Upcoming events in and around the Diocese of Orange.
DRAFT DAY
Christo Rey high school students are ‘drafted’ by their corporate partners at Angel Stadium.
SAINTS
OF THE EUCHARIST
We all have the potential to be living saints.
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.
SACRED ART
VIRGIN OF THE ANNUNCIATION
A replica oil on canvas painting of the “Virgin of the Annunciation,” originally by Italian artist Carlo Dolic, 1616-1686).
By Arminda M. Lorente, St. Kilian parish in Mission Viejo. Send your sacred art to editor@occatholic.comC
“ Although sadly evil, hatred and division often make news.”
CATERINA FIESCHI WANTED TO be a nun like her older sister, but instead was married at 16 to Giuliano Adorno. Their arranged union was not happy for Caterina; her husband had a child with his mistress and wasted much of their fortune. But in 1473 Caterina had a vision of Christ carrying his cross which changed her life. Thereafter, she devoted her life to prayer and caring for the poor in the slums of Genoa, Italy. Giuliano also changed, becoming a Franciscan tertiary. They both worked at the largest charity hospital in Europe, with Caterina advancing from volunteer to director. She also wrote about mysticism and was canonized in 1737. C
SUNDAY WIS 2:12, 17-20; PS 54:3-4, 5, 6 AND 8; JAS 3:16—4:3; MK 9:30-37
ENDURING CHIVALRIC SERVICE TO THE HOLY LAND
THE KNIGHTS AND DAMES OF THE EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM
BY DAME MARGARET ROMANO, DGCHS, AUTHOR, AND SIR STEPHEN AND DAME KRISTIN LUCHETTA, KGCHS, DGCHS, CO-AUTHORS, WITH SIR M. R. WEINBERG, KCHS, EDITOR
“We are called to build a future of hope and a future of peace. In a special way, that future depends on the continued well-being of our Christian families and most especially the education of their children.”
-Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa,
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
WE, THE KNIGHTS AND Dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, take a vow to protect our Christian Brothers and Sisters in the Holy Land in fidelity to a tradition of Catholic chivalry of more than nine centuries. Far from the anachronism that it may seem, chivalry lives, thrives and serves today, for beyond mere decorous social conduct and by no means a purely honorific token of recognition, knighthood or damehood is a call to the exemplarily virtuous service of others.
As Cardinal Casaroli once observed, “A Knight is a man who intends to place himself at the service of a noble and difficult cause, a pure and arduous ideal; fighting evil, promoting good, defending the weak and the oppressed against injustice.”
Accordingly, too, writes Peter Bander van Duren in “Orders of Knighthood and of Merit”: “From its beginnings, the aim of [our] Order was the protection of the Holy Places and of pilgrims,” with the explicit designation of guarding the Holy Sepulchre, which is the gloriously empty Tomb whence our Lord rose from the dead according to the Scriptures. Likewise further, as the Constitution of
our Order declares and requires, we engage ourselves in the fulfillment of such purposes as sustention and aid to “the charitable, cultural and social works and institutions of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, particularly those of and in the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” and “the preservation and propagation of the Faith in [the Holy Land], [involving] in this work the Catholics scattered throughout the world.” Indeed, ultimately, as Her Excellency Dame Margaret
Romano, Lieutenant of the Western Lieutenancy remarks, “We are called to love and to serve the Lord. As members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, we do this by our acts, helping our Christian Brothers and Sisters in the Holy Land. Where Jesus walked, we walk, following in His footsteps, bringing His message of love and hope.”
In such a spirit, therefore, before Oct. 7, 2023, we ordinarily raised funds to support the many Catholic min-
istries and other entities in the Holy Land already in operation: orphanages, homes for the elderly, parishes, schools, family businesses, a university and a seminary are many of the recipients of the generosity of devoted members. Since the latest conflict, however, while support is still needed for those same ministries, we have also put a focus on humanitarian aid under the name of the Peace and Mercy Crusade. Our goal is
2024 EOHSJ KNIGHTS AND DAMES AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPHEN AND KRISTIN LUCHETTA
to raise $1 million over the next year to sustain that which is most urgent and necessary — food, housing, utilities and medicine — for the main economy, which is pilgrimage, previously shattered by COVID-19, was recovering and once again is destroyed —hotels, restaurants and shops are all closed. Nevertheless, while humanitarian aid fulfills day-today needs, another major focus of ours remains education, as the Latin Patriarch has identified that the recovery of the schools will be a major step in the return to normalcy, which includes teacher salaries, scholarships and much-needed school repairs. Through these efforts, we intend, those who live in the Holy Land may come to know that the whole Church is with them in prayer and in deed, giving hope of current survival and of future rebuilding and assuring them that, in the land where our Lord Jesus Christ lived, died and rose again for us, they have not been abandoned. These and similar efforts, moreover, are in practice locally too. In the Diocese
of Orange, approximately 300 devout Knights and Dames contribute to the good works of the Order, led by Sir Stephen and Dame Kristin Luchetta of St. Thomas More parish, co-councillors for the Orange Area, under the spiritual direction of His Excellency Bishop Kevin Vann. Inspiration toward personal sanctification comes from the Spirituality Team, led by Sir Terrence and Dame Kathleen McGaughan of St. Thomas More parish. Education in support of Christians in the Holy Land is the purview of the Justice and Peace Team, led by Sir Nicholas and Dame Cynthia Wittner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton parish and Fr. John Monestero of St. Justin Martyr parish.
Members of the Order also participate in many liturgical, devotional and educational events throughout the year: we attend ordinations, special Masses, a Day of Recollection and the Eucharistic Congress at Christ Cathedral; pray First
Monday Rosaries together; and visit local Eastern Rite Catholic Churches. Every year, in fact, Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church in Placentia invites Order members to celebrate with them the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross — Sept. 14 — which is also one of the principal feasts of the Order. Finally, the spiritual highlight of the year is the Annual Meeting of the Western Lieutenancy, which will be held in Salt Lake City in October.
Sir Stephen and Dame Kristin, invested in the Order in 2000, have served as Co-Councillors since 2016, of which they say, “It has been an honor and blessing to serve the Diocese of Orange, our fellow Knights and Dames and Christians in the Holy Land as members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.”
To learn more about our Order, its works in the Holy Land and its local activities, visit the website of the Western Lieutenancy of the Order: https://www. eohsjwesternusa.org C
2023 DAY OF RECOLLECTION RETREAT WITH BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND MEMBERS FROM EOHSJ AND THE ORDER OF MALTA AT ST. THOMAS MORE, IRVINE.
2022 EOHSJ INVESTEE AND SPONSOR DINNER WITH BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER AND MONSIGNOR STEPHEN DOKTORCZYK. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN AND KRISTIN LUCHETTA
QUINCEAÑERA: A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY
A YOUNG WOMAN TRIUMPHS OVER ADVERSITY TO CELEBRATE HER 15TH BIRTHDAY, EMBRACING TRADITION AND RESILIENCE
BY CARLOS AVILES
IN A MOVING MIX of tradition and triumph, a young woman recently celebrated her Quinceañera, a ritual deeply rooted in Latin America that marks a girl’s transition to adulthood. This milestone had even greater meaning, as it symbolized not only her passage into adulthood, but also her resilience in overcoming the adversities that life has presented.
Victoria González, at first, was not very interested in celebrating her Quinceañera; despite knowing how important this cultural ritual is for many Latin families. However, after suffering a stroke during a procedure to remove a tumor and finding herself partially paralyzed and fighting for her life in a hospital bed, her perspective changed dramatically.
During her most challenging days, Victoria’s loved ones encouraged her to keep fighting, reminding her of the “big party” that awaited her and their desire to dance with her. Against all odds, that celebration finally took place recently.
Before the festivities, Victoria attended an emotional Mass, where she expressed her gratitude to God for her life and for the support of her parents, family and friends. The service was a significant moment, reflecting the many challenges she had overcome, making the celebration that followed even more meaningful.
“It is a great honor to be celebrated with a Quinceañera,” she said by phone, a few hours before heading to the church, where she would wear a beautiful gold dress adorned with shiny decorations and a crown on the hair. “I am very proud of my culture and my family,
especially for everything they have done for me.”
Victoria continued: “When I was in the hospital, I never wanted a big party. But when I saw how many people came every day to check on me, I felt so loved and realized how many people really cared.”
As she knelt before the altar at Sacred Heart Mission in Anaheim (a chapel connected with St. Justin Martyr Church, also in Anaheim), Victoria made a solemn promise to God: she would dedicate her life to His service and remain forever grateful for the life He had given her. Her parents, chamberlains and loved ones witnessed this sincere vow.
Victoria’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges, making her story an example of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. The turning point in her life came when she was in fourth grade, a moment that changed her path forever.
One night, Victoria suffered a severe headache, prompting her parents to rush her to the hospital. An MRI revealed the unthinkable: a brain tumor. During the operation, Victoria suffered paralysis on her left side, which led to a month-long stay in hospital, followed by an extensive rehabilitation process.
Her father, Salvador González, an immigrant from Mexico who has lived in the United States since 1989, explained that his three children, Victoria, Alexis and Anabel, along with his wife, Maria Jannef, suffer from a genetic disorder known as Von Hippel-Lindau. (VHL). The rare syndrome is an inherited condition that predisposes people to developing tumors in several organs, including blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord and eyes.
“Five months ago, doctors informed us that a second tumor had formed in Victoria,” Salvador González shared. “They assured us that there was no
VICTORIA GONZÁLEZ ENTERS SACRED HEART MISSION OF ANAHEIM FOR HER QUINCEAÑERA MASS WHICH
immediate danger, but in six months they will do another MRI to monitor its growth and determine the next steps.”
Despite the new diagnosis, Salvador maintains his firm faith and trusts in his 15-year-old daughter’s resilience.
“I’m not afraid,” he said, crediting his trust in God and Victoria’s strength to face the challenges ahead. “My daughter has overcome a lot; she is a warrior.”
Victoria currently attends Mater Dei Catholic High School and takes dance classes there. She even dreams of being a gymnast.
“I am very grateful to God,” her father said. “I feel happy because she is very responsible, attentive and kind.”
This sentiment was shared by María Servil, Salvador’s aunt, who attended Victoria’s Quinceañera Mass with tears of joy in her eyes.
“I am very grateful to my family, who has supported me through everything,” she shared. “I am very aware of my tumors, but that will never stop me from living my life to the fullest. God has given me many opportunities, and I trust Him and what He has planned for me.”
She added: “I feel stronger than ever, and I believe I can and will overcome the challenges that await me in the future.” C
“I was so happy to see her parents so happy, and especially Victoria, after everything they’ve been through,” said Servil. “This is proof of God’s love, as He has blessed us with the gift of having her here with us.”
Despite her fear of losing all her abilities after surgery, she remained determined. She fought with all her might, believing that she could overcome the challenges, just as she had done when she reached her 15th birthday against all odds.
“When I started physical therapy, I knew I wanted to come back stronger and better than before,” Victoria said. “I practiced and I got my skills back and then some.”
Victoria hopes her story inspires others to value life and the people around them, especially their families.
FR. SERGIO RAMOS GIVES A BLESSING DURING A SPECIAL QUINCEAÑERA MASS CELEBRATED ON AUG. 4 FOR VICTORIA GONZÁLEZ AT SACRED HEART MISSION OF ANAHEIM. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
VICTORIA GONZÁLEZ IS PICTURED WITH HER PARENTS SALVADOR GONZÁLEZ MARIA JANNEF.
ATTENDEES OF THE AUG. 4 MASS PREPARE TO ENTER THE SACRED HEART MISSION OF ANAHEIM.
AROUND OUR DIOCESE
BY STAFF
HOST A MOVIE NIGHT
Host a movie night featuring the #1 documentary of 2024, “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist”
Who can host a movie event? Your parish, Catholic school, university or
ministry!
To learn more, visit JesusThirstsFilm. com
SAVE THE DATES!
The Diocese of Orange and Christ Cathedral will be hosting three special Masses in the coming weeks:
■ Blue Mass (for police, firefighters and other first responders) Sept. 29 at 5:45 p.m., Christ Cathedral.
■ Red Mass (for Orange County’s legal community) Oct. 7 at 6 p.m., Christ Cathedral.
■ White Mass (for healthcare and mental health providers) Oct. 20 at 3 p.m., Arboretum.
ANNUAL INTERDIOCESAN MASS
IN RECOGNITION OF ALL IMMIGRANTS
Bishop Vann invites you to join Archbishop José H. Gomez, presiding, at the annual interdiocesan Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Sunday, Sept. 29, which this year coincides with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. All parishes and religious ministries are invited to attend the Mass.
This celebration is a joint effort of the SoCal Immigration Task Force, made up of the dioceses of Orange, San Bernardino and San Diego, as well as the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. All ministry groups and especially those who support our migrants and refugees are encouraged to attend and join in the opening procession. Please register your group by emailing immigration@la-archdiocese.org C
THE 2023 BLUE MASS FOR POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS AND OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS WAS HELD LAST YEAR AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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THE EUCHARIST THROUGH A CARDIOLOGIST’S EYES: FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH (PART 2)
BY DR. JOSE CACERES
IN MY PREVIOUS ARTICLE, I shared how the rich traditions of my Catholic upbringing in Peru laid the groundwork for my journey of integrating faith and science. These early experiences shaped my understanding of the Eucharist and set me on a path where my faith would continually guide my professional and personal life. As I grew older, this faith-driven journey led me to a critical crossroads—one where I had to choose between a life devoted to the priesthood and a calling that would allow me to serve in a different, yet equally profound, way.
THE CALL TO MEDICINE
As a young man, I was deeply drawn to the idea of dedicating my life to God through the priesthood. The thought of serving as a spiritual guide and being part of the Church’s mission was incredibly appealing. However, another calling began to take shape within me—a desire to heal, to care for the physical well-being of others. This growing passion led me to consider a different path: the field of medicine.
The decision to become a doctor was not made lightly. It was a choice that came after much prayer and reflection. I realized that by pursuing a medical career, I could still fulfill my desire to serve God by caring for His people. The values instilled in me by my faith—compassion, service and a deep respect for the dignity of every human life—became the foundation upon which I built my medical vocation.
FAITH AND SCIENCE IN HARMONY
medical studies, I never saw a conflict between my faith and the scientific principles I was learning. Instead, I found that the more I understood the intricate design of the human body, the more my faith was strengthened. The complexity of cellular processes, the precision of anatomical structures, and the delicate balance that sustains life all pointed to a grand Designer.
For me, science became a way to explore and appreciate the divine craftsmanship that underpins all creation. The rigorous methodology of science, when pursued with humility and a sense of wonder, only deepened my appreciation for the mysteries of faith. I began to see my work as a cardiologist not just as a job, but as a vocation—a way to participate in God’s healing work, to be His hands in the world.
THE PATH TO CARDIOLOGY
While I initially considered a focus on internal medicine, my path to cardiology unfolded naturally as I encountered the urgent need for heart specialists. Working in a busy hospital, I was struck by the sheer number of heart attack cases and the critical role that cardiologists played in saving lives. This realization ignited a passion within me to understand the heart’s intricate complexities and to use this knowledge to help others.
As I became more engrossed in my studies, my fascination with the heart only grew. I found that cardiology offered a unique perspective on life—one that mirrored the spiritual truths I held dear. The heart, with its tireless beating and central role in sustaining life, became for me a powerful metaphor for God’s unwavering love and the life-giving nature of the Eucharist.
1-800-364-3064 및
From the very beginning of my
CONCLUSION
Choosing medicine as my vocation allowed me to merge my faith with my scientific pursuits in a way that continues to inspire me daily. In the heart of my work as a cardiologist, I’ve found a deep and enduring connection to the spiritual truths that have guided me since childhood. Just as the heart sustains the body, my faith sustains my practice, offering purpose, meaning, and a dedication to fulfilling God’s calling in my life. In the next article, we will look into the fascinating world of Eucharistic miracles, particularly those involving cardiac tissue, and explore how these extraordinary events further affirm the connection between faith and science. C
DR. JOSE CACERES IS A CARDIOLOGIST PRACTICING IN BUENA PARK. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DR. JOSE CACERES
DR. JOSE CACERES DURING HIS FIRST RESIDENCY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE IN THE UNITED STATES, 1981.
DRAFT DAY
BY LOU PONSI
CRISTO REY ORANGE County Catholic High School, with its unique model that gives students from families with limited resources the opportunity to receive a college preparatory Catholic education with professional work experience, is beginning its second school year in Orange County.
Cristo Rey students work one full day a week during the school year for one of the school’s corporate partners.
In exchange, students earn a portion of their tuition and gain work experience while building a professional resume before graduating high school.
The model is working.
Cristo Rey has seen enrollment in its Orange County high school spike from 60 students in its first year to 145 this year.
The number of Corporate Partners has also increased from 29 to 43.
The Catholic high school on West McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana is Cristo Rey’s first in Orange County and one of 40 Cristo Rey schools across the country. The national network chain of schools began in Chicago in 1996.
A highlight for Cristo Rey students and their families is Draft Day, a joyful, festive event where the students take the stage in front of cheering relatives and supporters after being “drafted” by their corporate partners.
With a major league baseball field serving as a backdrop, this year’s Draft Day took place on Aug. 23 at Angel Stadium.
“It's been amazing honestly because I've been able to be part of a Catholic education which I wouldn't have been able to be a part of,” said Cristo Rey sophomore Amalia O., who was drafted by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange for the second year in row. “And it's a lot less
PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
stress on my parents and I'm able to join all these extracurriculars and clubs and things like that without having to worry about having to pay for it. So, it's been great.”
Between work-study and donations, most Cristo Rey families pay less than $1,000 per year per child, Cristo Rey Orange County President Stephen Holte said.
Cristo Rey also has a fundraising program to raise money for scholarships and support that extend beyond graduation and into higher education.
“Today is especially a day to celebrate, not just the faculty and students, but our community and it's exciting to look ahead to the future of our first chapter,” Holte said. “It's a celebration for the hard work and the first jobs, whether that's the job
of scooping burgers, or stocking shelves, these first jobs are the foundation of our work experience.”
Of the12,000 students across the country in Cristo Rey schools, 99% of them get accepted to college, Holte said.
Corporate partners include Farmers & Merchants Bank, Northgate Markets, OC Catholic Schools, Sisters of St. Joseph and Catholic Charities of Orange County.
“I just think the way they've designed this program is so thoughtful and it's really a way to partner but also to give back,” said Laura Ramos, CEO of Providence St. Jude who is drafting Cristo Rey students for the first time. “It’s really just such a great approach to exposing children who are really trying to find out what they want do with their future and with their careers.” C
CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY STUDENTS AMALIA O., LAURA R. AND THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH TEAM DURING DRAFT DAY HELD ON AUG. 23 AT ANGEL STADIUM. PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTO REY ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
PROUD FAMILY MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS OF STUDENTS CAPTURE THE MOMENT WITH CELL PHONE CAMERAS AS STUDENTS FROM CRISTO REY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN DRAFT DAY AT ANGEL STADIUM.
PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
SAINTS OF THE EUCHARIST
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED to be a saint? What holds you back? Is it the thought “Who, me? If you really knew me, you’d know there’s no chance of me being a saint,” or “I don’t even have the desire to do great penances and sacrifices, let alone the ability,” or maybe “I don’t have the courage to give my life for my faith, and I don’t understand how the millions of Christians being persecuted and martyred in Africa, Asia and the Middle East can.” Saints come in all ages and nationalities. Some died violent deaths, others peacefully in their beds. Some were married, others single and still others were priests or religious. Some showed signs of holiness from childhood, others later in life. During this time of the Eucharistic Revival, we will consider a few who had a special love for Jesus, present in the Holy Eucharist. Our call to holiness begins at Baptism, so youth is no obstacle to sanctity, nor is old age, even though some might think so. St. Pius X promoted the reception of Holy Communion as the “shortest and safest way to get to heaven” while St. John Paul II consistently reminded us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our lives. Will you allow Jesus in the Eucharist to be your shortcut to Heaven?
Tarcisius was a 12-year-old acolyte living during a time of violent persecution of Christians. In 258 AD he was carrying Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, to imprisoned Christians who were facing execution for their faith. On his way to the jail, he was attacked by a group of pagan boys who suspected him of being a Christian. Though they beat him severely, he did not let go of the hosts, dying to protect Jesus. St. Tarcisius is a Patron Saint of First Communicants and Altar Servers, and his feast day is Aug. 15.
At age 9, Imelda Lambertini went to
Eucharist,” the feast day of Saint Pius X is Aug. 21.
Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997), recognizing Jesus in the poor, wanted to provide for their spiritual needs as well as physical. She understood the importance of meeting Jesus in the Eucharist and said: “When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then; when you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.” The feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta is Sept. 5.
Carlo Acutis, (1991 – 2006) an Italian teenager, documented all known Eucharistic miracles and created a website containing information on each miracle. Blessed Carlos Acutis’ feast day is Oct. 12 and possibly he will be canonized during the 2025 Jubilee Year.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Receive Jesus in Holy Communion on weekdays as well as Sunday.
■ Visit Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament.
■ Attend Exposition or Holy Hour.
■ Make Acts of Spiritual Communion. (Sample prayers available online) C
live with the Dominican Sisters. She greatly desired to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, but the customary age at that time (1333) was 12. No matter how much she begged for permission she was refused, until after Mass one day when she was 11, a host was seen suspended in the air above her head, at which point she was allowed to receive Communion. The love and joy which filled her was more than her heart
could contain, and she died, loving Jesus to the end. Blessed Imelda, whose feast day is May 12, is also a Patron Saint of First Communicants.
Joseph Melchior Sarto, born in 1835, served as Pope from 1903 until his death in 1914. All of us are beneficiaries of his great love for Jesus in the Eucharist, for he lowered the age of First Holy Communion from 12 to 7. Known as the “Pope of the
EDUARDO KOBRA’S MURAL IN MANHATTAN FEATURING MOTHER TERESA IN MANHATTAN. PHOTO BY JON TYSON ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Michael Muller caught up on OC Catholic stories while visiting St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. With him is Sr. Susana Vaifale.
—Mike’s home parish is St. Cecilia in Tustin.
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.
Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!
Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community.
Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family. Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year.
Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe. Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts. Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com
