serra Club of Philadelphia welcomes the newest priests of the Archdiocese to a Mass followed by a luncheon in Philadelphia on Nov. 6.

Profile
Ellen Mansfield Appointed First Director of Philanthropy for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia
Mansfield brings decades of fundraising experience and a lifelong commitment to service as she steps into a newly created role aimed at expanding philanthropic support for Catholic Charities’ regional outreach.

Calendar of Events
11th Annual African Family Heritage Mass to Highlight Cultural Diversity and Unity
Join the African Catholic Community of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the 11th Annual African Family Heritage Mass on Sunday, Oct. 12.
St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation to Celebrate Faithful Service at Annual Supper
Held in honor of the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the evening will celebrate faith, family, and service.
Obituaries
Sister Margaret Ounan, RSM, dies at 87
We pray in thanksgiving for the life of Sister Margaret Ounan, RSM, age 87, who died Saturday, October 4, 2025, at McAuley Convent in Merion Station, Pennsylvania. Sister Margaret was a Sister of Mercy for 69 years.

Vatican News
Survivors Warn Papal Commission that Abusers, Retaliation Still a Problem
To improve the church's safeguarding approaches and measures, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said it relied on extensive input and feedback from victims/survivors in its second annual report.
Jesus Provides Sustenance, Not Ready-Made Answers, Pope Says
Power, possessions and rank do not satisfy the deep desire for real meaning in life, Pope Leo XIV said.

Hispanic Catholics
El Mes de la Salud Mental – La Voz de Dios Oct. 12
Octubre es el Mes de la Salud Mental, y en La Voz de Dios conversamos con la psicóloga católica, Noemi Lopez, sobre cómo cuidar nuestra mente también es cuidar el alma.
El Rosario: La Voz de Dios Oct. 5, 2025
Este mes de octubre, la Iglesia nos invita a redescubrir la fuerza del Santo Rosario.