OC Catholic - May 8, 2022

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

MAY 8, 2022

PAGE 11

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE n OCCATHOLIC.COM

HONORING MOTHERS PAGE 6

BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN AND HIS MOTHER THERESA AT HIS ORDINATION AS THE THIRD BISHOP OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS ON JULY 13, 2005. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE VANN

MAY 8, 2022

CONTENTS

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WHAT A MOTHER DOES

Mothers are valued everywhere, but they are so much more in the Catholic faith.

CALLED TO SERVE

Diocese leaders came together last month to celebrate Catholic educators.

POPE: JESUS RENEWS LOVE FOR LIFE

Pope Francis prayed the Regina Coeli with pilgrims on May 1.

PLUS

Bishop’s Column, Weekly Readings, Moments In Our Journey

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.

ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC

The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

ADVERTISING Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams

Art Director: Fernando M. Donado

Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein.

Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.

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BISHOP’S COLUMN

MOTHER’S DAY 2022

BY THE MOST REVEREND KEVIN W. VANN, J.C.D., D.D.

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BE A VOICE IN THE '21-'23 SYNOD In the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality, the Holy Father has asked bishops throughout the world to consult the faithful in their dioceses on the meaning of Synodality ("journeying together") for the Church's mission. In the Diocese of Orange, we have been listening to the faithful through consultations, interviews, and website submissions. Please visit the link below if you would like to contribute your thoughts.

Participate today!

RCBO.org/synod

S I AM HERE IN MY OFFICE at my home, I am reflecting on the fact that the month of May is upon us once again.

In the era that I grew up in, and with my background and foundation of a Catholic education, I remember well that it was also a month dedicated to Mary, the Mother of God: with May altars, flowers that included lilacs in the Midwest and May Crownings and the singing of “Bring Flowers of the Rarest.” This devotion to the Mother of God was certainly present in my mother’s life. Every time we spent Sunday Mass as a family, she would always stop first in our parish Church of St. Agnes and light a votive candle and kneel down and pray at what would have been called in those days the “Blessed Mother’s altar.”

My birthday is close to Mother’s Day, and I always remember her saying that she was concerned that she would not be a mother by Mother’s Day! However, I seemed to remember that she related that I arrived a few hours ahead of time! Her faith, I know guided her in all the moments of her life: as a spouse, a mother, a friend to many, care for her parents in later years (my grandparents) and especially in her caring for the many mothers and babies that she took care of over the years. Her concern was always mother and baby, and if there was a serious situation to “save them both.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree, and two masters degrees in maternal child health

while she and dad were raising us. And my father always supported her in all of these ventures. The current situation of the value of prenatal life would dismay her and sadden her, I know. The names “Mrs. Vann or Theresa Vann” still has name recognition in Springfield after all these years. Unlike the current cultural norms that tend to bifurcate and divide ministry, she was equally concerned with mothers and prenatal life and providing a nursing education for students that could not afford it. She was fair and caring to all six of us and inspired us to high standards, as she did her students. All of us siblings still speak fondly of her when we speak and the many adventures which we all had as the “Vanns.” In the sense CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

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Young people have their own dreams and goals…

A FORETASTE OF PARADISE

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HROUGHOUT EASTER TIME, the Church rejoices with Jesus, risen from the dead. Our readings on this Fourth Sunday of Easter celebrate our instinct to come together in joy, worshiping in church. While private prayer nourishes our individual relationship with the Lord, community prayer is a foretaste of paradise. The book of Revelation depicts a “great multitude” worshiping God “day and night in his temple.”

Our churches on Easter Sunday often reflect this happy multitude, filling the pews to bursting. Four Sundays into the festive season, we are encouraged to keep praising God together. In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas demonstrate their instinct to worship with their faith community each Sabbath, dutifully taking their seats in the synagogue. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us his sheep and reminds us why coming together as a flock is so important: uniting in community, we imitate the unity of God. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

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BLESSED FRANCES OF NISCH 1882-1913

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LESSED FRANCES WAS RAISED AS ONE OF 10 children in a poor German family. When she completed her schooling, she worked as a maid to support her family. In 1903 she suffered a serious skin disease and the Sisters of Charity of Holy Cross nursed her back to health. This experience led Frances to become a nun in this congregation. She spent the rest of her life working in the kitchen at several convents. Frances seems to have lived in a state of continual union with God, but it did not keep her from serving others patiently.

She died of tuberculosis in 1913. Thousands who flocked to her tomb received favors much like the miracles that flowed from St. Therese of Lisieux. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

ACTS 11:1-18; PS 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; JN 10:1-10

ACTS 11:19-26; PS 87:1B-7; JN 10:22-30

ACTS 12:24 — 13:5A; PS 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; JN 12:44-50

ACTS 13:13-25; PS 89:2-3, 21-22, 25, 27; JN 13:16-20

ACTS 13:26-33; PS 2:6-11AB; JN 14:1-6

ACTS 1:15-17; PS 113:1-8; JN 15:9-17

ACTS 14:21-27; PS 145:8-13; RV 21:1-5A; JN 13:31-33A, 34-35

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FEATURE

HONORING MOTHERS

BY STAFF

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N HONOR OF MOTHER’S DAY, the OC Catholic asked a few of our Religious within the Diocese of Orange to talk a little bit about their moms – specifically what kind of influence their mothers had on their spiritual lives and what makes their mothers special. The OC Catholic wishes all the moms in our Diocese and beyond a happy and blessed Mother’s Day!

FR. DAMIEN GIAP, O.PRAEM, (NORBERTINES)

FR. DAMIEN GIAP, SCHOOL RECTOR AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL IN COSTA MESA, POSES WITH HIS MOTHER CAN THI GIAP.

SR. THUY TRAN, CSJ (SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE), POSES WITH HER MOTHER MARY PHAM.

SR. THUY TRAN, CSJ (SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF ORANGE)

SR. YARELI GUADALUPE SALCEDO BARAJAS, MC (POOR CLARE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT), ALONGSIDE WITH MARÍA DE LA LUZ BARAJAS (MOM).

FR. QUAN TRAN, ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. HEDWIG CHURCH AND SCHOOL IN LOS ALAMITOS, POSES WITH HIS MOTHER TUYET TRAN. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SUBJECTS

Can Thi Giap (mom) Name three words that describe your mother best?

Diligent, Pious and Persevering How has your mother influenced your faith life?

My mother’s influence on my faith life is her devotion to St. Joseph and Our Blessed Mother. My mother prays the rosary diligently and she is unwavering in her devotion to St Joseph.

What is the best advice your mom has given you?

The best advice my mom gave me is to treat everyone with kindness and empathy, especially to those who are less fortunate. She is very mindful of the poor and those who are sick or hurting.

Mary Pham (mom) Name three words that describe your mother best?

Entrepreneur (came to US from Vietnam with nothing, in her late 20s, started a restaurant in her own backyard, all her kids have this spirit, started businesses, restaurants); Faith-filled; Generous How has your mother influenced

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your faith life?

I became a religious sister! My mom was not expecting me to become a religious sister, but she is very proud of me.

My religious vocation gave validation to my mom for her work as a mom.

She is very religious, involved with the Church. We prayed the rosary together as a family every night. Faith

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was my mom’s foundation when things were tough, her faith is unwavering, her example taught me that I can trust God completely. She wants her kids to be happy. Her love is very concrete, shows by doing. God is always first.

What is the best advice your mom has given you?

Trust God with your problems when

things are tough.

SR. YARELI GUADALUPE SALCEDO BARAJAS, MC (POOR CLARE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT) María de la Luz Barajas (mom)

CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Name three words that describe your mother best?

My mother is a devout, generous and intelligent woman.

How has your mother influenced your faith life?

When I was a child, my mother began to get closer to Church, so her testimony of service was the best influence in my life; seeing her so happy serving the Church was a motivation for me. Thus, when I least expected it, I was already part of the group of altar service in my parish, so I continued in the parish groups, serving there until I entered the convent.

What is the best advice your mom has given you?

My mother used to tell me that prayer brings great fruits, something that I did not understand much when I was in the world, but now it has been a great tool to help me persevere faithfully in my vocation. That is why I thank God for the gift he gave me in my mother since, through her, I discovered Him.

FR. QUAN TRAN, ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. HEDWIG CHURCH AND SCHOOL IN LOS ALAMITOS

Tuyet Tran (mom) What are three words that describe your mother best?

Kind, loving and light-hearted How has your mother influenced your faith life?

My mother helps me to grow in charity, forgiveness and patience.

She is very selfless, and always thinking of others. She is quick to forgive and bears her crosses patiently.

What is the best advice your mother has given you?

“There is more pleasure in giving than receiving.” C

WHAT A MOTHER DOES

BY KATIE DAWSON

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OTHERS COME IN various shapes and sizes. We have all had a mother.

They are pretty essential to the continuation of life.

Mothers are humans so they are not perfect, even though they sometimes seem so to their little children.

But mothers often make things seem perfect - and beautiful - just by saying they are so.

A mother does so many things. She can’t do everything, but it often looks like she does. She does what needs to be done and if no one else is available to do it, she does the thing that can’t be done.

If her child – or a child in her care – or a child in need of care – needs her, she will be there.

When trouble is on the way a wise mother prays. She prays in advance.

She hems her days with prayer – beginning with gratitude and ending with petition. Her children may think she can work miracles, but she knows who the miracle maker is and she entrusts all of it to Him. When time is short, she prays more. She prays while she’s driving to the ER, to the school conference, to the science fair, to court and to graduations.

She tells God all about it and asks Him to light the way, one step at a time, one prayer at a time. She asks for guidance

MARY MONROY WITH HER TWO-MONTH-OLD BABY ALIYAH SALDIVAR DURING ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN GARDEN GROVE ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020. PHOTO BY BILL ALKOFER, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

for herself, for her children, her family, her world. When times are especially hard, she tries to say “thank you” for what remains. And if she is truly wise, she teaches her children to do the same.

A mother juggles.

She spins plates. She moves mountains and shows her children how.

She works hard for the sake of love. She often says “yes”, but sometimes she says “no.” As she grows in wisdom, a mother learns when to say yes and when to say no. And she learns to take naps if she can. Because a rested mother is a nicer mother.

A mother sacrifices. Sometimes the sacrifices are small, involving person-

al preferences or optional comforts.

Sometimes the sacrifices are large, and mother goes without essentials so that a child will have what they need. Often the sacrifice is known only to the mother – and to God. No sacrifice is wasted. It is the secret sacrifice that means the most.

A mother builds. She builds a world for her children, for her family and for those who enter their lives. She makes a place for life to happen, hoping for love and laughter but prepared also as a refuge in sorrow and tears. She tells her children the truth of things and of God. That they are loved with an incalculable, costly love. And that her love – as great as it is – is only an echo of the greater love of God for them. C The Maria Ferrucci Catholic Family Living feature is intended to inspire families to live their faith in the way Maria Ferrucci did throughout her earthly life.

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FEATURE

CALLED TO SERVE

CELEBRATING CATHOLIC EDUCATORS

BY LOU PONSI

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HE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC Education Dinner, as the name implies, is the one evening each year when teachers and administrators from schools within the Diocese of Orange are recognized for contributing to the mental, emotional and spiritual growth of the county’s youth.

There was added reason for celebration this year as the festivities were being held for the first time since 2019, when the coronavirus forced the cancellation of the event two years in a row.

“The past two years have presented us with unimaginable challenges and fears and yet through the grace of God, our Catholic schools have shined as beacons of hope and sources of light during the darkest days,” said Dr. Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, in her welcome message.

The theme for this year’s dinner, which was held on April 8 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, was “Helping students grow in the light of the Lord,” a dictum followed by Catholic school educators every day, Barisano said.

“We are called to grow in Christ’s divine light every day,” the superintendent said. “And through our ministry of Catholic education, we turn that light to our students.”

The Bishop Vann Award, named for Most Rev. Kevin Vann, bishop of Orange, and presented to an educator who has demonstrated “exceptional excellence and dedication as a Catholic Educator in the Diocese of Orange, was given to Dr. Shawna Pautsch, head of school at Rosa-

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BISHOP KEVIN VANN AND MONSIGNOR STEPHEN DOKTORCZYK WITH SISTER MARY BETH INGHAM, CSJ (LEFT) AND SISTER JOANN TABOR, CSJ, AT THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION DINNER EVENT AT J.W. MARRIOTT HOTEL IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO: STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ry Academy, and Sean Basford, principal and assistant head of school at Rosary.

The Rosary administrators were bestowed with the honor for their efforts in guiding the admission of almost 50 former Cornelia Connelly School students to Rosary, after financial issues forced Connelly to close after 58 years.

Barisano said she received a message from a friend who was touched by the level of respect and love shown to her daughters, who were among the former Connelly students who transitioned to Rosary.

“This is just one example of the love and the care showed by the leaders, the teachers and staff of Rosary Academy and it’s a beautiful example of their mission to serve their dear neighbor without distinction,” the superinten-

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dent said.

Pautsch credited the value of inclusive love, one of the core values adopted by the of Sisters of St. Joseph, Rosary’s founding order.

“I’m accepting this award on behalf of our entire Rosary community because we are calling to serve our dear neighbor and be examples of hospitality, unity and reconciliation,” Pautsch said. We opened our arms to those Connelly women.

They are truly now Rosary Royals. It’s because of our current faculty and staff that our community continues to thrive and I am grateful to each of them.”

Pautsch also credited her fellow honoree, for his willingness to move from Santa Margarita High School, a coed institution, to the all-girls educational model at Rosary.

“I truly believe the faculty, staff and students at Rosary are most deserving of this award for it is their acceptance and inclusion of the Connelly community that made this possible,” Basford said.

The keynote speakers for the Katie Webb Brundige and Meghan Clem, cofounders and executive directors of RAD Camp.

An acronym for “rising above disabilities,” Irvine based RAD Camp is an overnight camp designed for children with developmental disabilities.

But another mission of RAD Camp is to provide a respite for caregivers and an opportunity for profound growth for camp volunteers.

Clem and Webb Brundige are both products of Catholic school education CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE

BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN ADDRESSES THE ATTENDEES AT THE CELEBRATING CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION DINNER EVENT AT J.W. MARRIOTT HOTEL IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO: STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

in Orange County and are members of Holy Family in Orange and St. Edwards in Dana Point, respectively.

Webb Brundige, a Rosary graduate, cited her high school friends and teachers for providing support for what she described as the most difficult period of her life, her parents’ divorce.

“If it wasn’t for my friends who protected me every day as I walked on the campus or the teachers who recognized something was wrong, I believe I would not be standing here today,” Webb Brun-

dige said. “Rosary really did become my home away from home.”

Webb Brundige also recalls the day a teacher spoke to her class at Rosary about volunteering at a camp for special needs children.

She volunteered at the camp, where she met Clem, who was attending Santa Margarita High School.

The became friends and began running camps together until final founding RAD Camp.

“That summer, I signed up for camp for what I thought would be my first

and only summer and this summer I’ll celebrate my 21st summer of going back to camp,” Webb Brundige said. “Without a doubt, passion for the RAD community and special needs communities have never been stronger than it is today.”

The dinner was also an opportunity to recognize more than 100 teachers and administrators who’ve served in Diocese schools for periods of 10 to 40 years.

Forty-year honorees included Dave Taylor, vice president of finance at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana and Sister Teresa Lynch, principal of St. Anne

School in Santa Ana. Barisano also took a moment to remember Sister Kathleen Marie Pughe, CSJ, longtime principal who served at several schools in the Diocese, who died on March 31, 2022.

Dr. Barisano remembered Sister Kathleen Marie, who served as principal at several schools in the Diocese for decades and assisted in the preparation for the education dinner.

“We are saddened that she is not here sitting with us tonight,” the superintendent said. C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY AT ST. COLUMBAN IN GARDEN GROVE

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BY SPENCER GRANT AND MARA CASEY

RIDAY, APRIL 22 proved to be a night filled with friends, music and laughter, thanks to the volunteers from St. Columban’s Womens Council at St. Columban and the Knights of Columbus, who organized a free dinner dance for members of the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I want to have more inclusion,” said dance organizer Hilda Mendez, president of the Women’s Council at St. Columban.

Sixty-eight guests, ranging in age from 18 to their early 60s, accepted her invitation.

“I want everyone to have fun tonight,” she said. “What better place to have fun than the church?”

Guest Joe Hareish, a member of the Knights, agreed with Mendez’s sentiment.

“I’m so glad we could come out tonight, he said. “After COVID, we need to get back to our everyday life.”

Volunteer parishioners and community members worked hard to make it a fun night for all the guests - many of whom didn’t wait to finish dinner before getting up to dance to DJ Frank Vega’s music selections. Monsignor Tuan Joseph Pham, pastor at St. Columban, even took a turn a spin on the dance floor.

Dinner was prepared by students from Garden Grove Unified whose culinary arts and special education teachers who donated their time and resources.

Decorations were donated by event planners Maven Event. The photo booth with photographer Joanna Tran was sponsored by insurance company New York Life.

Mendez said she was pleased with how the night went and is already looking forward to planning more events in the future.

“It was a community effort with many volunteers and donations,” Mendez said. C

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GUESTS POSE WITH FUN PHOTO BOOTH PROPS DURING AN APRIL 22 DANCE HELD AT ST. COLUMBAN IN GARDEN GROVE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPENCER GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MONSIGNOR TUAN JOSEPH PHAM DEMONSTRATES A DANCE STEP DURING A DANCE HELD ON APRIL 22 AT ST. COLUMBAN IN GARDEN GROVE.

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DANCE ORGANIZER HILDA MENDEZ AND MARGERY DOOLIN, BOTH MEMBERS OF THE ST. COLUMBAN WOMEN’S COUNCIL, ARE PICTURED DURING THE APRIL 22 DANCE.

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

MORNING OF RECOLLECTION

Morning of Recollection, second in a four-part series, “Rediscover the Joy of Monthly Being God’s Beloved Child,” presented by Dr. Christina Y. Chan, OCDS, will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon, at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 11482 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.

Dr. Christina Chan has lived her vocation as a consecrated single laywoman and a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelite (OCDS). She has served local Catholic parishes in multiple pastoral roles including catechist, youth minister, addiction healing minister, prison minister, choir and eucharistic minister. Recently, she responded to God’s call to retire from her medical profession and dedicate her time and energy in church ministry work helping others to re-discover the joy of being loved by God. For more information, call 562296-9000.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL FEATURED ON ABC7 NEWS

ST. HEDWIG CATHOLIC CHURCH, LOS ALAMITOS. PHOTO: STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL STUDENTS TOOK HOME TOP HONORS AT THE NATIONAL CATHOLIC ACADEMIC JUNIOR HIGH DECATHLON. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Yorba Linda was recently featured on an ABC7 news segment about its first-place academic decathlon win.

The school took home the top honor back in March from the National Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon, a competition made in partnership with the National Catholic Educational Association.

St. Francis of Assisi’s team is coached by Jennifer Pigott under Principal Jeannette Lambert.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

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DIOCESAN NEWS

ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, LAGUNA WOODS. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPENCER GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

COMMUNITY OF FAITH CHORAL FEST

St. Nicholas Parish, Laguna Woods, will be hosting the Community of Faith Choral Fest on Sunday, May 22, at 1:30 p.m. inside the church, located at 24252 El Toro Road.

The parish began this event back in 2015 to celebrate the collective 50th anniversaries of six of our local congregations.

This 90-minute program will feature scripture and sacred music from all participating traditions. A fellowship reception will follow in the parish hall.

Admission is free. However, a freewill offering will be collected to benefit the humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, via Catholic Relief Services. All are invited.

For more information, call 949-8371090.

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MONTHLY POTLUCK BOOK STUDY

This month’s book study will be on the last chapter (Ch. 12) of the book, The Imitation of Mary, presented by the book’s author, Fr. Quan Tran on May 20 in Quinn Hall, St. Hedwig, 11482 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.

Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. and book discussion at 7:15 p.m. For more information, call 562-296-9000.

SAVE THE DATE!

A beloved tradition is fast approaching! The priests vs. seminarians basketball game is scheduled for June 17 at 7 p.m. at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Stay tuned for more information.C

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GRAPHIC COURTESY OF FR. QUAN TRAN

BISHOP’S COLUMN

I work with Clergy and Parishioners successfully! Easy & Safe. Gil Yurly 714-206-0443

To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364–3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722–4356 New Hope Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF THE VANN FAMILY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

of reality and eternal life she is never far from any of us.

Even though Fr. Christopher Smith and I did not know each other at that time and would have been separated by geography certainly, we often reflect on both of our families, their similarities as Catholic families and what we learned from our Moms.

My mother also had a great devotion to the “Little Flower” (St. Therese), so we had her put on one of my mother’s funeral “holy cards.” She and Dad were both still living when I was appointed Bishop

of Fort Worth, Texas and made many friends in my years there. If she had been living when I was appointed here, it would have been the same, I know.

When my Mom went home to the Lord in the month of June of 2012 (not long before I was appointed here), Cardinal (Francis E.) George (Archbishop of Chicago from 1997-2014) personally called me to offer his prayer and support. I remember that he told me that no woman knows a priest like his mother!

How true that is, and I am grateful that my mother could share her life and faith with so many over so many years. C

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CATHOLIC NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

JESUS RENEWS LOVE FOR LIFE, POPE SAYS

BY JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY (CNS) —When disheartened and disappointed in life, Christians can rest assured that the risen Christ brings hope and the courage to begin anew, Pope Francis said.

“When our nets are empty in life, it is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves, to have fun, to return to old pastimes,” the pope said May 1 before praying the “Regina Coeli” prayer with pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square.

“It is time to begin again with Jesus; it is time to find the courage to begin again,” he said. “It is time to put out to sea again with him.”

Reflecting on the Sunday Gospel reading from St. John, which recounted the resurrected Christ’s appearance to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee, the pope said Christians, like the disciples, can be disheartened with life and look for other ways to find meaning.

“This can happen to us, out of tiredness, disappointment, perhaps out of laziness, to forget the Lord and to neglect the great choices we have made, to content ourselves with something else,” the pope said.

Not spending time with family or forgetting to pray can lead Christians to be “wrapped up in our own needs” and only find “that very disappointment that Peter felt, with empty nets, like him.”

Yet, in that moment, Jesus appears again and does not scold but instead “invites them as before, to cast their nets again courageously,” the pope said.

Upon realizing that it was Jesus on the shore, he continued, St. Peter’s gesture of diving into the water to meet him was a “gesture of love” that renews his zeal and proved his “newfound enthusiasm.”

Jesus “invites us to a new impetus -everyone, each one of us -- he invites us to dive into the good without the fear of losing something, without calculating

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POPE FRANCIS GREETS THE CROWD AS HE LEADS THE “REGINA COELI” FROM THE WINDOW OF HIS STUDIO OVERLOOKING ST. PETER’S SQUARE AT THE VATICAN MAY 1, 2022.

THE POPE APPEALED FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE AND CALLED THE SUFFERING OF VULNERABLE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN A “MACABRE REGRESSION OF HUMANITY.” PHOTO: VATICAN MEDIA / CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

too much, without waiting for others to begin,” the pope said.

Just as Christ asked three times if St. Peter loved him, Pope Francis said

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Jesus also asks Christians the same question because “faith is not a question of knowledge, but of love.”

“Jesus asks you, me, us, who have

empty nets and are afraid to start out again, who do not have the courage to dive in and have perhaps lost our momentum,” he said. C

Moments MomentsininourourJourney Journey

Fr. Bao Thai, who will be the next rector of Christ Cathedral on July 1, met Pope Francis on April 25 during a visit in Rome. Fr. Bao spoke to the Holy Father, letting him know about his new position in the Diocese of Orange and asked him for a blessing.

“I am grateful to God and felt so blessed to receive this encounter, as God’s blessings bestowed upon all of the faithful, staff of the cathedral parish, staff of the Pastoral Center, and upon me as we all journey together in the next chapter,” Fr. Bao said.

—Photo by Servizio Fotografico Vaticano

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: editor@occatholic.com

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