CatholicPhilly

Local News

Longtime Radio Anchor to Lead Young Women at Little Flower HS

Michelle Durham will move from behind the microphone at KYW Newsradio to the North Philadelphia high school and mold young women in the classroom and through the Klarich Center for Academic Excellence.

St. Agnes Parishioners Rise Up to Restore Century-Old Kneelers

The noisy kneelers in the West Chester church needed an expensive makeover, but the Knights of Columbus, parish volunteers and timely intervention finished the project in an enduring and cost-effective way.

St. Charles Seminary Receives $1 Million Anonymous Gift to Support Endowment

St. Charles Borromeo Seminary has received a $1 million anonymous gift to strengthen its endowment and support two newly named campus spaces, seminary officials announced Aug. 11.

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Spirituality

Our Cries of ‘Lord, Help Me!’ Are Answered by Jesus, the One Who Saves

Three simple words from this Sunday's Gospel provide a great prayer for anyone in need, especially when we become tossed on the stormy seas of life, writes Msgr. Joseph Prior in his commentary for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

‘And With Your Spirit’ Isn’t a Shallow Throwaway Line

Our response to the priest’s greeting in the Mass is a deep affirmation of the Holy Spirit uniting Catholics in every country across the centuries, writes Father Patrick Brady. We should speak it thoughtfully.

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Vatican News

This Week: Don’t Forget Migrant Children Displaced by War, Conflict, Pope Says

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 August 9, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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Culture

‘Agatha’s Angel’: Villanova Grad’s Novel Explores Faith and Healing in Philadelphia

Michael Vassallo’s novel follows a man’s journey through grief, faith, and healing, with more than 100 pages of the story set in Philadelphia.

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.

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Commentaries

August Beckons Young Adults and Parents to Time of Change

Writer Sarah Albanese knows that her college-bound son will continue to discover his unique Christian calling. She has worries but also faith in the Holy Spirit for everyone beginning the next chapter of life.

Angelo Cecco: A ‘Point of Light,’ a Good and Faithful Servant

Guy Ciarrocchi remembers his late friend and fellow St. Norbert’s parishioner for his many virtues, especially how he visited nursing homes joyfully and faithfully. We should thank the Angelos in our lives.

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People and Events

Local Parishioner Named to Xavier Society for the Blind’s Board of Directors

Bill McCann, founder of the assistive music technology company Dancing Dots and a parishioner of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Wayne, has been appointed to the board of directors of Xavier Society for the Blind.

Dr. Allison Vinci Appointed Principal of Archbishop Carroll High School

Archbishop John Carroll High School has named longtime administrator Allison Vinci, Ed.D., as its next principal following more than two decades of service in academic and leadership roles at the Radnor school.

Archdiocese Names Sister Marie Mechtild Wasserthal Delegate for Consecrated Life

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has appointed Sister Marie Mechtild Wasserthal, R.S.M., as Delegate for Consecrated Life, serving as liaison to 66 religious communities in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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Photo features

Photos: Archbishop Pérez Shares Vision for Church’s Future at Trust and Hope Gathering

An evening of fellowship, faith, and conversation brought Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez together with faithful and ministry partners to discuss the Church’s mission and the Trust and Hope initiative. See a photo gallery.

Luminiscence Celebrates Art and History at Mother Church of Philadelphia

Archbishop Nelson Pérez attended the Luminescence show at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on June 25, experiencing the blending of music with the rich history of the Mother Church of Philadelphia.

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USCCB

U.S. Bishops’ Initiative to Inform Communities on the Danger of Abortion Pills Includes Prayer, Education, and Advocacy

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Sports

PCL Players, Coaches Finally Hit Field at Citizens Bank Park

Champions of the annual Carpenter Cup tournament, the Philadelphia Catholic League team was recognized before a Phillies game this month. It was a thrilling end to the team’s dominating run this year.

Seven PCL Softball Standouts Named to All-State Team

Players and their coaches reflect on the dedication and teamwork that led to the high honors by the PIAA. Among them: Archbishop Carroll junior pitcher Olivia Zanetich with her 14-4 record, 1.40 ERA and 200 strikeouts with only 34 walks.

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Calendar of Events

St. Bede Church to Host Annual Padre Pio Festival in Holland Sept. 26-27

Gather at St. Bede, Bucks County on Sept. 26-27, for a street procession, healing service, food, and a special Mass in celebration of St. Padre Pio.

St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation to Host Annual Celebration Supper at Seminary Dec. 12

The Celebration Supper at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary will feature keynote speaker Fran Novak and the presentation of prestigious Family Life Awards.

Eucharistic Adoration and Live Music at St. Joachim Church Aug. 29

Gather at St. Joachim Church, 152 Church St., Philadelphia, on Aug. 29 for an evening of Eucharistic adoration, prayer and music beginning with a healing Mass at 6 p.m.

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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.

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Hispanic Catholics

Aprendiendo a escuchar la voz de Dios: La Lectio Divina – La Voz de Dios August 16, 2026

En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Obispo Auxiliar Christopher Cooke sobre la Lectio Divina, una antigua práctica de oración que ayuda a los cristianos a encontrarse con Dios a través de la Sagrada Escritura.

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