Local News
Grand Adoration Chapel Set to Open at St. Denis Parish
The Sacre Coeur Chapel, the French moniker of a new perpetual adoration chapel, will be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as an Archdiocesan Shrine by Archbishop Pérez on June 12 in Havertown, Delaware County.
Cathedral Basilica to ‘Let Freedom Sing’ in June 28 Concert, July 5 Mass
A diverse group of choirs and musicians will unite in song to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the conclusion of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage in Philadelphia.
All Sacred Moments of Mass Add to Divine Worship of God, Speaker Tells Seminary
Earlier this spring, author James Monti cited saints, popes, and 2,000 years of thinking on liturgical practices to urge preservation of the Catholic Church’s treasury of sacred liturgy, music, and holiness.
Spirituality
Grace Transforms Us When We Open Our Hearts to Eucharist
On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of the Lord, Msgr. Joseph Prior tells how the grace of the eucharistic encounter can change our life, as for St. Carlo Acutis.

Photo features
Conwell-Egan Seniors Gather for Baccalaureate Mass in Levittown
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated Conwell-Egan Catholic High School’s annual Baccalaureate Mass on June 1 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, marking a milestone for the Class of 2026. See our photo gallery.
Father Judge Seniors Gather for Baccalaureate Mass in Philadelphia
Father Judge High School seniors and their families gathered June 2 at Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Philadelphia, where Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez celebrated the annual Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2026.
St. John the Evangelist, Morrisville, Welcomes Archbishop for Confirmation
Approximately 21 young Catholics received the sacrament of confirmation conferred by Archbishop Nelson Pérez during a May 28 Mass at the Bucks County parish.
Vatican News
This Week: American Lay Woman, EWTN Executive, First to Lead Vatican Office
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 31, 2026 links to stories on VaticanNews.va.
Sports
Dominant Pitching, Clutch Home Run Power Archbishop Wood to District Win
Senior right-handers Andrew Unrath and Jack Coughlin allowed only one run and senior Chase Cavallaro cracked a three-run shot that sealed the PIAA Class 4A state quarterfinal victory.
Carroll Wins First PCL Softball Title in School History
The Patriots reprised their victory in April over perennial powerhouse Bonner-Prendergast – the Pandas’ only regular season loss – with a 5-0 championship clincher on May 22.
Commentaries
Summer Novena at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish to Focus on Faith, Freedom
The Doylestown parish will feature a guest speaker on each of the nine nights of prayer from July 8 to July 16, the parish feast day. The faithful will ask the intercession of the Blessed Mother and renew trust in God’s providence.
Championing Health Through Presence and Care
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Jennifer Rose says accompanying older adults—and her own father—taught her that caring for health is not just about treatment, but about dignity, faith, and walking with others through life’s most vulnerable moments.
Profile
Andrew Santoleri: Faithful Altar Server, Prayer Warrior, and Model of Holiness
The young man with Down syndrome keeps Jesus and the Blessed Mother at the center of his life, and his prayerfulness inspires his family, friends, and parishioners at St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills.
Second Chances, New Beginnings: Building Futures for At-Risk Youth
Once a sixth‑grader expelled from school, Ken Whalen now helps Philadelphia teens build skills, confidence, and second chances through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Youth Skills Building Program.
Port Richmond’s Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center: Transforming Lives, One Visit at a Time
Jennifer Scornaienchi has spent more than two decades transforming the lives of older adults, offering community, compassion, and vital services through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia's Nativity B.V.M. Senior Community Center.
Families Open Their Hearts and Homes to People with Disabilities Through Catholic Charities of Philadelphia Program
Wendy Cadet helps lead Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Life Sharing Through Family Living program, giving children and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities the chance to grow and thrive in loving homes.
Our New Priests
Power of Prayer, Personal Invitation Lead Montco. Man to Priesthood
Souderton resident Alexander Cross will be ordained a priest May 16 thanks to the encouragement of his best friend in college and the ardent prayers of his late pastor at St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville.
Intense Focus on Prayer, Service Led Seminarian to Cusp of Priesthood
Deacon Dominic Mirenda found the seminary’s Spiritual Year, with its disconnect from media, “the best year of my life.” After his ordination May 16, he’ll grow closer to God and help all souls get to heaven.
Doylestown Man Finally Will Serve People He Loves as a Priest
In college Deacon Charles Cappelli wondered if he could be a priest to bring Christ in the Eucharist to his friends. After his ordination May 16, he will be able to do that, just as Jesus fed the 5,000.
Priestly Calling Woven Throughout Deacon Thomas Cipolla’s Life
The Jenkintown resident began discerning his priestly calling as a boy asking his father to drive past the seminary’s Wynnewood campus. He will be ordained May 16.
Hope Kept Alive Deacon Declan Cole’s Boyhood Promise to Become a Priest
Doubts and other life options put the priestly vocation in question for the young Bucks County man, but a reliance on hope in Christ and on prayer have him ready for ordination May 16.
Sent With Mother’s Love From Nigeria, Called by God to Priesthood
When Deacon Jude Opara is ordained a priest for Philadelphia May 16 by Archbishop Pérez, he will have his mother’s image and cloth sewn into his vestment—a tribute to his African heritage and his Catholic faith.

Calendar of Events
Cathedral Basilica to Host Discussion on Pope Leo XIV’s AI Encyclical
Father Dennis Gill will moderate a June 14 discussion at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul on Magnifica Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical addressing human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence.
Bell Ringing Against Gun Violence Set for June 5
The Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul will ring its bells June 5 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. in a united effort to raise awareness about gun violence in our community.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to Culminate in Philadelphia During July 2-5 Celebration
Events planned in Philadelphia include Holy Mass, a Eucharistic procession, continuous Eucharistic adoration at the Cathedral Basilica, service opportunities and additional devotional activities throughout the four-day gathering.

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