Rally for Life: Great Success

Hundreds attending the first ever Walk for Life

Many Christians across the Philadelphia area gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Love Park. Many representing local Catholic schools listened on to join in the fight to protect the unborn.


This was the first time the event was ever held.

"We who oppose abortion do not oppose those who had abortions; rather, we embrace them with forgiveness and peace." Father Frank Pavone stated

The rally concluded with a procession to the cathedral for holy hour and mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Chaput

Lights, Camera, Catholic

Former Philadelphia mayor candidate Sam Katz embarks on a new endeavor.




Katz will take on a project covering the 300 years history of Catholicism in Philadelphia. The project is to completed in time for the 2015 World Meeting of Families.




"The eyes of the world will be on Philadelphia," Katz said, because the five-day gathering is expected to be the occasion for Pope Francis' first papal visit to the United States.




In the five county area of Philadelphia, there are 1.4 million Catholics. 35% of the population in the United States is Catholic.






Katz's tackles Catholic History in Philadelphia

One Year Out

Philadelphia is a year away from being on the grand stage.

The World Meeting of Families will be coming to Philadelphia. Since its inception by Pope John Paul the Great in 1994, families from around the world has gathered every 3 years to share information and advice on how to help families in a challenging society.

If you are considering coming to Philadelphia, then now is the time to book your trip. There is so much anticipation especially the potential visit of Pope Francis.

Visit worldmeetings2015.com for more information.

Archbishop Chaput unveals Catechism and Offical Prayer in Rome

With a year away from the World Meeting of Families, Archbishop Chaput visits the Vatican to unveil the prayer, icon, and catechism of the Eighth World Meeting of Families.

"I am greatly pleased to share these important preparatory materials for the World Meeting of Families with the Pontifical Council for the Family and the world,” said Archbishop Chaput. “It is my deepest hope that not only Catholics but all people of good will might connect to our theme through reading, discussion, prayer and reflection based on these preparatory materials.”

The preparatory catechesis helps address issues facing families today. The official prayer is meant to aid delegates around the world in their spiritual preparation for the event. It is available in 18 languages. The four-by-five-foot canvas is a work of sacred art meant to encourage reflection and prayer.

Credit, Debit, or Fraud?

It could be the biggest data breach in history. Yesterday Home Depot confirmed that there was a data breach.   It is unclear how many customers are affected, but they are advised to check their bank statements if they have shopped at the retail store since April in the United States and Canada.




60 million credit card numbers could be at risk. Home Depot will soon offer Credit Card monitoring for any future transactions.




According to a recent study, many retailers are unprepared for malware attacks.

Icon of World Meeting of Families 2015 unveiled

Icon revealed after mass by Archbishop Chaput

Following last night's mass, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput has unveiled to many in attendance the icon for the World Meeting of Families. The icon was made by Kennet Square native, Neilson Carlin.

The icon represents the holy family, Jesus Mary and Joseph. The other two are Mary's parents Joachim and Anne.


"Inspired by the theme of 'Love is our mission,' it is my sincerest hope that this image will be a source of prayer and contemplation that draws people of all faiths in and ultimately makes them feel closer and more connected to their own families." says Carlin. Carlin made the image with paint oil.
The icon will be taken to Rome along with the archbishop to present to the Pontifical Council of Families later this month. After that the icon will be on displayed next September during the World Meeting of Families at the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

New School Year, New Beginnings

                                      St Barnabas pictured here holds students from recent closed parishes

There goes the bell! Another year of learning math, reading, and faith. Despite the recent closings in the Philadelphia area, many closed parishes have merged into independent mission schools. Many of the abandoned buildings from closed parishes end up transitioning into charter or public schools.

However, it has recently changed. The Independent Mission Schools purchased former William Harrison Public School for more than $1.3 million. The new building is set to open in 2015 and a new home for St. Malachy's School.

Aldo Cavalli, president of Independent Mission Schools, "The new St. Malachy, relocated within a block and a half of the old, will have 24 classrooms with facilities for art, music, a gym, cafeteria and auditorium, which would raise the capacity to about 550 students"

Takes notes everyone! Catholic schools could be on the verge of a comeback in Philadelphia.... With a new mission and look.

Holy Toledo, Bishop Thomas

On August 26th, Pope Francis recently assigned Bishop Daniel Thomas for assignment to Toledo, Ohio. Thomas, a native of Manayunk section of Philadelphia, has been a bishop for eight years.

Thomas was ordained a priest in 1985 by Cardinal Krol. One of his assignments included parochial vicar at St. Joseph's in Aston. Thomas is a 1977 graduate of Roman Catholic High School.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops report that, "The Diocese of Toledo includes a total of 1,465,561 people of whom 319,907, or 22 percent, are Catholic"

I had an opportunity to meet Bishop Thomas a year ago. He celebrated Liturgy of the Word at my parish before hundreds walked on a pilgrimage to the Cathedral for the Walk of Faith.

He spoke the word of God so well that he made everyone reflect on where they are on their spiritual journey. While many believe it's a loss for Philadelphia, Toledo gains a faithful shepherd in Bishop Thomas. I hope that he will inspire many Catholics to live out the call to walk by faith, not by sight.

Thomas will be installed Bishop of Toledo on Wednesday October 22nd.