“A picture of Pope Francis sits in front of a colorful Easter display inside St. Catherine of Siena Parish Church in Exeter Township — a juxtaposition that also reflects faith itself.

“It just shows you how precious life is. One day you think you’re gonna be fine and pull through, and the next day, God’s calling you to himself,” said… Read more

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'We lost our Holy Father': Local Catholic priest reacts to passing of Pope Francis

A priest outside St Catherine of Siena was seen Monday adjusting the customary black bunting above a door at the entrance to the church.

“Known as the people’s pope, Francis visited Philadelphia in 2015 as part of a North American tour. His surprise Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Square was a fitting final day, according to Allentown Bishop Alfred Shlert, who met the 266th pope several times.

“He especially wanted to engage with the poor, the suffering, the… Read more

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Community reflects on Pope Francis’s legacy at Allentown’s St. Catherine of Siena church

In honor of Pope Francis's passing, Allentown's Cathedral Church of St. Catherine of Siena is draped in black for the next month.

“Throughout his Papacy, Pope Francis welcomed many into conversation with the church,” the bishop said in a statement released by the diocese. “He reminded the faithful that the church is a hospital for sinners, and not just the saints and religious, transmitting hope to those who feel distant from Christ.”

Republican Herald

republicanherald.com

Pope Francis remembered as people’s pontiff

Rev. Jason F. Stokes rushed home from Bethlehem, where he spent Easter with family members, to celebrate Mass at Holy Family Church Monday morning after seeing the announcement of Pope Francis’ dea…

Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis at 12:15 p.m., Friday, April 25, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The Bishop will also lead Solemn Pontifical Vespers for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 25, at the Cathedral.

All… Read more

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Diocesan Memorial Mass and Vespers Set for Pope Francis - AD Today

All are invited to attend both the Mass and the Vespers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis this Friday, April 25.

Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown on April 21 to mourn Pope Francis during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert.

“Today in a special way we pray for the soul of our Holy Father, whom the Lord, in His goodness, has given us for the past 12 years,” said Bishop Schlert, noting that… Read more

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Hundreds Pray for Pope Francis at Special Mass Celebrated by Bishop Schlert - AD Today

Hundreds of people gathered at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown on April 21 to mourn Pope Francis during a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert.

“As part of our service to the Church in this moment, EWTN will air programming to honor Pope Francis’s life and legacy as well as coverage of the many devotions and Masses from the Vatican, including the Holy Father’s funeral Mass. We invite our global audience to join us in this period of mourning. May God have mercy on His servant and… Read more

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Join EWTN for Prayer, Devotions, and the Funeral Mass Live from the Vatican - AD Today

The EWTN Global Catholic Network joins together with Catholics around the world in mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 years old at 7:35 a.m. Rome time on Monday, April 21, 2025.