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Articles by Peter G. Sanchez
Former Planned Parenthood worker shares journey back to choosing life
MERCHANTVILLE – “We’re not just saving lives, but saving souls.” Ramona Trevino, 40 Days for Life outreach director, visited Saint Peter Parish on Oct. 14 to share her journey of God’s grace and redemption and encourage those advocating for the right to life. To an audience of 40 that included Bishop Joseph Williams, Trevino spoke of her four years as a manager at a Planned Parenthood abortion referral facility in Sherman, Texas.
Talking Saints – St. Miniato
On the latest episode of Talking Saints, Pete and Laurie learn a new word: cephalophore. This term describes a martyred saint who is depicted carrying their own head. Such was the case for St. Miniato, the first martyr of Florence. Join the co-hosts as they discuss the extraordinary legend of this 3rd century saint and the century-old Basilica that bears his name. Photo courtesy of Gabriel Akre.
The Bishop’s Schedule, Oct. 24 – 29
Saturday, Oct. 24 10:30 a.m. – Mass of Institution for Diaconate Candidates and Celebration of 50 years of Permanent Diaconate in Diocese of Camden, Church of the Incarnation, Mantua Sunday, Oct. 25 11 a.m. – Installation Mass for Father Thomas Newton as Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Sicklerville Monday, Oct. 26 11 a.m. – Building dedication, Stonegate at Saint Stephen’s Phase III, Pennsauken Tuesday, Oct.
Bishop Joseph L. Coffey honored at sold-out Catholic Charities of South Jersey dinner
Bishop Joseph A. Williams, with Dr. Maria Elena Hallion, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of South Jersey, presents the Saint John Neumann Award to Bishop Joseph L. Coffey, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, at the Catholic Charities 22nd annual Dinner at Resorts Hotel. (Photos by Lori M.
Four faithful healthcare professionals honored at annual White Mass
Four healthcare professionals were honored with the Saint Luke Award at the Diocese of Camden’s annual White Mass on Oct. 18. Pictured, from left: Dr. John C.
Pope Leo XIV sends message after surgery to Vatican conference, asks for prayers
By EWTN News Staff EWTN News Pope Leo XIV, recovering from lung cancer surgery in Rome, sent a request for prayers to participants in a Vatican conference. “As you know, I have been unable to be among you during these days,” Pope Leo wrote in the Oct. 14 message to clergy members and Catholics. “I thank you warmly for your prayers and for the work you have done together.
For visiting imprisoned, Absecon parishioner named Disciple of Mercy
Matthew Simons poses for a photo at his parish, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Absecon. Simons is a Disciple of Mercy awardee for his service to prison ministry. (Photo by Peter G. Sanchez) Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is highlighting each of this year’s Disciples of Mercy awardees, all of whom will be recognized at the Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 21 at Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City.
Saint Mary School vice principal, teacher named N.J. Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year
Melissa Brino, photographed at her desk at Saint Mary School in Williamstown, has been named 2026 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year. (Photo by Peter G. Sanchez) Melissa Brino, vice principal and eighth-grade teacher at Saint Mary School, Williamstown, has been named the 2026 New Jersey Nonpublic School Teacher of the Year by the New Jersey Council for American Private Education (NJCAPE).
Blessed Sheen’s 1972 visit to Diocese continues to inspire
Dorothy Moran, a longtime parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima, Haddon Heights, meets then-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen at her graduation from Rosemont College in 1965. (Courtesy photo) On Sept. 25, Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the 20th century Catholic media pioneer known for his insightful, engaging and accessible teaching on the faith, was declared “blessed,” bringing him one step closer to sainthood.
Brother John Neuffer, OFM, who serves at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia, prays during the Mass celebrating the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis of Assisi on Sept. 26 at Church of the Incarnation, Mantua. (Photos by Frank Scaramuzzo) MANTUA – In celebrating the Jubilee Year of Saint Francis, Bishop Joseph A.
Prayer, gratitude mark 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass
Two police officers carry candles during the Offertory at the 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass on Sept. 29 in Blackwood. (Photos by Lori M. Nichols) BLACKWOOD – “God bless our women and men in blue.” In a morning of fervent praise and reverent prayer, Bishop Joseph Williams, joined by priests, deacons, religious, laity, dignitaries and schoolchildren, recognized and thanked first responders for their sacrifice and service at the 25th annual Diocesan Blue Mass on Sept. 29.
Canine first responders bring calm, peace to those in crisis
Bishop Joseph Williams pets Lincoln, owned by Andrea Hering, co-founder and CEO of Crisis Response Canines, during the annual appreciation luncheon Sept. 18 at Adelphia Restaurant in Deptford. (Photos by Lori M. Nichols) DEPTFORD – When communities experience tragedy, crisis response canine Axel and his handler, John Hunt, are ready to offer a quiet, reassuring presence.
Deacons gather in prayer and fellowship
Permanent deacons of the Diocese of Camden pose for a photo during their annual convocation Sept. 19 in Church of the Holy Family’s Aquin Hall. (Photos by Mike Walsh) SEWELL – Ordained a permanent deacon of the Diocese in October 1988, 77-year-old Deacon Michael McDonaugh calls his vocation “a joyful life.” “I’ve been able to center my ministry on Christ and serve as He did,” said retired Deacon McDonaugh, of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Williamstown. On Sept.
On a wing, faithful send their prayers
Photos by Jennifer Mauro A gathering of faith and remembrance took place at Calvary Cemetery’s chapel in Cherry Hill as families and friends came together Sept. 18 for a memorial Mass honoring loved ones who have died in the past year. The Mass, celebrated by Father Walter Norris – a retired priest of the Diocese – offered those in attendance an opportunity to pray for the deceased while finding comfort in the promise of eternal life.
Deacon Joseph Loungo, remembered for generosity, dies
Deacon Joseph W. Loungo Sr. Deacon Joseph W. Loungo Sr., 85, who served the faithful in Glassboro and Mullica Hill, died on Sept. 15. Retiring from active diaconate ministry in 2016 after nine years at Saint Bridget (later University) Parish in Glassboro, he continued to serve there until 2019, when he moved to Mullica Hill’s Catholic Community of the Holy Spirit. Deacon Loungo continued in Mullica Hill as retired clergy until last year.
Members of the Saint Damien Parish, Ocean City Parish Nurse/Helping Hands Ministry include, from left to right, Denise Kossuth; Therese Wells; Rosemary Kates, coordinator; Joanne Kelly, the parish’s pastoral associate for Justice and Community Outreach; Nancy O’Connell, co-coordinator; and Noreen McBride. Next to the group, a billboard advertises the ministry’s upcoming Health Fair. (Photo by Peter G.
Couple being recognized for ‘compassion without hesitation’
Rich and Carol Purcell pose for a photo with a client of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center in Camden. The Purcells, of Christ the King Parish in Haddonfield, are among those named as 2026 Disciples of Mercy by Catholic Charities of South Jersey. (Courtesy photos) Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is highlighting each of this year’s Disciples of Mercy awardees, all of whom will be recognized at the Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Oct.
Father Maher thankful for 45 years of sharing ‘depths of God’s love’
Father Edward Maher consecrates the Blood of Christ during Mass at Saint Thomas the Apostle. (Courtesy photos) It was while walking the campus of Saint Joseph College of Florida one night in the 1970s that Father Edward Maher first truly contemplated the joy of the priesthood.
Retreat reignites parish leaders to grow in faith, serve community
Faithful join hands in prayer during the Christ the Good Shepherd Parish Staff and Parish Leadership Workshop Retreat held Aug. 26 at Notre Dame de la Mer Parish’s Msgr. Kelly Hall in Wildwood Crest. (Photos by Lori M. Nichols) WILDWOOD CREST – In front of her pastor and fellow faithful here at Notre Dame de la Mer Parish’s Msgr. Kelly Hall, Linda Ramos shared her story. “Growing up, my parents always stressed the importance of having a strong belief and faith in God,” she began.
St. Peter School prepares to celebrate 100th anniversary
The old Saint Peter School, before the 1952 additions. (Courtesy photos) Nearly 100 years ago, a cornerstone-laying ceremony on Merchantville’s Maple Avenue, behind the Saint Peter Parish rectory, laid the first seeds of Catholic education that have now blossomed into a strong, vibrant community pillar.
New program to enhance youth sports experience in Catholic schools
Amid a youth sports culture increasingly shaped by win-at-all-costs coaching, early specialization and a parent “sports rage” that continues to be a nationwide concern, the Diocese of Camden is partnering with the Play Like a Champion Today sports ministry program to foster a healthier, faith-centered approach to athletics and provide young athletes in its Catholic elementary schools with the best possible sports experience.
PVI alum, basketball star Hannah Hidalgo donates books in Camden
Hannah Hidalgo poses for a photo Aug. 19 with her mother, Tamara, and Lorraine Harris, a nurse practitioner who helped deliver Hidalgo in February 2005. (Photos by Peter G. Sánchez) Hannah Hidalgo, the record-setting Notre Dame women’s basketball star and former Paul VI High School standout, returned to South Jersey on Aug. 19.
Jamie Graiff, second from left, owner of Dan Graiff Farms, poses for a photo with some of the fieldworkers he employs as they harvest cilantro. (Photos by Peter G. Sanchez) Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is highlighting each of this year’s Disciples of Mercy awardees, all of whom will be recognized at the Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 21 in Atlantic City.
Faith and Food: The Di Paolo’s
For generations, the Di Paolo family has believed that good food does more than satisfy an appetite… it brings people together. This week, Talking Catholic hosts Kari Janisse and Jen Mauro visit Di Paolo’s Restaurant in Penns Grove to share a meal with family owners Michael Di Paolo and his sons, Michael and Anthony.
Eric Robinson returns to South Jersey with Stanley Cup
SEWELL – It was a handshake between one Hurricane and another that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. That’s how 12-year-old Anthony Grant sees it. “He inspires me,” Grant, a left winger/center with the Hollydell Hurricanes’ 12U AA youth hockey team, said after meeting Carolina Hurricanes left winger Eric Robinson. “Seeing him motivates me to work harder.” Indeed, the youngster bore a smile taller than the Stanley Cup that Robinson brought with him Aug. 20 to the Hollydell Ice Arena.
PVI alum, basketball star Hannah Hidalgo donates books in Camden
Hannah Hidalgo poses for a photo Aug. 19 with her mother, Tamara, and Lorraine Harris, a nurse practitioner who helped deliver Hidalgo in February 2005. (Photos by Peter G. Sánchez) Hidalgo, Paul VI High School alumna and Notre Dame basketball star, holds books and mini basketballs at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden. Hannah Hidalgo, the record-setting Notre Dame women’s basketball star and former Paul VI High School standout, returned to South Jersey on Aug. 19.
Pope Leo XIV: The musical heritage of the Church must be preserved
Pope Leo XIV greets the people at his general audience in St. Peter’s Basilica on Aug. 19, 2026. The general audience is being held in the basilica in August to avoid the hot summer temperatures. |(Credit: Vatican Media) By Ishmael Adibuah EWTN News VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has highlighted the importance of sacred music in the liturgy, calling for the Church’s musical heritage to be preserved while fostering healthy inculturation of local traditions.
Church in Colombia prays and mobilizes to help those affected by major earthquake
By Eduardo Berdejo EWTN News The Colombian Bishops’ Conference expressed its concern for those affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Aug.
New director of cemeteries: ‘We’re helping families find peace.’’
Bill Lent, the new director of South Jersey Catholic Cemeteries, poses for a photo in his office on Market Street in Camden. (Photo by Peter G. Sánchez) Bill Lent fondly remembers his first summer job. “I was 16, working at my uncle Vinny’s cemetery cutting grass,” he recalled of his time in Bergen County. That summer and the next, Lent and his cousins spent their mornings and early afternoons freshening up the lawn around the mausoleums, tombstones and grave markers using a lawnmower and sickle.
‘Not one boring day,’ Father Manuppella says of priesthood
Father Anthony Manuppella smiles as Bishop Joseph Williams joins the community of Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish in Northfield for the Nativity of the Lord Mass during the Night this past Christmas season. Father Manuppella, who was pastor at that time, recently retired. (Photo by Lori M.
Pregnancy center promotes culture of life through action
True Women’s Center Executive Director Rita Leone-Reyes, left, and board member Bryan Faller, right, show Bishop Joseph Williams, an exam room, which includes an ultrasound machine, during his tour on July 27. (Photos by Peter G. Sánchez) TURNERSVILLE – Bishop Joseph Williams spent a recent Monday morning touring the True Women’s Center, not only meeting administration, board members, staff and volunteers, but learning how these dedicated women and men walk with pregnant women and their families.
Richard ‘RJ’ Turco remembered for legacy at Wildwood Catholic
Richard John “RJ” Turco Richard John “RJ” Turco, a longtime educator and administrator at Wildwood Catholic Academy in North Wildwood, has died. He was 81. Known as a devoted family man and transformational educator, he passed away peacefully July 4 surrounded by his family. For more than four decades, Turco was known as a cornerstone of Wildwood’s Catholic high school.
Bishop Williams joins Igbo Catholic Apostolate for celebration of faith, culture
Bishop Joseph Williams enjoys the revelry with Igbo dancers after celebrating Mass on July 19 at Saint Francis de Sales Church in Barrington. The Bishop joined the Igbo Catholic Apostolate of the Diocese of Camden for their monthly Eucharistic celebration.
Faith, family fill streets for 151st Italian festival in Hammonton
A worker prepares for the lunch rush at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival in Hammonton. (Photos by Peter G. Sanchez) HAMMONTON – Angela Maione worked the counter as her husband, Giovanni, salted the fries fresh out of the fryer.
Father Marable reflects on a priesthood of advocating for justice
Father Gerard C. Marable holds the cross during veneration at the Good Friday service at Assumption Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Galloway Township, on April 3. Father Marable, who was parish pastor for the past six years, recently retired from active ministry.
Teen represents America at World Cup coin toss
Saint Teresa of Calcutta parishioner Amanda Drummond, in her Audubon home, holds up her winning artwork for America’s Field Trip contest, which answered the question “What does American mean to you?” (Courtesy photo) The international athletes weren’t the only stars on the pitch last weekend at Philadelphia Stadium during the World Cup Round-of-16 contest against France and Paraguay.
Diocese’s multiculturalism shines during National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
Members of the Diocese’s African Catholic Community carry a banner into Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold, at the start of the Multicultural Evangelization Event on June 13. (Photos by Lori M.
People of Hope Museum highlights stories of poverty, compassion
Staff from Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Charities of South Jersey pose for a photo June 15 outside the People of Hope Museum in the parking lot of the Mantua church. (photos-John Kalitz) MANTUA – You are Yeong, a 75-year-old woman. Your husband has passed away from cancer, and you live alone on the third floor of an apartment. It is the first of the month, and your $930 rent is due. So is the $200 minimum payment of your maxed-out credit card.
Xavier, left, and Andreina, second from right, pose for a family photo with their two sons and their dog, Candy, in their Camden County home on June 11. (Photos by Lori M. Nichols) With two young sons excelling in their elementary school classrooms, Andreina and her husband, Xavier, couldn’t be happier. One son recently received a President’s Award, and the other was named Student of the Month.
Echo students reflect on their first year with the Diocese
Ben Hershey, Breana Boies and James Bardo, ECHO apprentices in the Diocese of Camden, pose for a photo in their Cherry Hill home. The trio recently completed their first of two years in the University of Notre Dame’s Echo Graduate Service program, which finds them serving as catechetical leaders in the Diocese while completing coursework toward a master of arts in theology. (Photo by Peter G. Sánchez) Lectio Divina. Collaborative parish efforts.
This is the welcoming of Jesus Christ into South Jersey.
Bishop Joseph Williams receives the Blessed Sacrament from the Diocese of Wilmington’s Bishop William Koenig June 12 at Fort Mott State Park. Photos – Mike Walsh PENNSVILLE – With these words, Bishop Joseph Williams received the Blessed Sacrament from the Diocese of Wilmington’s Bishop William Koenig this afternoon, here at Fort Mott State Park.
Four eighth-grade students from South Jersey’s Catholic schools were recently named recipients of the 2026 Dr. David T. Coghlan Young Catholic Leader Award, and will receive tuition scholarships. Established in memory of Dr. David T. Coghlan, a former superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Camden who died in 2005, the scholarships are given to incoming freshmen who will be attending a diocesan Catholic high school in the fall.
Faith, service, hope on display in Catholic Charities museum
A visitor looks at a display at the People of Hope Museum in this undated photo. (Photo courtesy Catholic Charities USA) Catholic Charities USA’s People of Hope Museum: Faith-Filled Stories of Neighbors Helping Neighbors will make two stops in the Diocese of Camden next month, bringing its immersive storytelling and first-person accounts of hope to South Jersey and inviting visitors to consider how they can serve neighbors in need.
Mews at Saint Mary brings affordable housing, support to seniors
Jamie Reynolds, executive director of the Diocese Housing Services Corporation of the Diocese of Camden, expresses his gratitude for the builders and supporters of The Mews at Saint Mary in Williamstown.
El reverendo Nickolas Naticchione ha sido ordenado sacerdote
El obispo Williams se une a la congregación para aplaudir al padre Naticchione. (Fotos por Joe Warner) CAMDEN – El cielo sobre el sur de Nueva Jersey brillaba con más intensidad y azulado la mañana del 16 de mayo, cuando el reverendo Nickolas Bruno Naticchione, de 26 años, fue ordenado sacerdote para la Diócesis de Camden.
Rev. Mr. Nickolas Naticchione ordained to the priesthood
Father Nickolas B. Naticchione poses for a photo with his parents, Pat and Renea, after being ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Joseph Williams. (Photos by Joe Warner) CAMDEN – The skies over South Jersey shone brighter and bluer the morning of May 16, as Rev. Mr. Nickolas Bruno Naticchione, 26, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Camden.
Historic pilgrimage through pines a walk to remember
Father Franklin Opara, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, waves to passersby May 2 as he joins South Jersey’s faithful for the 8.5-mile walk from Saint Mary’s in the Pines Cemetery in Mullica Township to Saint Nicholas Church in Egg Harbor City. At far left is Father Gerard Marable, Our Lady of Perpetual Help pastor. (Photos by Tim Hawk) MULLICA TOWNSHIP – At the end of last year, 60-year-old Noelia Hernandez Avila was given five months to live.
Una peregrinación entre los pinos rinde homenaje a la historia de los inmigrantes
Santiago Murray guía a los peregrinos en el Vía Crucis, en el trayecto entre el municipio de Mullica y Egg Harbor City, el 2 de mayo. (Foto de Tim Hawk) MUNICIPIO DE MULLICA – A finales del año pasado, a Noelia Hernández Ávila, de 60 años, le dieron cinco meses de vida. El sábado 2 de mayo, desde el municipio de Mullica hasta Egg Harbor City, demostró, paso a paso, que, a pesar de su diagnóstico, la luz de Cristo brilla con fuerza.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage to join annual Way of St. James Walk in June
Pilgrims take part in last year’s Way of Saint James Intergenerational Pilgrimage along the Ventnor boardwalk. (File photo) Bishop Joseph Williams, and the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, will be a part of the annual Way of Saint James Intergenerational Pilgrimage Walk next month in Ventnor.
10-year-old hockey star preparing for international tournament
Bobby Condon, of Saint Peter Parish in Merchantville, between the pipes during Brick Invitational tryouts in Cleveland. (Courtesy photo) The phone call started innocently enough on Monday, April 20, as Team Pennsylvania Brick General Manager Justin DiGaetano discussed angle training with 10-year-old Robert “Bobby” Condon. Soon, DiGaetano got down to business.
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