The presentation was recorded in case you missed it.

In February 1943, Stephen Kane, an Irish-born Catholic military chaplain from Iowa, was captured by the Germans in North Africa. He declined repatriation so he could minister to prisoners of war, subsequently enduring twenty-eight months of imprisonment as a POW, including time as the only American chaplain imprisoned in the infamous Stalag 17.

If you missed it you can watch the presentation here.

The society presents educational presentations monthly. View our events calendar to see upcoming lectures.

DiLella is a principal of Equus Capital Partners, Ltd., serving as the Firm’s Chairman. Under DiLella’s leadership, Equus has grown to become a multi-faceted national real estate investment company with expertise in development, investment, asset management, and property management. DiLella’s career as a real estate specialist spans nearly four decades and includes experience in all types of real estate investment and developments throughout the United States. Prior to joining Equus, DiLella was Vice President of Girard Bank in Philadelphia, where he had a 10-year career in the Commercial Real Estate Department as a lender and a member of the asset recovery team.

Villanova University Trustee

DiLella was a member of the Board of Trustees of Villanova University and funded the establishment of the Daniel M. DiLella Center for Real Estate at the Villanova University School of Business where he is Chair of the Real Estate Advisory Council. Mr. DiLella is the recipient of the St. Thomas of Villanova Alumni Medal and the Villanova Bartley Alumni Medallion.

Roman Catholic High School Chair and Benefactor

DiLella is a 1969 graduate of Roman Catholic High School and has served on Roman’s board since it was incepted in 1991. In 2025, DiLella made a $10 million contribution to Roman Catholic High School to benefit the construction of a new Science Technology Engineering and Mathematic Center. He said, “I want to create the best STEM Center in the region for the young men of Philadelphia.”

U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Chair

DiLella served as Chairperson of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission from February 2018 to July 2022, following his prior appointment by Congress as one of the Commission’s 16 private citizens. 

Additional Volunteerism

Dilello serves on the Boards of the National Italian American Foundation and the Museum of the American Revolution. Previous board appointments include the President of the Union League of Philadelphia as well as Chairman of the Scholarship Foundation. 

He has also supported the Barnes Foundation, the Battleship New Jersey, the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation, the Committee of Seventy, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Police Foundation, the Philly Pops, and the Drexel University Real Estate Advisory Council.

Mark your calendar for the 2026 Barry Dinner – November 24, 2026!

The American Catholic Historical Society will be honoring Daniel DiLello at the 2026 Commodore Barry Award Dinner on Tuesday, November 24, 2026 at the Union League of Philadelphia.

The Commodore Barry Award is presented annually to any American who, by their character and their contributions to the church, the community and professional accomplishments, has distinguished themself.

“The Barry Award celebrates leaders whose faith, integrity, and service uplift both Church and community,” said ACHS President Michael H. Finnegan. “Kerry Alys Robinson’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy, justice, and Catholic leadership makes her a most deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

View photo gallery

If you missed it, you can watch the presentation recording here.

The story is drawn from Mannard’s new book, The Two Worlds of Ann Gertrude Wightt: How a Runaway Nun Became a Grand Lady of Washington, DC, Society.

Photo gallery

Enjoy your summer! Look for new events in September.

Those who missed it can watch the recording here.

She shared some of her photographs of the parish and its members that she had taken over the years starting in 1985 and offered reflections on what made the parish such a rich and welcoming place.

She also produced a documentary video on the project. View the documentary.

It was also a fitting tribute to two individuals recognized widely for their tremendous faith, generous service to the church and community, and tireless dedication to many philanthropic causes. They truly exhibit the same love of God and love of country demonstrated by the award’s namesake, Commodore John Barry. 

We are grateful for all those who turned out to honor them and support the work of the Society. 

Need more information?

Some of the ACHS scrapbooks have been digitized by Villanova University. View the digitized scrapbook collection.