On Wednesday, September 17, Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, and Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, who oversees Catholic Education in the Archdiocese, gathered with hundreds of students from Catholic parish and regional elementary schools, high schools, and schools of special education to fill the gymnasium bleachers at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor (Delaware County) to celebrate the beginning of the 2025-2026 academic year in the five-county Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
They were joined by leadership in the Office of Catholic Education including Mr. Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools; Mr. William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education; and Andrew McLaughlin, Ed.D., Secretary for Elementary Education.
Archbishop Carroll leadership was represented by Dr. Patricia Scott, President, and Mr. William Gennaro, Principal. The event served as an official welcome for the more than 47,000 students attending the 102 parish and regional elementary schools, 15 high schools, and three schools of special education in the region.
In speaking to the students Archbishop Pérez said, “This is an exciting time to be a young person in the Church of Philadelphia. In the words of the late Pope Francis “You are the now of God”. I recently had the honor of leading a pilgrimage to Rome to witness the canonization of Saint Pierre Giorgio Frassati, a World Youth Day patron since 2002, and Saint Carlo Acutis, the first saint born in the millennial generation.” The Archbishop continued, “Pope Leo reflected on Saint Carlo as someone who young people can look to as a role model of Missionary Discipleship in the digital age. He used his gifts to bring others to Christ. All of us are called to do the same each day.”
The event concluded with a pep rally featuring performances by the Archbishop John Carroll High School Band, directed by Mr. Jeffery Darrohn and the Archbishop John Carroll High School Cheerleaders coached by Ms. Taylor Farr, as well as mascot races with contestants from Archdiocesan high schools. Roman Catholic’s “Cahillite” took the crown by besting Archbishop John Carroll’s “Patriot” and Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast’s “Friar”.
Footage of the celebration is posted here.
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Editor’s Note: For information about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit www.aopcatholicschools.org/.
Contact:Meredith Wilson
Media and Events Specialist
215-587-3747