Local News
Malvern Retreat House to Honor Local Catholics Who Embody the Faith
A 58-year member of the Men of Malvern, William J. McCormick Jr., will receive a medal posthumously from the venerable retreat center, along with three other models of faithful service.
St. Joseph’s Prep Receives $74M Gift, Largest Known for U.S. Catholic High School
The donation from Nick and Lorie Howley and the Howley Foundation will fund upgrades at the school's North Philadelphia campus and expand scholarships for the 175-year-old private Catholic high school.
Retreat Aims to Heal Young Adults’ Trauma from Parents’ Divorce
The Restored retreat May 1-3 at Malvern Retreat House explores the effect of broken family relationships and God-centered healing, plus an openness to healthy marriage and family life.
Spirituality
Our Shepherd, Jesus, Leads Us With Care Toward Heavenly Home
Commenting on this Sunday's Gospel of the Good Shepherd and on Psalm 23, Msgr. Joseph Prior explains the image of a shepherd's care. Jesus embraced suffering and now leads us in love through the gate of divine life with God.
Archbishop Pérez
Archbishop Pérez Visits Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy in Rome
While in Rome on April 27 for meetings of The Papal Foundation, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez visited the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy as it prepares to mark 325 years of forming priest‑diplomats for service to the Holy See.
People and Events
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.
Villanova Students Help Launch Pope Leo Village in North Philadelphia
Villanova University students joined Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia on April 18 to kick off Pope Leo Village, a multiyear affordable housing initiative focused on building and rehabilitating homes in North Philadelphia.
Commentaries
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.
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.
The Sign of the Cross: Four Seconds That Witness Everything
The ancient gesture affirms the Holy Trinity at the start of Mass, a meal, a car drive and so many moments of life. It also stands against a modern Christian tendency to dismiss the suffering of the cross, writes Father Patrick Brady.

Photo features
Our Mother of Good Counsel Opens 140th Anniversary Year with Special Mass
Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr opened its 140th anniversary year April 26 with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Pérez. See our photo gallery.
St. Thomas More, Pottstown, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Sixteen young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during an April 25 Mass at the Montgomery County Parish.
Archbishop Pérez Joins Redemptoris Mater Seminarians for Prayer and Dinner
Archbishop Nelson Pérez joined seminarians from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary of Philadelphia for vespers and dinner during an April 22 visit celebrating prayer, fraternity, and missionary formation.
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.
Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo Continues Africa Visit, Honors Pope Francis
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 April 19, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

Sports
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.
Archdiocese Recognizes High School Scholar-Athletes for Fall and Winter Sports
The honor rolls recognize high school student‑athletes across the archdiocese who earned first- or second-honors academically while competing in their respective sports.
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.

Calendar of Events
Legacy Conference to Explore Catholic Estate Planning and Stewardship
The free conference on May 21 at Malvern Retreat House will bring together clergy, experts, and families to discuss Catholic estate planning and building a faith-based legacy.
St. John Fisher Parish, Boothwyn, to Host Annual Afternoon Tea
St. John Fisher Parish in Boothwyn will welcome guests for its Annual Afternoon Tea on May 3, featuring tea, sandwiches, and an afternoon of fellowship.
Cardinal Foley Symposium to Explore AI, Media on May 20
Two professors and experts on artificial intelligence for the Vatican’s AI Research Group will discuss the topic at St. Charles Seminary, where Tracey Davidson will also receive the 2026 Cardinal Foley Award.

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