CatholicPhilly

Local News

Soccer-Fan Priest Enjoys World Cup in Philly, Sees God’s Presence in ‘Beautiful Game’

Surprised by the gift of tickets to a match, Father Remigio Morales of St. Agatha-St. James Parish saw players making the sign of the cross and witnessed the shared joy of fans worldwide for the game he loves.

Molded in Philly, New Black Catholic CEO Riding ‘Wave of New Energy’

Sheila Hodges begins her tenure as CEO and editor of the Black Catholic Messenger digital news outlet energized by her formation at the University of Pennsylvania and her strong Catholic faith.

Missionary Hub in Chester Offering Workshops to Share, Teach the Faith

Joshua Bean, the missionary hub director at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Delaware County, led a talk July 8 on the basics of the Catholic faith, suggesting the workshop as a first step before one invites a friend to Mass.

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People and Events

Archdiocesan Educator Named to National Group for AI Instruction

Annabel Dotzman, of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Catholic Education, is one of 13 founding members of Google Educator Group for Catholic Educators which aims to bring artificial intelligence tools into Catholic school classrooms.

BLOCS Serves 43K Pa. Students with $250M in Scholarship Aid

The largest scholarship organization in Pennsylvania reached milestones in the number of nonpublic students it assists through the EITC and OSTC tax credit programs and the amount of funds raised for scholarships.

Eric Stonesifer Named New Principal of Little Flower High School

Eric A. Stonesifer has been appointed the next principal of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls effective Monday, Aug. 3.

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Profile

Bucks County Deacon Begins Leading Two Churches as Parish Life Director

Permanent Deacon John Teson, a father of two, believes listening is the first step to serving the people of Holy Trinity and St. John the Evangelist parishes, both in Morrisville.

In New Role, Deacon Aims to Help Parishioners Encounter Christ

Deacon Mario Gonzalez brings his passion for faith and decades running a small family business to his ministry as Parish Life Director at St. Mark Parish in Bristol.

Deacon Gets to Stay in Northeast Philly Neighborhood in New Work as Parish Life Director

Retired city police officer and Permanent Deacon Steve Guckin, who has been serving at St. Martha Parish for 19 years, begins administrative leadership there, allowing priests to focus on sacramental ministry.

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Sports

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.

Local Star Kevin McGonigle Comes Home to Play in 1st MLB All-Star Game

The former standout at Msgr. Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, and now a Detroit Tigers rookie phenom, “remembers where he came from,” said Bonner & Prendie’s leaders.

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Photo features

Photos: Cathedral Basilica Honors Capt. Lou Campione With 2026 Keys and Sword Award

The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul presented its 2026 Keys and Sword Award to Philadelphia Police Capt. Lou Campione, recognizing his nearly 50 years of leadership, service and dedication to the Philadelphia community.

Bishop Esmilla Joins Filipino Catholic Community for Mass Honoring Our Lady of FIAT

Bishop Efren V. Esmilla celebrated Mass honoring Our Lady of FIAT on July 13 with the Catholic Filipino community in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. See a photo gallery.

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Spirituality

Patience With Others and Ourselves Allows Grace to Take Effect

St. Paul says “love is patient,” but Father Eric Banecker knows that all too often we’re impatient in bearing our faults and those of others. We should rejoice in the Lord's patience and mercy with us as instruments of His transformative love.

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Vatican News

This Week: Vatican Legate Visits Ukraine Seeking Peace, Return of Abducted Children

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 July 12, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.

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USCCB

“Acts That Diminish or Disregard the Dignity of Any Person or Group of People Should Never Be Normalized in Our Society,” Say Bishop Garcia and Bishop Cahill

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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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Commentaries

Families in Crisis Can Turn to St. Raymond Nonnatus

While the 13th century saint may not be well known, he remains a witness to reconciliation. As Anne DeSantis writes, he reminds us that even in our deepest trials, God is still writing a story of hope.

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by Embracing God’s Gift of Freedom

The freedoms that we celebrate this Independence Day should inspire us to become faithful witnesses to God’s blessings and to bring peace into our homes and communities, writes Anne DeSantis.

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Calendar of Events

Annual Catholic Women’s Conference Set for Oct. 24 in Doylestown

Join Catholic women from the greater Philadelphia area for a transformative day of fun, friendship, faith formation, and prayer at the Catholic Women’s Conference on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown.

South Philadelphia Parish to Honor Blessed Michael McGivney Aug. 15

Epiphany of Our Lord Church in South Philadelphia will host its third annual Father McGivney Feast Day Vigil Mass on Aug. 15, honoring Blessed Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus

Saint Joseph’s University to Host Ignatian Spirituality and Leadership Conference

Saint Joseph's University will host its annual Ignatian Spirituality and Leadership Conference on July 30, bringing together participants for a day of reflection, learning, and leadership formation. The event will feature keynote speakers Eric Clayton and Sr. Margaret Scott, A.C.I., D.Min., along with breakout sessions focused on discernment, self-awareness, and Ignatian spirituality.

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Hispanic Catholics

Dios sigue creyendo en nosotros – La Voz de Dios July 19, 2026

En este episodio de La Voz de Dios, reflexionamos sobre la paciencia infinita del Señor, su misericordia y el poder transformador de las pequeñas semillas de fe. Descubramos cómo Dios sigue obrando silenciosamente en nuestra vida y nos invita a confiar en que, con su gracia, el bien siempre dará fruto.

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