On Thursday, March 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Inn at Villanova will light up with an Award Luncheon hosted by The Catholic Foundation as a celebration of faith, service, and impact.
The Foundation’s signature initiative titled “Women In Philanthropy” will honor Martha Ortiz as the 2026 Love in Action Recipient for her philanthropy and a life devoted to the harmony of faith and service.
“Women in Philanthropy” unites faith-filled women collectively to fund grants and strengthen local Catholic organizations through a common purpose and community.
Through the shared commitment of its members, this initiative is centered on three pillars: building community, celebrating service, and amplifying impact.
At the event, the initiative leaders will award the Love in Action Award to Martha Ortiz to celebrate her exemplary displays of faith and service which have strengthened the Greater Philadelphia community.
Also to be featured will be various special recognition presentations, including the announcement of the 2026 Women in Philanthropy Grant.
Sponsors of this free event are The Clark Family, James and Agnes Kim and Family, Little Sisters of the Poor, McCloskey Financial Group and Catholic Leadership Institute.
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia is an independent, nonprofit community foundation committed to growing philanthropy according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Grounded in the principles of faith and service, The Catholic Foundation meets the diverse needs of donors and Catholic institutions through charitable fund management and development consulting.
The Foundation’s solutions ensure an investment in the future of the Catholic Faith.
“We are who we serve” as a theme refers to financial, fundraising, and marketing professionals who understand the goals of fellow Catholics of Greater Philadelphia.
Foundation members are local and Catholic, who know the shared pride for hometown roots and the rich Catholic history of Greater Philadelphia.
All gifts are stewarded to honor the causes which are meaningful to the donors.
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia was founded in 2013 by a group of dedicated Catholics who believed that raising and managing charitable funds should be done according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The Foundation team comprises financial, marketing, and fundraising professionals, all grounded in the principles of faith and service.
Together, they serve the diverse needs of Catholic donors and institutions through fund management and fundraising, invested in the future of the Catholic Faith.
The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia is governed by a Board of Trustees dedicated to ensuring that every gift is stewarded exactly as intended and that every effort is as effective as possible.
With unmatched experience and wide-ranging expertise, the Board ensures that the operations are in line with the principles of the Catholic Faith and steered by the values shared with donors and partner organizations.
A Donor’s story –
“In a corner of Bucks County, where rolling fields meet quiet roads, stands a parish that began with no building, only a name, a promise, and the faith of its people.
“Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, founded in the Jubilee Year 2000, has grown from humble beginnings to a flourishing spiritual home for over 3,000 families.
“And at its heart stands Monsignor Joseph Gentili, a pastor, a builder, and above all, a son of the Church.
“Born and raised in the Church of Philadelphia, Monsignor Gentili grew up in Sacred Heart Parish, Royersford, the fourth of six children.
“His call to the priesthood came early, like a whisper in grade school that never left. ‘I went into the Seminary right out of high school,’ he reflects. ‘I always knew this was the path.’
“That path — inspired by the Catholic and family values instilled by his parents — would stretch across nearly four decades of ministry: parish work, high school chaplaincy, graduate studies in Rome, and years on the faculty of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
“But each assignment, each season of service, led him to a singular privilege: to become the pastor of a church that had not yet been built.
“Assigned to Our Lady of Guadalupe in June 2009 – just before ground was broken for the permanent church building, Monsignor Gentili helped guide a young community as it grew from a vision into a vital parish family.
“ ‘I see all of my experiences as leading up to this great honor,’ he says, ‘of literally building His Church.’
“As pastor, Monsignor Gentili has led the parish through physical construction, pastoral planning, and strategic renewal.
“But for him, it has always been about something deeper: forming disciples.
“ ‘We’ve been working toward a vision: to be a vibrant, welcoming parish family, dedicated to growing disciples and making Church matter. That’s what we’ve been trying to live since 2013.’
Now having celebrated its 25th Jubilee in what the beloved Pope Francis had named the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, “Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is not only reflecting on its past — it’s looking forward.
“Monsignor Gentili, true to his role as shepherd, is doing the same.
“That’s what led him to make a planned gift to the parish — a personal decision rooted in gratitude, fidelity, and vision.
“ ‘We priests were reminded to update our wills recently,’ he says. ‘It got me thinking – how could I express my gratitude to God, and to the parish, for the honor of serving here?’
“His answer was simple: practice what he preaches. His planned gift became an act of stewardship and a quiet witness to tithing in his own life.
“Psalm 116 guides him: “How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation . . . I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.”
“Monsignor Gentili reflects, ‘When I look at my life and whatever I’ve been blessed with, how could I not leave something to the home that has treated me so well?’
“With the help of The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, Monsignor Gentili was able to make that vision concrete.
“ ‘They’ve helped us in so many ways over the years. They have taught us how to embrace sustainable and future-forward philanthropy efforts at our parish.’
“The Foundation helped make lasting generosity simple. ‘They’re true experts in planned giving – not just for me, but for our parishioners, too. They make these decisions clear, impactful, and faithful.’
“For Monsignor Gentili, planned giving is not just about financial wisdom – it’s an act of trust. ‘Yes, it can be scary to begin, but if one starts with reflecting on God’s many blessings to you in this life, then flowing from that is wanting to pay it forward. In the end, I think of the Nike commercial, just do it! You really won’t regret it.’
“At the center of his legacy, stands Our Lady of Guadalupe herself, the Mother who draws near to her children with tenderness and strength.
“ ‘I’ve always had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary,’ he says. ‘I feel especially close to her now under the title of Our Lady of Guadalupe and have gained an appreciation of her maternal care and patronage in a similar way to how she made herself known to Saint Juan Diego, a nurturing, understanding, faithful mother.’
“In honoring her, he honors the people he’s served. In leaving a gift, he extends his vocation beyond his years.
“And in placing his trust in Providence, he invites us all to remember what the Church teaches: that nothing offered in love is ever lost.
“ ‘Among the many charities a person may support in their life,’ he says, ‘I encourage people to consider their parish. It’s where so many other acts of charity begin. And it’s home.’ ”
To create your own legacy, click here to make a bequest. If you need help with gift planning, please contact the Foundation’s philanthropic experts at 215-587-5650 or advancement@thecfgp.org.
Mary Brown, President of the Philadelphia Classical Society, recently completed 16 years as the Executive Director of the Classical Association of the Atlantic States and teaches Latin at Saint Joseph’s University.