February 2 each year marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, based on the Gospel of Luke 2:22-40.  Formerly known as the “Feast of the Purification of Mary,” the day commemorates the Holy Family’s visit to the Temple in Jerusalem for Mary’s ritual purification 40 days after childbirth, and the presentation of Jesus as a first born son according to the Torah.

This summer marks the 500th anniversary of the Leipzig Debate between Martin Luther, then still an Augustinian monk, and Johann Eck, one of the leading Catholic scholars of his age.  The issue at hand was the legitimacy of indulgences, but much deeper and sharper theological differences between the two men soon became clear. 

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to announce the presentation of the relic of the incorrupt heart of Saint John Vianney, patron saint of parish priests. The Shrine of Ars, France, in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus, has organized a national tour of this relic in the United States from November 2018 through early June 2019.

It was announced today in Rome that Pope Francis has appointed Reverend Joseph L. Coffey a bishop. Bishop-elect Coffey is a long-serving chaplain in the United States Navy with the rank of Commander. He will serve as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, following his episcopal ordination.

At a news conference this morning, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia launched the 2019 Catholic Charities Appeal.

***CORRECTED ON JANUARY 18, 2019 TO UPDATE REVEREND RAYMOND W. SMART’S HISTORY OF PARISH SERVICE***