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Archbishop Pérez

Archbishop Pérez Calls the Faithful to Protect Human Dignity in Respect Life Month Message

In a video message marking Respect Life Month, Archbishop Pérez calls Catholics to uphold the dignity and sanctity of every human life.

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Local News

Hispanic Heritage Mass Offers Joy, Hope Amid Immigration Challenges

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez and Auxiliary Bishop Christopher R. Cooke joined pilgrims representing more than 20 nations as Philadelphia's Hispanic Catholic community gathered in faith and solidarity.

Mercedarian Fathers Celebrate Feast Day at Our Lady of Lourdes Church

Priests, religious sisters and lay faithful observed the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mercy with Mass at the church in Philadelphia’s Overbrook neighborhood Sept. 23.

Meet the Digital Missionaries Opening New Doors to the Church

A three-person team is reaching people where they are – on their phones – to show the local Church and the Trust and Hope initiative in action, and inviting a relationship with Jesus.

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Photo features

Photos: Archdiocese Celebrates 20th Annual Hispanic Heritage Mass

Archbishop Nelson Pérez presided over the liturgy, joined by Bishop Christopher Cooke who leads the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Ministry to Hispanic Catholics, and other clergy.

Young Catholic Professionals Celebrate Five Years in Philadelphia

Launched in 2018, the YCP Philadelphia Chapter is part of a national network that equips young professionals in their 20s and 30s to deepen their faith while pursuing their careers.

Archbishop Pérez Honored at 6abc Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon

As the first Archbishop of Philadelphia of Hispanic heritage, Archbishop Pérez, a proud son of Cuban immigrants, accepted the 2026 “Philly Proud Community Leader Award” in recognition of his leadership and service.

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Spirituality

God Loves Us With Persistent, Immeasurable Love

Msgr. Joseph Prior can point to definitions of love in a dictionary and signs of loving families, spouses and friends. But it's the life-giving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that best shows the love of God for everyone.

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Profile

A Letter of Gratitude, A Career of Service

Inspired by a thank-you letter from a grateful parent, Donna Fanelli’s 30 years with Catholic Charities reflect a lasting commitment to feeding children and supporting families across the region.

Walking with People Through Life’s Hardest Moments

From helping families secure safe housing to supporting women in recovery and older adults in need, Katherine “Kate” Baumgardner has spent nearly 25 years accompanying people on their journey toward stability, dignity, and healing.

Where Hope Finds a Home

Inspired by her faith and a desire to serve others, Leslie Diaz connects vulnerable individuals and families with the support they need to thrive.

Creating Opportunities for All

After 17 years with Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services, Maureen Lewis continues to help individuals build skills, foster meaningful connections, and live lives of dignity, inclusion, and purpose.

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Commentaries

Despite Promise of Clickbait, Pay Attention to the Person

An endless stream of digital content seeks to cash in on our attention span, but a forthcoming message by Pope Leo XIV next January will direct our gaze to God, and to one another, writes Matthew Gambino.

3 Ways to Evangelize Those Who Have Drifted From the Faith

Everyone knows someone who was baptized Catholic but no longer participates in the Church. Anne DeSantis shows practical ways to listen and invite people back, while prayerfully trusting in God.

As School Begins Again, Students Discover the Nearness of Christ

Bishop Keith J. Chylinski invites young people heading back to school during this 175th anniversary year of the Catholic school system in Philadelphia to encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a refuge and source of unity.

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Vatican News

This Week: Pope Visits France, Where Church Sees New Influx of Catholics

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 September 27, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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Sports

Daughter Shares Jim Algeo’s ‘Rare Breed’ Ethos in New Film

Bridget Algeo created a documentary love letter to her dad and the thousands of young people he touched as a football coach for 44 years through “faith, family and football.”

A Summer of Aces for Lansdale Catholic Girls’ Volleyball Head Coach

After a whirlwind summer that included her wedding and a promotion to assistant principal, Lansdale Catholic girls’ volleyball coach Rachael Silhanek enters the new season balancing expanded leadership roles both on campus and on the court.

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Calendar of Events

Upcoming Events for Healing and Support in November

The Office for the New Evangelization and the Office for Persons with Disabilities will host two November events focused on healing and faith.

Young Adults Invited to ‘The Well’ Conference in Philadelphia

Young adults aged 18-39 are invited to deepen their faith and community connections at The Well: Young Adult Conference.

Solemn Mass to Celebrate Feast of St. John Henry Newman Oct. 9

The liturgy will feature sacred music in the English choral tradition, including hymns by Newman and O Sacrum Convivium by Anton Bruckner.

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People and Events

Cathedral Basilica to Offer Evening Vespers Prior to Sunday Mass

This evening prayer will precede the celebrated 6:30 p.m. Sunday Mass, offering an opportunity for reflection, community, and a deepening of our spiritual journey.

Five New Culture Project Missionaries Begin Service in Philadelphia Archdiocese

Five Culture Project International missionaries will serve throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia during the coming year, educating young people about human dignity, virtue, authentic love, and chastity.

BLOCS Names Retired SEI Executive to Board

Retired SEI Investments executive John Steinmetz has joined the BLOCS Board of Directors as the Pennsylvania scholarship organization continues its statewide expansion.

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USCCB

Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is a Transformative Opportunity for Children Across the Country, says Bishop O’Connell

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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

Jóvenes adultos: fe, amistad y misión – La Voz de Dios Oct. 4, 2026

Esta semana en La Voz de Dios, Marianela Núñez conversa con el Arzobispo Nelson J. Pérez sobre los jóvenes adultos y su importante papel en la vida y misión de la Iglesia.

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