CatholicPhilly

Local News

‘Serve Others with Joy’: Archbishop Pérez Ordains Three Permanent Deacons

Kevin Kelly, John Milius and Shawn Terkhorn received Holy Orders May 9. They begin their new lives of service to the Catholic Church and her people in the model of Jesus’ command: “Love one another.”

Archbishop Pérez Announces Permanent Deacon Appointments and Retirements

See the latest permanent deacon retirements, parish assignment changes, and newly ordained deacon appointments announced on May 9 by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

Archbishop Pérez to Ordain Largest Class of New Priests in 23 Years

The eight new priests to be ordained for Philadelphia May 16 promise a future of strong service to the Church. According to a new report, the Archdiocese is poised for continued growth in vocations.

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Spirituality

Through Holy Spirit, Jesus Leads Us in Each New Day

Life's journey is marked by the challenges and gifts of each day, observes Msgr. Joseph Prior. He explains how Jesus remains with us to help reach our goal with confidence.

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Vatican News

This Week: Pope Leo Continues Call for Peace, Truthful Dialogue, Unity

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 May 3, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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People and Events

Archdiocesan Students Rally at Capitol for Education Choice, EITC Anniversary

Students and leaders from archdiocesan high schools joined school choice advocates at the Rockin’ the Capitol 2026 rally in Harrisburg on May 5 to promote K 12 school choice and highlight the 25th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.

Philadelphia March for Life Draws Faithful to Center City

The annual Philadelphia March for Life was held April 25, hosted by the Pro‑Life Union of Greater Philadelphia, bringing together clergy, families, and pro‑life advocates from across the region.

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Commentaries

Peace in Our Time, and in Our Hearts

Prayer and a living relationship with Christ are the foundation of peace, writes Anne DeSantis. Peace grows where love and truth are present, and it flows from the deliberate choice to will the good of others.

CYO Night at Penn Relays Sees Kids Racing to Win

On a school night this week, children in parish CYO programs ran hard at the long-standing relay carnival at Franklin Field. They made a lifetime of Catholic memories, writes Dan Tarrant.

Rediscover the Gift We Might Forget: Catholic Education

A Catholic high school senior says his school has become so familiar that it’s often taken for granted. Brendan Towell urges taking a fresh look at the gift of Catholic schools, and helping others do the same.

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Archbishop Pérez

Statement of Archbishop Pérez on the 1st Anniversary of the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Archbishop Pérez's statement marking the occasion of the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV as Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church.

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Photo features

BLOCS Gala Celebrates Catholic Education, 25 Years of EITC

The May 7 event celebrated the gift of Catholic education in the Philadelphia region while highlighting the charitable mission of BLOCS.

Photos: Archbishop Pérez Ordains Three Permanent Deacons

See scenes from May 9, when three men were ordained as Permanent Deacons for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, during a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez.

Photos: Supporters Gather for The Culture Project in Phoenixville

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez met with supporters of The Culture Project on May 8 at a Phoenixville fundraising gathering that highlighted the organization’s mission to promote the dignity of the human person in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

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Culture

Book Reveals How Catholic Relief Services Turned Its Mission Toward Justice

Catholic identity and the Church’s social teaching inspired CRS to transform from charity to solidarity, writes retired Villanova professor Suzanne Toton in her recent book.

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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Sports

O’Hara’s Maggie Watkins Drives Team to 8-1 Mark on Mound, at Plate

The Cardinal O’Hara sophomore pitched a complete game with just two runs on four hits, then came through with a two-run single to walk off a 3-2 win May 7 over rival Archbishop Wood.

Villanova, Notre Dame to Open 2026–27 Basketball Seasons with Rome Doubleheader

The Catholic universities will face off Nov. 1 in men’s and women’s basketball games in Italy, part of a broader program of Mass, academic events and cultural activities reflecting their shared Catholic identity.

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Profile

Estela Reyes-Bugg to Retire After 30 Years of Saying Yes to Service

The Philadelphia resident has started new initiatives from community centers to Project Rachel to leading volunteers for Catholic Charities of Philadelphia, all with the compassionate love of Jesus in her heart.

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Calendar of Events

Cantate Domino Children’s Choir Camp Set for July 13-16

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul will offer a free Cathedral Choir Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 7–15 from July 13–16, combining choral formation with a concluding sung Evening Prayer.

Film ‘Cabrini’ to Screen Across Region This Summer

The film “Cabrini” honoring the life and legacy of Saint Frances Cabrini, will be shown throughout June and July at various theaters throughout the region.

Martin Saints Classical High School to Host Evening of the Arts

Martin Saints Classical High School will host a free Evening of the Arts on Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m., featuring student musical performances, artwork and craftsmanship projects.

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USCCB

Archbishop Coakley Condemns Shooting at White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner

U.S. Bishops’ Chairman on Doctrine Issues Clarification on Just War Theory

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Hispanic Catholics

La felicidad y el corazón de la mujer: una conversación especial para el Día de las Madres – La Voz de Dios May 10, 2026

En este episodio especial de La Voz de Dios en las Voces de Nuestros Pueblos, Marianela Núñez conversa con Noemí López, psicóloga y autora del libro Nací para ser feliz, sobre la verdadera felicidad, la identidad de la mujer y el camino hacia la sanación emocional y espiritual.

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Obituaries

Sister Marita Rose Donnelly, IHM

Sister Marita Rose Donnelly died in Camilla Hall on October 1, 2025, not too long before her 94th birthday.

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