
Local News
New Statue of St. John Neumann Installed at Namesake High School
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez blessed the new statue Oct. 27 at SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School in South Philadelphia. It joins the statue of St. Maria Goretti as anchors of faith in the East Passyunk neighborhood.
Little Flower HS Receives $80,000 Grant for Women’s Leadership Institute
Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls has received an $80,000 Connelly Foundation grant to develop a four-year leadership and service program for students.

Profile
A Journey of Faith, Family, and Service Leads to Catholic Charities
After a successful business career, profound personal loss, and conversion to the Catholic faith, Matthew Hancock found a new calling leading Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo features
Photos: Archbishop Pérez Blesses New St. John Neumann Statue in South Philadelphia
A new statue of St. John Neumann was blessed and dedicated Oct. 27 at SS. John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School in South Philadelphia, where it now joins a longtime statue of St. Maria Goretti in the school’s Memorial Prayer Garden.
Photos: Archbishop Pérez Celebrates Mass at Holy Martyrs Parish in Oreland
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated Mass Sunday at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church in Oreland, Montgomery County, and joined parishioners for fellowship following the liturgy.
Sports
When Grown Men Become Kids Again, Everyone Enjoys the Emotion
The Milwaukee Brewers won their first World Series title this week. As their emotions exploded across American TV screens, everyone joined in the joy and vulnerability of the moment, writes John Knebels.
Villanova, Notre Dame to Open Basketball Season in Rome with Livestreamed Events
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica during Villanova and Notre Dame’s historic basketball weekend in Rome. Both the Mass and a private audience with Pope Leo XIV will be livestreamed.
Cartafalsa’s Return, Conboy’s Clutch Save Help Carroll Capture 6th Straight PCL Crown
Archbishop Carroll turned away Cardinal O’Hara’s upset bid with a 2-1 victory Oct. 28 for the Philadelphia Catholic League field hockey title.

People and Events
Jason Sorgini Named Chief HR Officer for Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Jason Sorgini has been appointed chief human resources officer for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, effective Jan. 4, 2027.
Roman Catholic Welcomes City Officials for Youth Safety Initiative
Roman Catholic High School hosted city officials on Oct. 22 for its Center City Safe Schools initiative.
Discover Catholic Philadelphia Guide Available as Free Digital Download
The latest edition of Discover Catholic Philadelphia, founded by Ascension Press founder Matthew Pinto, is available as a free digital download featuring the region’s Catholic churches, shrines, and historic landmarks.
Spirituality
All Saints Day Points to End of Our Life’s Journey: Heaven’s Eternal Love
The continual transformation that takes place within our hearts through the struggles and joys of life prepares us for being in God’s presence, where we will see God "as He is,” writes Msgr. Joseph Prior on the Solemnity of All Saints.

Calendar of Events
Nov. 4 Mass of Gratitude to Honor Catholic Charities Appeal Donors, Staff
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia's Office of Stewardship and Development will host a Mass of Gratitude Nov. 4 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, with prayer intentions welcomed from attendees and supporters.
Luminiscence: Christmas Wonder to Open Nov. 19 at Cathedral Basilica
A Christmas-themed edition of the immersive Luminiscence experience featuring holiday music, video projections and live performances will open Nov. 19 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.
Cathedral Basilica to Host Annual Advent Retreat Dec. 12
The retreat will feature two conferences led by Sister Marie Mechtild, RSM, along with opportunities for prayer, quiet reflection, the sacrament of reconciliation, Mass and a holy hour with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Commentaries
Beyond the Stage: Archbishop Wood Students Lead the Way in Raising Awareness for Muscular Dystrophy
Archbishop Wood High School's production of 13 the Musical has inspired a partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, using the show to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy and model student leadership and service, writes principal Katherine Nobles.
Oppose Intentional Killing of Elderly by Encountering Them With Love
Our elders are most vulnerable to assisted suicide, and most easily thrown away, when they are at their weakest, writes Sister Constance Veit. The loving care that we show them affirms their dignity and can transform us.
My Hunger to Help the Human Family Began 50 Years Ago
Just after her college graduation, Anne Healy Ayella participated in the 1976 Eucharistic Congress. It inspired her mission to feed the needy of the world, including 360 million people via CRS Rice Bowl.

Vatican News
This Week: Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Peace in Ukraine, Sends Charity
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 October 25, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

Hispanic Catholics
La Fuente: Cuando los planes de Dios son mejores que los nuestros – La Voz de Dios Nov. 1, 2026
En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con Josua Díaz sobre su historia de fe, su caminar con Cristo y La Fuente, un encuentro para jóvenes adultos de la Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia.


