On September 17, Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez and Auxiliary Bishop Keith J. Chylinski met with hundreds of students from Catholic schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor, Delaware County. The event marked the start of the 2025-2026 academic year for over 47,000 students enrolled in 102 parish and regional elementary schools, 15 high schools, and three special education schools throughout the five-county region.

The gathering included leadership from the Office of Catholic Education: Jay DeFruscio, Chief Operating Officer for Secondary Schools; William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education; and Andrew McLaughlin, Secretary for Elementary Education. Representing Archbishop Carroll were Dr. Patricia Scott, President, and Principal William Gennaro.

Addressing the assembled 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.” He 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 ended with a pep rally featuring performances by Archbishop John Carroll High School’s band under Jeffery Darrohn’s direction and cheerleaders coached by Taylor Farr. Mascot races took place among representatives from various archdiocesan high schools; Roman Catholic’s mascot “Cahillite” won against competitors from Archbishop John Carroll (“Patriot”) and Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast (“Friar”).

Footage from this celebration has been made available online.