OC CATHOLIC - MARCH 31, 2024

BECOMING

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10 SOLEMNITY AND CELEBRATION

The Easter celebration is the most important holy day of our faith. JOYOUS, LUMINOUS, SORROWFUL AND GLORIOUS

Beautiful new pieces of art bound for the Christ Cathedral Marian Gardens are the work of talented Peruvian artisans.

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EUCHARIST REVIVAL MINISTRY AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA

The Anaheim parish has coordinated community events surrounding the I Am movement.

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: Jarryd Gonzales

Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com

News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com

Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge

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.

THE EASTER SEASON: CATHOLIC CELEBRATION OF RENEWAL AND JOY

BY DEACON MODESTO CORDERO, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR WORSHIP IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

THE EASTER SEASON IS one of the most sacred and significant moments in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is a time of renewal, rejoicing and reflection, during which the faithful celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the definitive victory over sin and death. During these days, we offer a sacrifice of praise to the Father who raised his Son from the dead. We are called to be attentive to the life that Christ offers us, Christ our Paschal Lamb who has been sacrificed.

The resurrection of Christ is the center of our faith as Catholics. It reminds us that life triumphs over death, that God’s love is stronger than any other force in the universe. This transformative truth calls us to live our lives with joy and hope, knowing that we are unconditionally loved by our heavenly Father.

During the Easter Vigil, a special ritual marks the beginning of Easter: the blessing of the Paschal Candle, a large candle symbolizing the risen Christ, the “Light of the World.” This candle, adorned with a cross and the Greek letters alpha and omega, is lit during the Vigil and remains lit throughout the Easter season. Its light represents the presence of the risen Christ among us and reminds us that He is the light that guides our steps in the darkness.

During the Easter Vigil, we also welcome new Catholics to our faith community. The Elect become known as Neophytes and are fully initiated into our faith by receiving the sacraments of

initiation, Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. They are welcomed into the large community of Catholics with joy and hope, symbolizing the new life and death and rebirth that Easter represents.

In the Easter Mass, one of the most important practices is the renewal of baptismal promises. It is a moment when the faithful reaffirm their commitment to the faith and renew their commitment to follow Jesus as disciples. This act is filled with profound spiritual significance and love, calling us to remember our baptisms and renew our relationship with Christ through our participation in his death and resurrection.

The celebration of Easter is also marked by rooted family traditions. Family dinners are common, where special meals are shared, and the company of loved ones is enjoyed. These moments not only strengthen family bonds but also remind us of the importance of community and communion.

Another popular practice during Easter is the decoration and search for Easter eggs. Eggs symbolize new life and resurrection, reminding us of Christ’s victory over death. This tradition dates

back centuries and has become an iconic symbol of Easter celebration in many cultures.

The Easter Bunny, although not strictly of religious origin, has been adopted in some Catholic communities as a symbol of fertility and renewal. It is said that the bunny brings Easter eggs, thus transmitting the message of new life and hope that characterizes this season.

The Easter season is a time of pro-

found joy and renewal for Catholics worldwide. Through our practices of faith, our family gatherings and our liturgical celebrations, we celebrate the victory of Christ over sin and death and renew our commitment to follow Him as disciples. May this Easter season inspire us to live our lives with renewal faith and to share the love and hope of Christ with the world around us.

Happy Easter! C

DEACON MODESTO CORDERO. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

AN ALTAR CANDLE ON EASTER SUNDAY AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, 2023. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

AROUND CAMPUS

PEWS

Donor: Roger Kirwan, in memory of Gail Logozzo Kirwan. Other pews available; for more information contact the Orange Catholic Foundation at (714) 282-3021. The pews inside Christ Cathedral are designed to seat 2,100 people. They are made of red oak and stained a dark walnut. There are approximately 1,591 feet of pews on the main floor — a total of 135 pews on the worship level – and another 1,800 feet of pews among all three balconies, for a total of approximately 3,200 total linear feet. C

“ No one can grow if he does not accept his smallness.”

— Pope Francis

SAINT PROFILE

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

ACTS 2:14, 22-33; 16:1-2A AND 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; MT 28:8-15

TUESDAY

ACTS 2:36-41; 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 AND 22; JN 20:11-18

WEDNESDAY ACTS 3:1-10; 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; LK 24:13-35

GUY OF POMPOSA ?-1046

THIS HUMBLE ITALIAN MONK was raised with fine clothes and the best education available. Eventually he grew weary of keeping up appearances, sold his clothing, gave the money to the poor and set out for Rome in shabby garments. He befriended the hermit Martin and later joined a community of monks at Pomposa Abbey, where he became abbot. He was much sought after as a spiritual advisor and his devotion drew many followers. St. Peter Damian dedicated to St. Guy his book “The Way to the Perfection of Monks.”

THURSDAY

ACTS 3:11-26; 8:2AB AND 5, 6-7, 8-9; LK 24:35-48

FRIDAY ACTS 4:1-12; 118:1-2 AND 4, 22-24, 25-27A; JN 21:1-14

SATURDAY

ACTS 4:13-21; 118:1 AND 1415AB, 16-18, 1921; MK 16:9-15

SUNDAY ACTS 4:32-35; PS 118:2-4, 13-15, 2224; 1 JN 5:1-6; JN 20:19-31

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

PHOTO BY CHUCK BENNETT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

EASTER: UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY

BY PATTY MAHONEY

FR. TIMOTHY PETERS, S.T.D., assistant

professor of Biblical Studies at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, recently spoke to OC Catholic about the Easter season and its significance.

There’s much to consider with Easter, according to Fr. Tim, some aspects that Catholics may even miss. But as we journey through the season of Lent, we begin to discover the richness of the Church.

“Think of it as you’ve taken the journey before,” said Fr. Tim, “but now you’re starting to take in the landscape –the hills, the valleys, the trees.”

As we travel on this journey, we as Catholics discover these beautiful readings that prepare us to understand the cross and the resurrection.

“The Church is tossing the gold nug-

gets to us during Lent,” added Fr. Tim, “and trying to say, ‘look at the beauty of the faith.’’’

The readings from the Old Testament help us see how God prepared for His Son to come into this world and give His life for our salvation. The readings of the New Testament show us how the purpose and plan of God reaches fulfillment in Jesus Christ the Messiah (the Anointed One).

PALM SUNDAY

As we enter into Holy Week, we relive what Jesus did.

We re-encounter what happened as Jesus came into a Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilling a great prophecy that told of a great and humble king coming to them (Zechariah 9:9-10).

As they welcomed him waving palms, the crowd sang “Hosanna” which is a petition for God’s salvation; just days later a crowd would yell, “Crucify Him!”

The reading of the “Passion” takes place on Palm Sunday. This year it was read from Mark’s Gospel.

“God could have saved the world in any way He wanted,” said Fr. Tim, but He gave His own Son, and the Son is obedient and gave His life for our salvation (John 3:14-17). God chose this specific way to manifest His love, as a complete gift.

CHRISM MASS

During the Chrism Mass all priests renew their vow and commitment to the priesthood and the bishop consecrates all the Holy Oils that will be used for the sacraments throughout the year.

The three holy oils are: Chrism (used for the anointing of priests and for those who receive Baptism and Confirmation), the Oil of the Catechumens (for those who are receiving Baptism) and the Oil for the Sick (for anointing of the sick).

This year’s Chrism Mass was celebrated on March 25 at Christ Cathedral.

HOLY THURSDAY

This begins a period called the Triduum, a special word that underlines the period from Thursday evening through the Saturday Easter Vigil.

It begins with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday evening which celebrates the institution of the Eucharist. However, the priests will often wash feet of 12 parishioners, as Jesus washed the feet of his apostles and set an example of how to serve others. For Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

At the Last Supper, while celebrating the Passover, Jesus instituted the Eucharist. He took the unleavened bread that would be consumed at the Passover meal, and He said This is my Body... And He took the cup that was at the meal and

BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER WASHES THE FEET OF A PARISHIONER DURING THE 2023 HOLY THURSDAY MASS AT ST. BONIFACE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO BY KIERNAN COLIFLORES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

PALM SUNDAY IS CELEBRATED AT ST. ANNE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SANTA ANA, 2023. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

SOLEMNITY AND CELEBRATION

CHRIST IS RISEN! ALLELUIA!

BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA

AS WE SAT DOWN to make our plans with family for this year’s Easter celebrations, I was struck by the realization that we don’t have many strong annual traditions for Easter. It’s usually different from year to year.

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said This is my Blood... The Mass is followed by a Eucharistic procession which recalls when Christ went to Gethsemane and prayed with His disciples in agony before He was handed over.

GOOD FRIDAY

“What’s interesting about the Good Friday celebration is there’s no Mass,” said Fr. Tim, “and the altar will be bare. All the Sacred Hosts which consecrated on Holy Thursday are also used on Good Friday. The Triduum that goes all the way from Holy Thursday to the Easter Vigil is one long service, a beautiful liturgy and journey of faith.”

The readings are profound, especially important is the reading from Isaiah Chapter 53, “For many Catholics, the history of salvation is being presented before us,” said Fr. Tim. After the homily is the Veneration of the Cross. The Cross is carried into the church by the celebrant, and he stops three times. He sings out, “behold the wood of the cross on which hung the Savior of the world.” People

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Some of the friends I’ve spoken with have said the same thing about their families. Other friends do have beloved annual Easter traditions, but no one I’ve spoken to has indicated Easter as their most elaborate holiday celebration of the year.

Of the two highest holy days of the Church calendar, Easter is the most important.

I remember being surprised by that when I was a child. Obviously, Christmas is the biggest day of the year! Just look at all the celebrations that crowd the calendar for an entire month!

And it’s true. Here in the U.S., at least, Christmas is a huge holiday among Christians and non-Christians alike. My family has lists of traditions we partake in every year without fail. Maybe your family is the same. Baking, music, decorations, parties and gifts.

If Easter is so far above Christmas, then why don’t we send Easter cards and sing Easter carols?

the Easter Bunny. In short, non-Christians don’t see the appeal of Easter and have left well enough alone, which I argue is a good thing.

The joyous gospel of the Resurrection is tied unavoidably to the mystery of the Passion. Those who have not experienced the redemptive power of suffering or the healing arms of redemption will necessarily balk at the story of Christ’s suffering and death. As St. Paul says, “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1:18)

Now you may think I’m going to spend this whole space advocating for more traditions and celebrations around Eastertide, and while that would be a great thing, if you feel so called, that’s not what I’m doing today.

I think that Easter is not as large of a celebration in our culture simply because Santa has caught on better than

So, what are they left with to put on the tee shirts they sell at Target? Flowers, bunnies, chicks, chocolate. Secular Easter celebrations are hollow simply because their understanding of what we’re celebrating is hollow.

Which is a good thing because it leads us back inside the Church.

I said we don’t have many annual Easter traditions in our family, but we do have three big ones that we never miss: The Holy Triduum. It would be just as much Easter no matter who we hunted

eggs with, but we’d never want to miss the three most solemn and sacred liturgies of the year.

I’m always brought to tears upon hearing the Gloria sung on Holy Thursday or participating in the Good Friday reading of the Passion. If you haven’t taken the chance to attend your parish’s Easter Vigil and witness the darkened church light up with hundreds of candles, I strongly encourage you to include it in your plans next year. Alternatively, try seeking out a dawn Mass on Easter morning. Singing out “Alleluia!” with joy at the end of a long Lent feels like speaking for the first time after 40 days of muteness.

We’ll be making a lackluster attempt to hide eggs around our house today, but the real celebration happened in the lead up. Hopefully you’ve had a blessed Holy Week as well.

I wish you and your family all the powerful and pure joy of the Resurrection as you join your family and friends in your traditions today, and I pray that the moving reality of Christ’s love surrounds you as you participate in His Easter joy.

Christ is risen! Alleluia! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! C

PHOTO BY AAREN BURDEN ON UNSPLASH

A MAN VENERATES THE CROSS DURING A GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE IN 2023 AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE. PHOTO BY COLIN HORAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BECOMING CATHOLIC

RCIA MEMBERS CELEBRATE JOINING THE CHURCH

BY MIKE VULPO

WHEN DESCRIBING THE Easter Vigil Mass, Fr. Brandon Dang is quick to call it “the mother of all liturgies.”

“It’s a liturgy you only see once a year,” the Diocese of Orange’s director of Priestly Vocations said. “To witness it and to see the joy in the people is incredible.”

As a priest in residence at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, Fr. Brandon has specifically had a front-row seat into more than 30 children and adults diving into their faith as they journey into the Catholic Church through RCIA this year. The process is one that rejuvenates his spirits and reminds others about the true meaning of Easter.

“It’s my first year here at Solano and I’ve witnessed the vibrancy of RCIA and

the pastor, Fr. Duy Le, has done such an amazing job with fostering people’s faith,” he shared. “His motto of ‘belong, believe, become’ bears fruit. There are a lot of blessings there.”

In celebration of Easter weekend, OC Catholic spoke to participants in San Francisco Solano’s RCIA program to get a sense of how they found their way to the Catholic Church. According to Fr. Brandon, their stories may just inspire others to grow closer to God.

“For the people out there that are in between, just take that act of faith, that leap of faith and trust in the Lord and know that the Beloved has our hearts,” he said. “In that spirit, we will experience his belovedness.”

ANDRIA RUIZ

“My husband is Catholic, and my son was very interested in learning more about God and Jesus. It opened the door

to me to becoming a Catholic. When we went to Mass with Fr. Duy, Fr. Brandon and Deacon Carl Swanson, we really fell in love with Solano and the community itself. I’m super excited about Easter weekend. I feel like it’s going to wash away a lot of things that have probably stuck with me over the years and it’s a new, fresh journey and start for me.”

AYDIN DANESH JESRAI

“I felt like God called me when I came to St. Serra Catholic School. I really wanted to become Catholic and strengthen my relationship with God. I really like my religion class and I really like all my friends there and it’s the best school ever. I’ve felt calmer and happier

since I joined St. Serra and Solano. I’m doing this with my mom and my aunt, and it feels great doing it as a family. On Easter weekend, I think I’ll be feeling cleansed from all my sins and feel anew.”

ALICA DANESH JESRAI

“Usually, it’s a mom who guides the child’s path towards religion. But in my story, Aydin is the reason why I’m becoming Catholic. When he joined St. Serra, he had such an awakened sense of faith in God, and he was so drawn to the religion, so I started going to school Masses with him and watching some religious cartoons and we just became so engulfed in the faith. We met our RCIA sponsor Ann Sarrao

AYDIN DANESH JESRAI. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ANDRIA RUIZ. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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Dopudja at Solano, and she is so close to God, and she has brought so much light to all of our lives.

I feel like there’s so much stress being a parent and when having a faith in God, I just feel that everything’s going to work out. I know that everything is for our highest good and I know that every step we take, God is directing our steps and that makes me feel so calm and faithful. I think Easter weekend will be life changing.

I think if you’re even pondering taking the first step to becoming Catholic, that is the first step. You’re feeling drawn already and called. I say go all the way in. Join, come to Mass and you’re going to have the best experience.”

AFSOON CHARM DANESH

“I am here today because of my

nephew Aydin. He brought me along this journey once he joined St. Serra. His faith grew so strong, and he is just an exemplary role model of what a Serra Bear is. Once he fell in love with Jesus, we all fell in love with Jesus. We love to watch “Superbook” together and I can’t emphasize enough how important Aydin is to our journey and our faith and our lives. Aydin was truly born to do great things in this world, and he’s already begun.

When I think of the Catholic Church, I think of belonging and believing, which is what Solano has really instilled upon us. Start with taking the first step and attending Mass and opening up your heart the way that Aydin has done for us. Read the Bible, pray the rosary and just believe in the journey and if you have someone as lucky as we do to have Aydin guiding us, then all the better.” C

SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH RCIA MEMBERS POSE WITH THEIR SPONSOR ANN SARRAO DOPUDJA AND BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN SARRAO DOPUDJA

(LEFT TO RIGHT): AFSOON CHARM DANESH, AYDIN DANESH JESRAI, ANN SARRAO DOPUDJA, ALICA DANESH JESRAI AND ANDRIA RUIZ POSE AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO AHEAD OF EASTER WEEKEND. PHOTO BY MIKE VULPO/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

JOYOUS, LUMINOUS, SORROWFUL AND GLORIOUS

CHRIST CATHEDRAL PREPARES TO UNVEIL ITS MARIAN GARDENS

BY BRADLEY ZINT

CHACAS, PERU — The road to this remote town in the Andes mountains is long, windy and as scenic as any in South America. Misty clouds obscure the occasional glacier, and it’s hard not to be awestruck by the snow-capped peaks and waterfalls feeding into the valleys below.

For a group traveling on behalf of the Diocese of Orange, the 13-hour drive to Chacas from Peru’s capital in late February was a final chapter toward completing the Marian Gardens at the Christ Cathedral campus. They made the trek to inspect the progress of sacred art planned for the gardens: mosaics, fusion glass, stained glass, copper carvings and limestone carvings. For the past year, the works have been skillfully and painstakingly made by Peruvian craftsmen from Artesanos Don Bosco, a Peruvian nonprofit.

Representatives from Don Bosco showed Fr. Christopher Pham of Blessed Sacrament parish and Fr. Quang Chu of St. Mary’s by the Sea (both original members of the Christ Cathedral’s Our Lady of La Vang Shrine project committee) how the Marian Gardens art was coming along. Joining them was David Pfeifer, the garden’s architect from San Diego-based Domusstudio, and Elysabeth Nguyen, chief executive of the OLLV Foundation, which manages and fundraises for the project on behalf of the Diocese.

The Marian Gardens will be located by the cathedral campus’ La Vang shrine, though it will retain a distinct identity and feel from the shrine and its 12-foot-

tall Virgin Mary statue. The gardens’ four sections represent Marian mysteries: Joyous, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious.

A second area reminiscent of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus was arrested before his crucifixion, is also being built.

The Marian Gardens and Garden of Gethsemane will be finished in midMay, with a public blessing with Bishop Kevin Vann planned for May 29.

In the prior months, a world away at Christ Cathedral, the Diocese had seen the Don Bosco work through pictures and Zoom sessions. Now, the team got

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A COPPER SCULPTOR AT THE CHACAS, PERU, WORKSHOP OF ARTESANOS DON BOSCO, A PERUVIAN NONPROFIT, WORKS ON A PIECE OF COPPER ART PLANNED FOR THE MARIAN GARDENS AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN GARDEN GROVE. THE GARDENS WILL HAVE A PUBLIC BLESSING AND MASS ON MAY 29. PHOTOS BY BRADLEY ZINT/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ELYSABETH NGUYEN, RIGHT, AND FR. CHRISTOPHER PHAM, LEFT, LOOK AT THE PROGRESS BEING MADE ON MOSAICS THAT ARE GOING INTO THE MARIAN GARDENS PROJECT AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. NGUYEN IS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE OLLV FOUNDATION, WHICH IS FUNDRAISING AND MANAGING THE GARDENS PROJECT ON BEHALF OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE.

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to view it in person: artisans carefully tapping chisels into copper and grinding tools that transformed botticino limestone into biblical scenes. They learned how fusion glass is made from molds, and how it can take a few tries to get it just right.

“I never expected this,” said Fr. Christopher, the clatter of Don Bosco’s Chacas workshop going off around him. “We can now see the place where they make it all. You can tell it’s a lot of work, a lot of labor. You can see the hands; it’s not just one person. It’s piece by piece. It feels spiritual, touching.”

Andres Romero, who’s been with Don Bosco for five years, was working on a mosaic for the Marian Gardens. By hand, one by one, he carefully chose, cut and then placed the colorful pieces — the effect resembling a jigsaw puzzle diligently taking shape.

“I feel very proud, very enthusiastic,” he said in Spanish of his work.

Nguyen said her group was “blown away” by the quality of the art thus far.

“But we’re also really internalizing the fact that through our work, we are now indirectly helping Don Bosco to create jobs and a place for these young people,” she added. “That, for us, was an extra bonus. We didn’t expect it. It really touched our hearts to see these people working on our garden. And they’re happy doing it, because it’s a place of God.”

Nguyen said the Marian Gardens committee purposefully chose art from around the world. In addition to the Peruvian pieces, statues from Italy are planned.

“God’s house should be built by all his people, not just Orange County,” she said. “And the fact that we sort of accidentally got involved with Peru, we’re very fortunate. It gives us a window to another life,

another world we didn’t know.”

In addition to visiting Don Bosco workshops, the group met with Chacas’ parish — San Martín Papa — local school children and teachers. During a goodbye dinner, the Italian expats working for the parish sang the Italian national anthem, which soon segued into the Peruvian children singing their own anthem loud and proud. At the church’s request, Fr. Christopher and Fr. Quang sang the Vietnamese national anthem — a likely first for this remote region of Peru — and America’s anthem.

Fr. Christopher then shared his personal journey of faith seeing the Virgin Mary when he was 5. Fr. Quang also explained the story of Our Lady of La Vang, the 1798 Marian apparition in Vietnam that serves as the basis for Christ Cathedral’s La Vang shrine.

Pfeifer, the Marian Gardens architect, felt touched by the entire scene of vibrant Catholic faith.

“Mi corazón está lleno” — “My heart is full” — he said to the room of children and teachers as they waved the group from California goodbye. C

INTRICATE DETAILS ARE SEEN IN A MOSAIC BEING MADE BY THE NONPROFIT ARTESANOS DON BOSCO IN CHACAS, PERU, A REMOTE VILLAGE IN THE ANDES MOUNTAINS. PHOTOS BY BRADLEY ZINT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A WORKER WITH ARESTANOS DON BOSCO IN JANGAS, PERU, MAKES A CARVING FROM ITALIAN BOTTICINO LIMESTONE THAT WILL BE INSTALLED LATER THIS YEAR IN THE MARIAN GARDENS BEING BUILT AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN GARDEN GROVE.

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kneel with great emotion, and give a symbolic kiss to the cross.

“It’s a way of saying, ‘Jesus, you gave your life for my salvation,’” added Fr. Tim.

HOLY SATURDAY

During the Easter Vigil, we celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. It’s often a threehour service that begins with darkness and ends with light recalling the darkness at creation before the Lord spoke. The Easter Vigil candle is lit outside in the darkness, followed by a procession into the church.

The Easter Candle represents that Christ is the one true light of the world (John 8:12) and the refrain Lumen Cristi (the Light of

FEATURE

Christ) is chanted three times and this is followed by the Exsultet (The Easter Proclamation) is also sung during this Mass.

“It’s an ancient song which dates back to the early Church,” said Fr. Tim, “and it recounts the great salvation we have in Christ our Lord.”

Fr. Tim added: “It’s saying to people, ‘we’ve been on this journey for 40 days… and now that we have walked with Jesus to the foot of the Cross and really comprehended the agony of our own sin and the absolute grace that God has manifested through Jesus’ Cross and resurrection, now we celebrate God’s definitive victory over death and sin.’”

Today, let us rejoice with Christ and await His return in glory. C

THE EASTER VIGIL IS CELEBRATED AT ST. TIMOTHY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA NIGUEL, 2023. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

EASTER SUNDAY AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL, 2023.

EUCHARIST REVIVAL MINISTRY AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA

A CALL TO THE REAL PRESENCE

BY JOEL OAKFORD, SADP PARISHIONER

SAN ANTONIO DE Padua

Church has taken the Eucharistic I Am movement to prayer and heart to organize two big events: Eucharistic Miracles of the World and an Ash Wednesday Eucharist Procession.

In response to Bishop Kevin Vann’s directive of making all Catholics more aware of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, San Antonio has created a new ministry under the guidance of Fr. Tuan Nguyen called the Eucharist Revival Ministry.

Our mission statement is: To encourage and promote increased awareness and reverence for The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, in our parish, our community and throughout the world.

Our first formal event was held from Thursday, Feb. 1 to Sunday Feb. 4, the week before Super Bowl. Michael Breen of our ministry reached out to the Diocese for contact information on the guardian of the Eucharistic Miracles of the World (EMW) exhibit. Steve Lovison owns and coordinates the 130 Miracle panels and hardware for the West Coast. There are only six sets for the entire country. We had the perfect place for the exhibition in our newly remodeled classrooms. We had TV monitors in all rooms playing short videos (continually looping) on Eucharistic Miracles and one on Blessed Carlo Acutis who created the EMW website before his death in 2006 at 15 years old. We were inspired by his work and blessed life and praying for a miracle attributed to him for his sainthood advancement.

Over the four days, we were open for 32 hours, and had 1,029 people attend, not only from our parish, but the entire Diocese, people of other faiths and those who were just curious. Each classroom was from a different time period begin-

EUCHARIST PROCESSION ‘A WALK WITH JESUS’ AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY MORNING MASS AT

THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD EXHIBIT WAS HELD FROM FEB. 1 TO FEB. 4 AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA PARISH AND DREW 1,029 PEOPLE TO VIEW 130 MIRACLES OF THE EUCHARIST.

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ning with most current to oldest, around the time of Christ. We handed out Blessed Carlo Acutis prayer cards and the most famous Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano brochure. We collected over $4,000 in donations to support our new ministry and even brought in two high profile speakers: Fr. Roch Mary Greiner and Chris Pagel, assistant vice president of Chapman University.

The comments from patrons seeing these miracles for first time were, “Why didn’t we know about this sooner” and, “If these don’t prove the Real Presence, what would?” Our youth ministry had a special evening showing with a passport book that guided them through the exhibits. To say our exhibit objective of bringing The Real Presence of Jesus forward was a success, would be an understatement. The Love of Christ was present.

Our second event was held on Ash Wednesday after the 6:30 a.m. Mass. After receiving our ashes, we processed from the church with the Blessed Sacrament for a 1.6 mile walk with Jesus. Our new pastor, Monsignor Tuan Pham, Deacon Russ Millspaugh, Deacon Brett Schurter and Deacon Victor Valenzuela from St. Joseph’s of Placentia, led the procession around the block with a stop at Canyon High School to drop off our high school students and receive a blessing. We had 120 parishioners join us as we passed through major intersections at rush hour with waves and honks from people on their way to work. We arrived back at church before the 8:30 a.m. Mass and to repose the Blessed Sacrament.

Other events included a screening of “The Passion of The Christ” movie in our parish hall on Saturday, March 23, after 5 p.m. Mass. On Holy Thursday, we were

part of the Seven Church Visitation after evening Mass and going through Good Friday morning until 6 a.m. Another Eucharistic Procession will take place on the Feast of Corpus Christi, Thursday, May 30, after morning Mass.

We are most grateful to have other parishes join us in our Eucharistic Revival and if we can be of any help in organizing similar events at your parish, please contact SAPD Church @ 714-974-1416 or visit SanAntoniochurch.org. C

THE EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES OF THE WORLD EXHIBIT WAS HELD FROM FEB. 1 TO FEB. 4 AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA PARISH. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOEL OAKFORD

This Mother’s Day honor your mom – or any dad or special person in your life – by participating in Mary’s Path’s Mother’s Day Tribute Campaign.

Your Mother’s Day tribute is a meaningful way to show your appreciation on this special day, and at the same time supporting Mary’s Path’s mission of helping pregnant teens from the foster care system and their babies.

All the moms honored in the campaign will be listed in a special full-page Mother’s Day tribute ad in the Orange County Register on May 12th.

Maryspath.org Honor

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We've found out that when companies put PEOPLE FIRST, everything else seems to fall into place.

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1 in 5 Californians will be age 65 or older, according to the nonprofit Public Policy Institute of California. The state will be facing a shortage of as many as care workers by then.

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Caregivers are overworked and undervalued. The Low Wages, Lack of Benefits, Recognition and Appreciation, Limited Career Advancement are a huge driving force for workers to go “gray" and gray workforce is becoming a growing problem for the long-term care industry, PHI National estimates that there are 4.6 million direct care workers nationally.

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Magnificare LLC is on a mission to advance the quality of lives of our aging loved ones and their caregivers not in a fake, sunshine-and-rainbows type of way, but with a real, human-powered, data-driven approach.

OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP EASTER BUNNY CAKE

ICAME ACROSS THESE PHOTOS and wanted to share a fun Easter dessert to make with your kids or grandkids. My son is 15 years old now, but seeing him in his little Easter suit enjoying this cake he helped me make brings back warm memories. Any cake recipe will work for this one — even a store box mix will suffice. When I am in a pinch and don’t have time to make a cake from scratch, I use a few shortcuts to give the cake a homemade taste.

—Patty Mahoney

TIPS TO MAKE A BOX CAKE MIX TASTE HOMEMADE

Substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter (if the mix calls for ½ cup of vegetable oil, use ½ cup of butter)

Substitute the water with milk (if the mix calls for 1 cup of water, replace with 1 cup of milk; whole or 2% works best)

TRICKS FOR CANNED FROSTING

Add 1-2 tsps. vanilla

Beat frosting with a hand mixer to get it fluffy!

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 350°F and bake as directed for two 8-or 9-inch round pans

Cool for about 10 minutes

OTHER INGREDIENTS

Jellybeans for the eyes and nose

Red licorice and mini marshmallows for the whiskers and mouth

Shredded coconut and green food coloring for the grass

Colored food gel for the ears (optional)

ASSEMBLING THE CAKE

Line a cutting board with tin foil

Use the first cake as bunny’s head

With the second cake, cut two convex-shaped ears (you will have a leftover piece of cake that can be made into a bow tie or snacked on!)

Frost generously

Add the face elements (eyes, nose, whiskers)

In a bowl, mix coconut with green food coloring and fill in around the board

Enjoy! C

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATTY MAHONEY

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OC Catholic Afar

Debra Laisure had a copy of OC Catholic in hand when she visited the Peace Park in Nagasaki, Japan.

—Debra is a parishioner of St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange.

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places

— to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.