Last month’s camp was directed by Christ Cathedral’s music ministry head David Ball.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Orange County Catholic sits down with one of the Diocese’s hardworking educators, La Purísima Catholic School Principal Rosa Ramirez.
14 WILL YOU COME AND BE WITH ME?
Jesus calls us to join with him in the Holy Eucharist.
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
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
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.
AROUND CAMPUS
ARBORETUM FOUNTAIN WALK
Donors: Frank and Susan Kavanaugh. The east side of the Arboretum is home to the Fountain Walk, which contains a dozen fountains representing the Twelve Apostles. Having the fountains as a water feature was a hallmark of the Arboretum’s architect, Richard Neutra. If you are interested in learning about additional naming opportunities for yourself, a loved one or a special occasion on Christ Cathedral’s campus, contact the Orange Catholic Foundation at (714) 282- 3021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
EZ 24:15-23; DEUTERONOMY 32:18-19, 20, 21; MT 19:16-22
“
Those who pay the price are always the little ones, the poor, the most vulnerable, who are prevented from sitting at the table and are left with the crumbs of the banquet.” — Pope Francis
SAINT PROFILE
HELENA CIRCA 255-330
HELENA WAS THE MOTHER of Constantine, the Roman emperor who in 313 ended the persecution of Christians throughout the empire. She was born in Asia Minor, married a Roman general named Constantius Chlorus, and gave birth to Constantine in 274 in what is now Serbia. She became a Christian in 312, and thereafter was known for her devotion, prayerfulness and generosity to the poor. In about 326, she went to the Holy Land, where she spent her last years humbly doing the housework in her convent but also building churches on holy sites. She reportedly found the “true cross” of Calvary. C
TUESDAY
EZ 28:1-10; DEUTERONOMY 32:26-27AB, 27CD28, 30, 35CD-36AB; MT 19:23-30
WEDNESDAY
EZ 34:1-11; PS 23:1-3A, 3B-4, 5, 6; MT 20:1-16
THURSDAY
EZ 36:23-28; PS 51:12-13, 14-15, 1819; MT 22:1-14
FRIDAY
EZ 37:1-14; PS 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; MT 22:34-40
JOS 24:1-2A, 15-17, 18B; PS 34:2-3, 1617, 18-19, 20-21; EPH 5:21-32 OR 5:2A, 25-32; JN 6:60-69
PHOTO BY JOSHUA SUDOCK/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
JOYFUL NOISE: THE DIOCESAN CHOIR CAMP REACHES THE HIGH NOTES
BY MEG WATERS
THERE IS NO JOY QUITE
like the sound of a children’s choir singing a new song to the Lord. For a week in late July, the Christ Cathedral campus was filled with songs of praise and laughter as 75 children from first through 12th grade participated in the Diocesan Choir Camp. Under the direction of David Ball, the head of the music ministry and cathedral organist, choir camp is not just part of the cathedral’s robust music program but also a significant contributor to its vibrant musical culture and a training ground for young singers around the Diocese. Ball has both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from The Julliard School in New York City. His love for liturgical music
and organ bloomed as a child at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri, where he sang in choir and participated in similar camps.
“Children’s choirs are a great way to make young people part of the Liturgy,” said Ball. “Singing in the choir at the cathedral gives them a unique opportunity to do things musically that the parish choir can’t offer, like singing in the special diocesan services with the bishop.”
Lauren McCaul, Cathedral Music Administrator, is also an accomplished singer and soloist.
“The camp is for what we call ‘treble’ voices as that is the range children’s vocal cords reach. Boys’ voices often change around puberty, and they aren’t in the treble range, but they are most welcome at camp — many help with the younger kids
and are a big part of the experience.”
The campers are placed into groups on a sliding scale according to their vocal range. Hedgehogs are the cute little ones from first to third grade. The Squirrels from fourth to 12th grade are the sopranos, followed by the Badgers, who are the second sopranos and the Ferrets or altos. All these “critters” are under the direction of watchful Foxes: adult and teen volunteers.
While singing is a major part of the camp’s agenda, it’s not the only focus. The campers are divided into groups based on their vocal range and engage in gamelike lessons that cover various aspects of music education. For instance, one group of Squirrels was learning music fundamentals through a tic-tac-toe game, while the Badgers were mastering rhythm by passing a stone around in a circle to the beat of a song. Miss the beat, and you’re out of the circle.
THE DIOCESAN CHOIR CAMP TOOK PLACE IN LATE JULY ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DAVID BALL, THE HEAD OF THE MUSIC MINISTRY AND CATHEDRAL ORGANIST, WORKS WITH CHOIR CAMP PARTICIPANTS DURING A SPECIAL SUMMER CAMP HELD IN JULY.
Tess Sacher, age 16, attends Orange County School of the Arts and is a veteran of choir camp. She is also a member of the Cathedral Organ and Choir Scholars, which aims to train and educate the next generation of liturgical musicians.
“I started singing at age 5 at my parish, St. John Neumann in Irvine,” she said.
She now sings with the adult choir as well and is looking at colleges to pursue a career in liturgical music.
Camper Fatima Torres has been a regular choir camper since 2018.
“Mr. P (Patrick Flahive, director of the Diocesan Preparatory Choir) taught me how to sing. I always liked singing. When I heard Miss Lauren (McCaul) sing, I loved her voice and wanted to sing in the choir.”
This year was Abigail Farrell’s first year at choir camp.
“I learned so much about singing, breath control and many other things. I also made new friends and plan to sing in the choir at my parish, St. Thomas More.”
The culmination of the camp was a special Mass officiated by Bishop Timothy Freyer and assisted by Fr. Bao Thai, Fr. Christopher Smith, Deacon Modesto Cordero and Deacon Thomas Saenz. The entire choir camp sat in front of the Hazel Wright organ and sang in both Latin and English for a congregation of parents, family and visitors.
Bishop Freyer clearly enjoyed the music at the Mass.
“This program is very important for the entire Diocese,” said Bishop Freyer, “because it allows the children to be with other children who share their faith, pray and have fun together.”
The Diocesan Children’s Choir is helping to bring the joy of divine worship to others — one child at a time. And that’s a good reason for all of us to sing; “A Psalm of Thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; serve the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful song.” (PS 100:1-2) Amen to that! C
THE CULMINATION OF JULY’S SUMMER CHOIR CAMP WAS A SPECIAL MASS CELEBRATED BY BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FINDING THEIR WAY
O.C. CONTINGENT FEATURING BISHOP FREYER AND 200 YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS ATTEND
BY GREG HARDESTY
CLARA ARBIZO WASN’T EXPECTING much.
The parishioner of St. Anne’s in Santa Ana was among 200 young adults who participated in a pilgrimage that culminated in a Mass in Brooklyn, N.Y., to mark the 50th anniversary in the U.S. of the Neocatechumenal Way.
“I assumed that nothing much would happen,” the 24-year-old said of helping to celebrate the movement launched in April
1974 in New York City by two Spaniards, Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández.
“My mom had pushed me to go, and so I did,” Arbizo added of the pilgrimage that culminated with a Mass at Barclays Center in Brooklyn attended by 20,000.
Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the U.S., presided over the Mass together with 12 other bishops — including O.C. Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer — and more than 300 priests.
By the end of the trip, Arbizo said her faith had been restored.
EIGHT O.C. PARISHES PARTICIPATE
The Neocatechumenal Way is a Catholic program that provides Christian initiation and ongoing faith education. It is inspired by the early Catholic Church’s catechumenate, which prepared converts from paganism for baptism through faith formation.
In 1974, Pope Paul VI, in an audience granted to the first Neocatechumenal communities, recognized the Way as a “fruit” of the Second Vatican Council.
Today, the Neocatechumenal Way is active in more than 110 countries in nearly 900 dioceses and in around 8,000 parishes.
In Orange County, eight parishes have Neocatechumenal Way programs.
In addition to St. Anne’s, they are St. Barbara in Santa Ana, St. Vincent de Paul in Huntington Beach, St. Mary’s in Fullerton, St. Joachim in Costa Mesa, St. Justin Martyr in Anaheim, Our Lady of the Pillar in Santa Ana and Our Lady of La Vang in Santa Ana.
HER FAITH WAS STRUGGLING
To prepare for the Mass in Brooklyn, youth throughout the country spent a week on pilgrimage, visiting shrines and holy places while reading the lives of the saints and martyrs of the United States.
Since graduating in December from California State University Long Beach, Arbizo said she’s been a bit at odds with God.
“My prayers consisted of purely asking God to fulfill the things I wanted,” she said. “For this and many other reasons, my faith was struggling.”
Before the start of the liturgy, Argüello briefly spoke to the crowd via a video call from Madrid to greet participants and recall the historic visit to the U.S.
In his homily, Cardinal Pierre described the Neocatechumenal Way as an instrument of evangelization that responds to Pope Francis’ call to open doors “to people living in all situations of moral poverty, to those who have wandered far from God, and accompanying them back.”
He said in his homily of the youth
CARDINAL CHRISTOPHE PIERRE, APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO THE U.S., INCENSES THE ALTAR DURING THE JULY MASS AT THE BARCLAYS CENTER IN BROOKLYN MARKING 50 YEARS OF THE NEOCATECHUMENAL WAY IN THE U.S.
PHOTO COURTESY NEOCATECHUMENAL WAY USA
pilgrims: “(Their) witness is essential today, and the pope relies on you to make visible the Church he dreams of — a Church that reaches out and searches for the lost sheep.”
At the conclusion of the Mass, some one thousand young men stood up — they would soon enter a seminary somewhere in the world to begin preparation for eventual ordination to the priesthood. Another 1,500 young women stood up expressing their desire to give their life to Christ by either entering the convent or as missionaries. All came forward to receive a special blessing from Cardinal Pierre and the other bishops.
‘A SENSE OF PURPOSE’
Arbizo said the experience changed her.
“I realized I had been so caught up in all the things I had not received from God that
FEATURE
I had never taken the time to see what God has done in my life,” she said. “God has given me parents who have raised me in faith, a place to live, food, and an endless amount of forgiveness and love.”
The Mass changed her thinking.
“I heard that God is not indifferent to you,” Arbizo said. “This struck me because for many months I had thought that God had no interest in what happened to me, and I fear that I started to believe it, but there in that Eucharist, I began to see that God sees me. He sees my suffering, he sees my weaknesses and strengths, he sees my efforts and he loves me regardless of it all.”
Bishop Freyer said he heard many stories like Arbizo’s.
“Many of the youth and young adult participants found themselves being freed of resentments, being freed of anger,” he
said. “Some of them made commitments to turn in their smart phones to be freed of pornography addiction.
“One participant talked about how he had brought some drugs with him but turned them in. He said, ‘I don’t need this. I realize I’ve got the joy now that I haven’t had at home sitting around smoking weed every day.’ It was great to see how God was acting so powerfully in their lives.”
Bishop Freyer said some of the participants sang hymns in the subways and invited people to have a relationship with Jesus.
“It wasn’t just, ‘Oh, let me feel good,’ but it was going out to the streets (and evangelizing),” Bishop Freyer said, adding of the experience: “It was gratifying, humbling and very inspiring to see how God was able to act in such profound ways.” C
SEMINARIAN MICHELE SEGA OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF MIAMI HOLDS A PHONE DURING A VIDEO CALL WITH KIKO ARGÜELLO, INITIATOR OF THE NEOCATECHUMENAL WAY, BEFORE THE JULY 7 MASS AT BARCLAYS CENTER. PHOTO COURTESY NEOCATECHUMENAL WAY USA
WAY, KIKO ARGÜELLO
CARMEN HERNÁNDEZ, FIRST VISITED NEW YORK CITY. PHOTO COURTESY NEOCATECHUMENAL WAY USA
MY EXPERIENCE AT THE TENTH NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
BY DEACON MODESTO CORDERO, DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR WORSHIP IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FROM JULY 17 TO 21, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the tenth National Eucharistic Congress, held in Indianapolis. This event, which brought together 60,000 Catholics from across the United States, was a monumental experience that filled me with pride and reaffirmed my faith as a Catholic. It was a crucial moment both in the history of the United States and in the legacy of the Catholic Church, and I am grateful to have been a part of it.
The congress was a space of unity in prayer, where we could share our faith with tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. From the first day, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and devotion as we welcomed Jesus to Indianapolis. We united in spirit with our brothers and sisters from across the nation, worshiping Jesus each night as the Body of Christ and seeking repentance with renewed joy and hope.
Each day of the congress was filled with opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. The presentations we attended moved us toward a deep transformation, shared in a vibrant and lively Catholic community. It was especially significant at this moment in the history of the Church in the United States, marking a point of encounter and renewal for all of us.
The mornings were dedicated to dynamic sessions tailored to our different missions and states of life. We were guided by some of the Church’s most trusted voices, who presented us with compelling and relevant topics for adult Catholics, youth, ministry leaders and families. This formation was invaluable, providing us with tools to strengthen our faith and share it with others.
One of the most impactful moments of the congress was the procession through the streets of downtown India-
napolis.
Thousands of Catholics walked together in adoration of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, publicly proclaiming our faith and testifying to the world that Jesus is a King worth following. It was a powerful example that the Church is alive, full of hope and eager to share our Lord in the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist with the rest of the world.
Cardinals, bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, religious and laity united in this walk, demonstrating a moving unity.
The afternoons at Lucas Oil Stadium were especially exciting, with sessions focused on the day’s theme. We listened to the Gospel message with new ears, experienced healing and united in the shared mission of making Jesus known and loved. This communion of faith and purpose was truly inspiring and revital-
izing. Each day the congress culminated in the adoration of the King of the Universe. Along with thousands of my brothers and sisters in Christ, we prostrated ourselves at the feet of Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with Eucharistic love, that left an indelible mark on my heart.
In conclusion, the tenth National Eucharistic Congress was a profoundly transformative experience. I feel blessed to have been part of this generational event, which not only strengthened my faith but also reaffirmed my commitment to live and share the love of Christ with the world. It was a powerful reminder that, as a Church, we are united in our mission to be a light in the world, bringing Jesus to all corners of the earth. Long live Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament! C
DEACON MODESTO CORDERO. PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DEACON MODESTO CORDERO (RIGHT) PARTICIPATES IN AN EVENT AT LUCAS OIL STADIUM DURING THE 2024 NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS IN INDIANAPOLIS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
MEET ROSA RAMIREZ, PRINCIPAL OF LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
BY CHRISTINA VAUGHN
THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
offers many impressive elementary and high schools. La Purísima Catholic School in Orange is certainly impressive, providing well-rounded education founded in faith, small class sizes, a “technology rich” campus and much more. Principal and alumna Rosa Ramirez is here to share a little more about her school:
Answers may be edited for length, content or clarity.
Q: Does La Purísima have a patron saint? If so, how do you incorporate their message and story into the students’ education?
A: La Purísima, meaning Mary, Most Pure, is named after Mary, the patron saint of the church and school. Established in 1965 under the administration of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady, the school has remained dedicated to its founding principles for nearly 60 years. The Sisters of the Company of Mary were founded by St. Jeanne de Lestonnac.
Our school continues to embody the charism of St. Jeanne de Lestonnac, which is reflected in our Student Learning Expectations (SLEs): Fulfill Your Name, Extend Your Hand and Maintain the Flame. Students regularly learn about the life of St. Jeanne and reflect on these SLEs. Our school participates in traditions shared with other Company of Mary schools worldwide, including Child Mary, May Crowning and the feast day celebrations on May 15.
COURTESY OF ROSA RAMIREZ
Q: Can you go into greater depth as to why La Purísima puts an emphasis on integrating technology?
A: The school places a strong emphasis on incorporating technology into our curriculum to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern world. We believe that integrating technology into education is essential for students to be equipped with 21st-century skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and digital literacy. These skills are crucial for success in higher education and the workforce. Technology provides dynamic and interactive learning experiences. It allows students to access a vast array of resources and tools, facilitating a deeper understanding of subjects and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
Q: How does your own experience at La Purísima shape how you manage the school today?
A: As an alumna, I deeply value the gifts and lessons La Purísima Catholic School has given me throughout my upbringing. The faith values instilled in me during my time here have carried me throughout my life, with Jesus at the center of everything I do. When it came time to choose an educational path for my
own children, there was no doubt in my mind that La Purísima was the best place for them.
My journey here has been multifaceted. I served the community as a teacher for 12 years and for the past seven years as the principal, experiencing many roles within the school. The strong foundation I received, and later my children received, informs every decision I make as principal.
The faith-based education at La Purísima has not only shaped my personal values but also my professional philosophy. I strive to create an environment where students can grow spiritually, academically and personally, just as I did.
My experience as a student, parent, teacher and principal at La Purísima deeply influences how I manage the school today. I am committed to upholding the traditions and values that make it a special place, ensuring that our students receive a holistic education centered around faith and excellence.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of school?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family outside of school, participating in a variety of activities. I love going shopping, watching Angels baseball games and simply relaxing in the backyard, which includes my new “she-shed.”
Q: What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
A: The summer is when we begin to get to know our new families coming to the school. I love watching their excitement as their children begin to prepare for their educational journey. It’s a joy to see the enthusiasm and hope in their eyes as they explore the school and envision their future here. Welcoming new families into our community is a rewarding experience, as it allows us to share the values and traditions that make La Purísima special.
To learn more about Principal Ramirez and La Purísima, visit https://www.lpcs. net/ C
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ROSA RAMIREZ, PRINCIPAL OF LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN ORANGE, VISITS HER BACKYARD “SHE-SHED.” PHOTO
THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE MAKING YOUR LEGACY PLAN
BY LORI ROSEHART
DID YOU KNOW THAT nearly 70% of Americans don’t have a will or living trust? With August being National MakeA-Will Month, there’s no better time to change that surprising statistic from Caring.com’s 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Survey.
Like with any task, getting started is usually the hardest part, but were you aware of the resources you have access to through the Church? To help you pass on a legacy of love and avoid making common planning mistakes, The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF) recommends you consider these three questions.
HOW
AM I GOING TO INCLUDE GOD INTO MY PLANNING?
Creating or updating your will, trust and estate plan tends to be very secular but it doesn’t have to be that way. OCF advisor and trust and estate planning attorney, Joshua Meier, said, “God gives us so many graces and wisdom. Why not bring in the gift of the Holy Spirit to give us guidance and wisdom on what are the best choices for our kids, for our assets and for everything going on in our life?”
The next time you are at Mass or adoration, consider reflecting on the attributes, life lessons and values you want to pass on to your children and grandchildren. When you spend time with God, ask for His help on identifying guardians for your children, an executor for your estate and beneficiaries who embody what is important to you.
HOW WILL A TRUST SAVE MY FAMILY FROM POSSIBLE HEARTACHE AND EXTRA EXPENSES?
A will, trust and estate plan are for everyone, not just the wealthy. The legal documents list who you are and what your wishes are but each one works
differently. The biggest contrast is that a will does not keep your loved ones from probate court. A trust, however, transfers your money, property and investments faster and more privately, as well as saves your family from California’s default estate plan.
Although, Meier stressed that simply setting up a trust isn’t enough: “Every single asset that you have needs to be connected to your trust in some way. If it’s with property, there needs to be a deed. If it is with an investment account or checking account, there is some documentation at the banks.”
To help you count the blessings the Lord has entrusted to you, OCF has created a free estate planning guide at ocfpg.org
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I REVIEW AND UPDATE MY LEGACY PLAN?
“When you set something up, it’s like a snapshot in time. And when plans get out of date, that can cause just as many problems as having nothing in place at all,” said Meier, who is also a parishioner from Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Newport Beach.
Many of the Catholic attorneys who partner with The Orange Catholic Foundation recommend reviewing your plan every three to five years or after major life changes, such as births, deaths, retirement, etc.
Some of those changes may also include how you want to cultivate a legacy of generosity. Is there a parish, Catholic school or other Catholic ministry that aligns with your values? OCF’s philanthropy team is available to work with you and your advisors on bequests, beneficiary designations or other alternative giving strategies at (714) 282-3021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org
Please note that The Orange Catholic Foundation does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material is prepared and made available for informational purposes only. Every donor should always consult personal counsel about the financial, tax and legal implications. C
PARISHIONERS AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS REVIEW OCF’S ESTATE PLANNING GUIDE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCF
PARISHIONERS AT ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LAGUNA WOODS ATTEND THE ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION’S ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR TO LEARN ABOUT HOW THEY CAN PROVIDE FOR THEIR NEEDS, THEIR FAMILY’S FUTURE AND THEIR FAVORITE CATHOLIC CAUSES.
IN MEMORIAM
BY STAFF
IT IS WITH HEAVY HEARTS that the Diocese of Orange announces the passing of Mother Iluminada Soto Garcia, who died on July 22 at the age of 106.
Originally from Zamora Michoacan, Mexico, Sr. Iluminada was born on October 31, 1917, and dedicated 81 years to the religious life. She was known to be the oldest member of the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters.
Over the years, she had served as Catechist, Religious Formator and Faith Development Coordinator for the Youth for Christ Group.
Sister was featured several times in the Orange County Catholic, most recently during her 106th birthday celebration held at the St. Francis Home for the Aged in Santa Ana with Bishop Kevin Vann in attendance. Sr. Iluminada was given a special lunch and entertained by a Mariachi band and dancers. She also received a Certificate of Special Recognition from the United States Congress House of Representatives.
At the time she had said she was most grateful for “the love of God which has been with me always and who invited me to move into my vows so I could serve Him. My vocation is a privilege.”
Services for Sr. Iluminada were held earlier this month. C
PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/
FR. ROBERT SPITZER TO SPEAK ON “SCIENCE, MEDICINE & THE SHROUD”
BY LOU PONSI
FR. ROBERT SPITZER, a Jesuit priest, educator, lecturer and author, who has written multiple books and given numerous presentations on the Shroud, will be the featured speaker at Christ Cathedral on Aug. 22 as part of the Lumen Christi Speaker Series.
The lecture, titled “Science, Medicine & the Shroud,” will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. inside the Arboretum on the cathedral’s Garden Grove campus.
Fr. Spitzer’s talk will focus on the scientific evidence proving the existence of the Shroud as the burial cloth of Jesus.
The Shroud of Turin, believed by millions to be the burial cloth used to wrap the body of Jesus of Nazareth following His crucifixion, has arguably undergone more scientific testing than any other relic in history.
And in the words of Fr. Spitzer, founder and president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, the 14-foot, 3-inch long by 3-foot, 7-inch-wide swath of linen “always comes up smelling like a rose.”
Fr. Spitzer discussed the miraculous
AN OVERLAY OF AN IMAGE OF THE SHROUD OF TURIN ON THE IMAGE OF THE DIVINE MERCY SHOWS THE TWO RELIGIOUS RELICS ARE ALMOST AN EXACT MATCH. THE SLIDE WAS PART OF AN APRIL 6 PRESENTATION AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE SHROUD OF TURIN, THE DIVINE MERCY IMAGE AND EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI
nature of the Shroud along with Adriana Acutis, a noted researcher on the relic. during a presentation at Christ Cathedral in April.
Fr. Spitzer said the image on the Shroud is perfectly three-dimensional, similar to today’s MRI imaging used to acquire pictures of soft tissue such as organs and muscles that don’t show up on x-rays.
“That image is lying right on the uppermost surface of the fibers and never penetrates to the medulla of the fibers,” Fr. Spitzer said. “It’s sitting there on those fibers, and it’s sitting there with perfection, and you can see the inside of that man’s body, like the backbone, relative to the flesh. There’s only one way you’re going to get it, you guys. Only one way. Radiation, radiation, radiation. The definition of radiation is what? Action at a distance. And that’s what caused that image.”
Ultraviolet radiation is one hypothesis that can explain how the image on the Shroud was created, he said.
The radiation would require 6- to 8-billion watts of light energy for one 40 billionth of a second, Fr. Spitzer said.
“Let me tell you, dead corpses do not produce 100,000 to 500,000 searchlights worth of light energy for a 40 billionth of a second, let alone at all,” he added.
Another theory proving the Shroud’s authenticity is the particle radiation hypothesis, which theorizes that the entire body simultaneously underwent nuclear disintegration at one moment.
“It caused a big light, it caused a big boom,” Fr. Spitzer said. “It caused a flux of protons and deuterons that produced the image, which produced a flux of neutrons and strength in the cloth that turned the blood bright red. If that was the case, then of course, it’s a miracle.”
Fr. Spitzer currently hosts a weekly EWTN television program titled “Fr. Spitzer’s Universe,” which features discussions on faith, science, philosophy and culture.
He has made multiple media appearances, including a 2010 appearance on “Larry King Live” when he debated noted physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking on the existence of God.
Fr. Spitzer’s most recent books on the relationship between faith and science are titled “Science at the Doorstep to God,” “Christ, Science, and Reason” and “Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible.”
To register to attend Fr. Spitzer’s talk on Aug. 22, visit https://www.rcbo.org/ ministry/lumen-christi/lc-speaker-series-registration/
The Diocese of Orange Lumen Christi Institute offers Catechetical and lay ministry certifications, street evangelization training and a biblical education program. To learn more, visit https://www. rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/ C
A DISCUSSION ON EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES AND THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOLY SHROUD, BELIEVED TO BE THE LINEN CLOTH USED TO WRAP THE BODY OF JESUS AFTER HIS CRUCIFIXION, AND THE DIVINE MERCY PAINTING WAS HELD AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON APRIL 6, 2024.
FR. ROBERT SPITZER, S.J., PH.D., A LEADING EXPERT ON THE PROOF OF FAITH THROUGH SCIENCE, AND ADRIANA ACUTIS, A NOTED RESEARCHER ON THE HOLY SHROUD OF TURIN, LED A DISCUSSION AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES IN APRIL.
WILL YOU COME TO ME AND BE WITH ME?
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
AS WE SCRUTINIZE our world, we can become despondent at the widespread crime, hatred and violence running rampant or we can focus on Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Through His life, passion, death and resurrection, Jesus has won the victory over sin and death and desires to share that triumph with us. It behooves us to choose our response. One of the best ways is to consistently meet Jesus at Mass and receive Him in Holy Communion.
The Catholic Church describes the Eucharist — the Sacrifice of the Mass — as “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324)
At every Mass celebrated daily throughout the world, Jesus continues His sacrifice on Calvary, offering Himself to the Father on behalf of each one of us for our eternal salvation. When we receive Him in Holy Communion, we are united with Him in a profound union greater than with any other. Jesus longs for this intimacy with us and desires that we live in His love, for He knows, loves and understands each of us far more than we can comprehend or imagine.
“The Church has received the Eucharist from Christ her Lord not as one gift … among so many others, but as the gift par excellence, for it is the gift of himself …” (St. John Paul ll)
What can we do and to whom can we turn when feeling discouraged or uncertain? To Jesus! That is what the Disciples on the road to Emmaus did, albeit unwittingly. The two, forlorn and
hopeless, were returning to Emmaus engrossed in conversation when a stranger joined them on the road. He asked what they were talking about. They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, responded: “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?’ And he replied to them, ‘What sort of things?’ … ‘But we were hoping’ …” (Lk. 24:17–19, 21)
They invited him to stay with them and “…while he was with them at table, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it
be with Me” in the Eucharist?
FOR YOUR
FAMILY
:
■ Attend Mass, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion on weekdays as well as Sundays.
■ Make a Holy Hour during your parish’s Exposition, being with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
■ Pray with Eucharistic Prayer IV, starting after the “Holy, Holy.” Substitute plural words with personal ones, allowing your heart to absorb the reality of Jesus’ gift. Example: “I (We) give you praise, Father most holy, for … you have fashioned me (all your works) in wisdom and in love. You formed me (man) in your own image and entrusted the whole world to my (his) care …”
■ The National Eucharistic Revival is our country’s response to Jesus’ invitation to “Do This in Memory of Me.” Information and presentations on the Eucharistic Congress which was held in Indianapolis this past July are at https:// www.eucharisticcongress.org/ C
and gave it to them. … They recognized Him, but He vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning … while he spoke to us on the way …?” (Lk. 24:30 – 32) Jesus wants to reveal Himself to us in the Eucharist, speak to us and be with us; giving an opportunity to share our hopes; dreams; sorrows; joys; our very heart with Him. So often we ignore Him or get sidetracked, failing to respond to this longing of His Heart. Do we want to be with Him? If so, how do we respond to Jesus’ invitation to “Come to Me and
PHOTO BY THAYS ORRICO ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
The Bolanos Family traveled to Zion National Park in Utah in June. Pictured are (mom) Anabel, (daughter) Francine and (dad) Arturo at the Narrows (Virgin River) hiking trail.
The Bolanos Family attends Holy Family 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.
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