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.
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Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts.
Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com
OCTOBER
6, 2024
CONTENTS
7 9 PLAY TIME
14
Two new playground structures are dedicated at Our Lady of Fatima Academy.
CHRIST CATHEDRAL TO HOST WHITE MASS
The White Mass brings together healthcare workers to bless and thank them for their service to the community.
BELLA’S PRO-LIFE CALLING
This young NICU nurse found her calling caring for premature babies.
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
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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.
IN. X 9.65 IN.
HOME ALTARS
READER CALL-OUT
My wife and I have slowly pieced together this home altar with vintage and antique holy items. The etching is a copy of Rembrandt’s "Three Crosses." We recently found the hand lettered “Apostles Creed” at an estate sale. The crucifix between the altar candles is an Eastern icon which we really love (purchased at a church rummage sale). Lastly on the table we have a very old Bible with a small Blessed Mother statue and also small boxes filled with various church incense like frankincense. My wife is a recent Evangelical convert and making a home altar was entirely her idea! We attend St. John the Baptist in Costa Mesa and feel very blessed (and inspired) by our Norbertine Fathers and Sisters.
—John and Kelly Davis, Midway City Send your home altar photos to: editor@occatholic.comC
“ If prayer does not translate into concrete action, it is in vain.”
— Pope Francis
SAINT PROFILE
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
GAL 1:6-12; PS 111:1B-2, 7-8, 9 AND 10C; LK 10:25-37
TUESDAY
GAL 1:13-24; PS 139:1B-3, 13-14AB, 14C-15; LK 10:38-42
WEDNESDAY
GAL 2:1-2, 7-14; PS 117:1BC, 2; LK 11:1-4
THURSDAY
GAL 3:1-5; LK 1:6970, 71-72, 73-75; LK 11:5-13
BLESSED MARIE-ROSE DUROCHER 1811-1849
EULALIE DUROCHER WAS THE youngest of 10 children in a pious Quebec family; three brothers became priests and two sisters also became nuns. Because of ill health, Eulalie attended school sporadically and was rejected by several religious orders. For 12 years she helped one of her priest-brothers in his parish, organizing charitable works and the first Confraternity of Mary in Canada. In 1843, with two friends and episcopal permission, she founded the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary to educate poor youths, especially in the countryside. As Mother Marie-Rose, she led the congregation until her early death; she was beatified in 1982. Holy Names' sisters serve today in Canada, the United States, Lesotho, Peru and Brazil.C
FRIDAY
GAL 3:7-14; PS 111:1B-2, 3-4, 5-6; LK 11:15-26
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
SATURDAY
GAL 3:22-29; PS 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; LK 11:27-28
SUNDAY WIS 7:7-11; PS 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17; HEB 4:12-13; MK 10:17-30 OR 10:17-27
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVIAN FRAHM
POLISH LACE COMES TO ANNUAL DOZYNKI FESTIVAL
Koniaków lace.
Since the 1950s, with greater distribution, lace came to the attention of fashion designers such as Christian Dior. Wellknown names also became fans of the meticulous work: Queen Elizabeth II, Pope John Paul II and even a Hindu princess in India.
In 2013, some ladies started making clothing — dresses, tops, pants and swimsuits. The lacework became somewhat of an internet sensation for its beauty and intricacy. However, it did come with some controversy from the more traditionally minded crochet makers. Lady Gaga purchased lace shoes, and Beyoncé purchased special silk earrings. The work has been exhibited twice at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
“The most important part is the tradition,” said Ligocka-Kohut. “Many women still crochet and keep their own patterns to teach their daughters.”
She explained that the women make amazing compositions with no art training.
BY MEG WATERS
WHEN IMMIGRANTS
settle in the United States, they often assimilate clothing and customs to blend in with the culture — but one of the last things that conforms is their sense of what constitutes excellent home cooking, art and celebrations. These cultural preferences can last for generations, and as they are shared with new friends in a new country, weave our country's unique tapestry of diversity.
On Sept. 21 and 22, the Polish community gathered at the St. John Paul II Polish Center in Yorba Linda for the 45th annual Dozynki Festival. The Polish Center is home to about 1,700 Polish Catholics. The Dozynki is a traditional harvest fest designed to showcase Polish art, food and music to strengthen
cultural ties to the more than 30,000 Polish people living in Orange County. There were the usual food booths, music and beautiful traditional costumes that graced the festival. But this year included a new exhibition of Polish lace or crochet from a small village in the southern part of the country called Koniaków. Together with Istebna and Jaworzynka, the area is known as Beskid Three Villages. This cottage industry started to take off in the early 20th century when Zuzanna Walach, the wife of then-mayor Pavel Golik, began making and selling exquisite lace with intricate designs inspired by the beautiful pastoral environment surrounding the villages. She was a master of the art and taught others. The lace-making technique commonly known in the U.S. as crochet includes doilies, tablecloths, liturgical linens and a special cap called a czepiec which is
placed on a bride’s head during wedding ceremonies and worn by all traditional married women.
After 1947, Maria Gwarek formed a partnership with an organization that had shops in cities across Poland. This gave their lacework — collars, gloves and doilies — much more potential to become a regional business. The lace was made by village women with no templates — each woman created her own unique pattern, but it was always symmetric and stylized.
According to Lucyna Ligocka-Kohut, owner of the Koniaków Lace Center in Poland, “We are the largest lace center in the world; no other villages do this work—manual crochet. We don’t use machines like French lace makers; the patterns are passed down from generation to generation.”
Today, about 700 local women crochet
“Ten years ago, I decided to try to help carry on this tradition in Koniaków by forming the lace center,” added Ligocka-Kohut.
The women typically use fine cotton thread with cotton produced in Poland. Sometimes, they use silk for jewelry and other delicate items, which is very thin and challenging to use. Most items are white, off white or black. The black thread is also difficult to see and work with so black items are often more expensive.
Dresses and clothing are made to size, as the lacework is produced without seams.
“We never have the same things in stock as it changes every day,” said Ligocka-Kohut.
Koniaków lace is very popular, especially for wedding dresses. Most clothing has to be special ordered to the measurements of the woman who will wear the
KONIAKÓW LACE FROM POLAND HAS A LONG AND STORIED HISTORY. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
GUESTS OF THIS YEAR’S DOZYNKI FESTIVAL GOT TO SEE A GIANT 16.4-FOOT DOILY WHICH HOLDS THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR BEING THE LARGEST DOILY IN THE WORLD.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
item. For example, dresses can go from $1,500 on up.
The Dozynki Festival featured many examples of lace and a fashion show exhibiting clothing from incredible wedding dresses to casual wear.
Also on exhibit was a giant 16.4-foot “doily,” which holds the Guinness Book of World Records title for being the largest doily in the world!
Bishop Vann, who knew Pope John Paul II from his time in Rome, visited the festival.
“It is very important for Orange County to have a sense of Polish culture and faith,” said Bishop Vann.
Christ Cathedral has many tributes to the Polish Community, starting with a first-class relic of St. Pope John Paul II on the altar and a tapestry of Our Lady of Częstochowa, also known as “The Black Madonna.” C
WOMEN SELLING SMALL ITEMS LIKE JEWELRY, DOILIES AND DREAM CATCHERS ARE PICTURED BY THEIR CRAFT BOOTH DURING THE DOZYNKI FESTIVAL HELD AT THE ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER.
LUCYNA LIGOCKA-KOHUT, OWNER OF THE KONIAKÓW LACE CENTER IN POLAND, ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THE 45TH ANNUAL DOZYNKI FESTIVAL HELD SEPT. 21 AND 22 IN YORBA LINDA.
THE DOZYNKI FESTIVAL IS A TRADITIONAL HARVEST FEST HELD AT THE ST. JOHN PAUL II POLISH CENTER IN YORBA LINDA. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PLAY TIME
OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY BLESSES NEW PLAYGROUND STRUCTURES
BY LOU PONSI
TWO NEW, ULTRAMODERN
play structures are prominently situated for all to see on the grounds at Our Lady of Fatima (OLF) Academy in San Clemente.
The play structures, one for older grades and one for the younger children, have enough accessories and play spaces to keep students entertained during recess and recreation time – monkey bars, climbers, twisty slides, tube slides, platforms, panels and so much more.
On Sept. 20, with students, teachers and school administrators looking on, Fr. Antonio Lopez-Flores, OLF’s pastor, Fr. Edward Becker, priest in residence, and Deacon Carl Swanson blessed the play spaces and students.
The school’s new principal, Jennifer Jukic, had this to say about the play structures:
“With the new play structures on campus, Our Lady of Fatima students climb and play while enjoying many other new additions to the school play yard such as cornhole, gaga ball, four square, chess and hopscotch. Our Lady of Fatima is a gem of a school located in paradise that is coming into a new era with added enrichments throughout the day and after school.”
Jukic was quick to point praise to her predecessor Brett Minter for directing the project during his tenure.
As she introduced Minter during the ceremony, she said: “He doesn’t get to play on them [play structures] this year and he doesn’t get to watch you play on them, but he’s here to celebrate you and celebrate our playground.”
“It is lovely …. It is beautiful,” said Minter, who spearheaded the acquisition of the playgrounds during the 2023-24
school year, his second year at the school.
“It is exactly what I wanted it to be,” added Minter, who is now the principal at Sts. Simon and Jude School in Huntington Beach.
Each year, OLF Academy selects a “fund-in-need,” which then becomes the focus of its annual fundraising gala. A new playground was chosen as the fundin-need for the “RISE to Kindness” Gala held Feb. 3, 2024.
Funds raised at the gala helped pay for the playground equipment, Minter said.
“We were looking for something that has more of an impact on the kids now and in the future,” he added.
After discussing different potential projects, the board, administration and FR. ANTONIO
OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY STUDENTS AND STAFF POSE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL’S NEW PLAY STRUCTURE ON SEPT. 20. PHOTOS BY LOUS PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
LOPEZ-FLORES, PASTOR OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN SAN CLEMENTE, BLESSES THE SCHOOL’S NEW PLAY SPACES.
staff settled on the playground for feasibility and student-impact. A new play structure would keep kids safe and updated equipment would offer more opportunities to play.
The new structure is two to three times the size of the last one.
Fr. Antonio said it was important to have a newer, safer playground for the children to enjoy themselves and release energy.
“I think it was a dream and that dream came true,” he said. “Working all together as a community, we built it.”
Art instructor Daphne Henry, who is also a parent of two students at the school, said the structures, which are situated on the highest point on campus, serve as a great focal point.
“As a mom and a teacher, I love all the amazing opportunities it's been giving all of our students including my own two kiddos,” Henry said. “So, we just want to say thank you to everyone who supported in the
building of our new structure.
But the students who’ve actually been using the playground structures might be the most qualified to render opinions.
“I like the new playground because there are ropes to climb and twisty slides,”
first-grader Stella Brady said. “I like the little seats it has.”
Second-grader Troy Nuernberg added: “I like the new playground because it has more toys and it's fast. I like the monkey bars, and I like the rock-climbing stuff, and it is also the biggest playground I’ve ever seen.”
Looking ahead, Principal Jukic shared, “The future of Our Lady of Fatima focuses on meeting the needs of all students and adding in some of the basics into our small community that were not present before. A great school has a multifaceted approach to learning so with new tools and techniques, the future of OLF is brighter than ever while we focus on quality over quantity and depth over breadth.”
OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY STUDENTS MAKE USE OF THE SCHOOLS NEW PLAY STRUCTURES ON SEPT. 20. PHOTO BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. EDWARD BECKER BLESSES STUDENTS AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA ACADEMY IN SAN CLEMENTE.
CHRIST CATHEDRAL TO HOST WHITE MASS
BY LOU PONSI
THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE will once again honor the work performed by healthcare and mental health professionals at the annual White Mass, named for the white coats traditionally worn by medical professionals.
Just as the Red Mass honors judges, lawyers and professionals in legal fields, and the Blue Mass honors the work of law enforcement and first responders, the White Mass honors medical professionals who are often considered healing ministers performing the work of Jesus Christ.
These include physicians, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, EMTs, missionaries, health care educators, lab workers, hospital volunteers and others.
Bishop Kevin Vann will serve as the main celebrant for the White Mass, which is being celebrated at Christ Cathedral on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m.
The White Mass is especially meaningful to Bishop Vann whose mother was a nurse and clinical instructor at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois and the bishop himself worked as a medical technologist at St. John’s before entering religious life.
“He has such a heart for the health care ministry,” said White Mass organizer Rebecca Freeman, Pastoral Care Ministry coordinator for the Diocese. “So, it's really special to have him.”
Priests who work in the Providence Health Care System, a sponsor of the White Mass, will serve as concelebrants,
Freeman said.
The Catholic Medical Association is also a main sponsor.
“I just think medical professionals at every level, the White Mass reminds them of why they went to do their studies,” said Dr. Mary Kotob, director of the Orange County Chapter of the Catholic Medical Association.
The Catholic tradition of the White Mass dates in the U.S. dates back to the founding of the Catholic Medical Association in the 1930s.
“We are really looking to have an inclusive vision for the kind of village that surrounds people who are sick and suffering and so we really call it the health care and mental health provider Mass,” Freeman said. “Because we realize that everyone
surrounding a patient from the dietician and the cafeteria worker to the custodial worker, to the nurse to the doctor to the chaplain and social worker. It is a whole team effort. We want to highlight everyone who's a part of that team.”
The White Mass is often celebrated on or near Oct. 18, the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist, the patron saint of physicians and surgeons.
St. Luke is one of four Gospel writers, along with Saints Matthew, John and Mark, and is also the author of the book of Acts of the Apostles.
Luke, himself, is believed to have been a physician according to the practice of Greek medicine at the time.
In Colossians 4:14, St. Paul refers to Luke as the “beloved physician.” C
St. Anne School
THE EUCHARIST THROUGH A CARDIOLOGIST'S EYES: AN ONGOING JOURNEY (PART 5)
BY DR. JOSE CACERES
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VER THE PAST FEW weeks, we’ve journeyed through the early stages of my life, exploring how my Catholic upbringing in Peru and my calling to medicine have intertwined to create a unique perspective on the Eucharist. As a cardiologist, I’ve shared how the miracles involving cardiac tissue have deepened my faith and reinforced the profound connection between science and spirituality. While these articles serve as an introduction, they are just the beginning of a much larger exploration—a journey
that will continue to explore the mysteries of the Eucharist and the intersection of faith and science.
REFLECTING ON THE FOUNDATIONS
Throughout this introductory series, I’ve highlighted the key experiences that laid the groundwork for my integration of faith and science. From my early years in Peru, where the Catholic faith was woven into the very fabric of daily life, to my decision to pursue a career in medicine, these experiences have shaped my understanding of both the physical and the spiritual worlds.
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As I’ve shared, the Eucharist has always held a central place in my spiritual life. The belief that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist is a mystery that transcends scientific explanation, yet it is a mystery that I encounter with deep reverence and awe in my daily work as a cardiologist. The miracles involving Eucharistic hosts and cardiac tissue have further illuminated this connection, revealing the profound ways in which faith and science can inform and enrich one another.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
While this introductory series has provided an overview of the foundational elements of my journey, there is still much more to explore. The relationship between faith and science is a vast and CONTINUES ON PAGE 11
GUEST COLUMN
intricate landscape, and the Eucharist, as the heart of our Catholic faith, offers endless opportunities for reflection and discovery.
In the articles to come, we will take a closer look at some Eucharistic miracles that have captured the attention of both believers and scientists alike. We will examine the Church’s approach to investigating these phenomena, consider the role of the Eucharist in holistic health, and explore how this great sacrament can serve as a bridge between faith and science in our modern world.
AN INVITATION TO CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
Now that you’ve gotten to know a bit about who I am and where I come from, I hope you’ll join me as we truly dig into the rich content that lies ahead. As we conclude this introductory portion of the series, I invite you to continue this journey with me. Together, we will
explore the depths of the Eucharistic mystery, guided by both faith and reason. My hope is that through these reflections, we can all gain a deeper appreciation for the beautiful harmony that exists between our Catholic faith and the scientific world—a harmony that is most profoundly embodied in the miracle of the Eucharist.
CONCLUSION
The integration of faith and science is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. This introductory series has only scratched the surface of the profound connections that exist between these two realms. As we move forward, I look forward to sharing more insights and discoveries, deepening our understanding of the Eucharist and its significance in our lives.
Thank you for joining me in these early steps. May the peace of Christ, present in the Eucharist, continue to guide and inspire us on this journey. C
GOD’S LIVING PRESENCE
A LOOK AT THE THREE TABERNACLES ON THE CAMPUS OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL
BY GREG HARDESTY
AS FAR BACK AS Moses in the Old Testament, the tabernacle has been a place for people to encounter God’s presence.
When the Hebrew tribes wandered through the desert before reaching the Promised Land, they used a tent or small sanctuary to house the Holy of Holies.
Now, in designs that are as varied as the Catholic churches that house them, tabernacles are where the consecrated Body of Christ is reserved and wor-
shiped.
Located in Blessed Sacrament chapels or in alcoves off to the side of altars, tabernacles can be considered the heart of the worship space.
“The tabernacle is where you find the enduring presence of Christ,” said Fr. Al Baca, Episcopal Vicar for Ecumenism and Inter-religion for the Diocese of Orange. “The tabernacle is the silent presence of Christ among us. It is a powerful invitation to believers to approach God in moments of peace and of pain. We meet Christ most perfectly in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, the Mass. The reserved Eucharist in the tabernacle affords us the opportunity to engage Christ in the quiet, in reflection.
The Garden Grove campus of Christ Cathedral is home to three tabernacles. One recently was installed, and the newest one will be blessed in October.
Taking a look at tabernacles is fitting as the three-year National Eucharistic Revival, which launched on the feast of Corpus Christi in 2022, continues. That undertaking of U.S. Catholic bishops aims to “renew the Church by enkindling
a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the holy Eucharist.”
HISTORY AND SOME FACTS
The word “tabernacle” derives from the Latin tabernāculum (“tent” or “hut”).
As Fr. Baca noted, tabernacles have developed differently through the centuries. During the Middle Ages, in some parts of Europe, the tabernacles could be seen suspended from cathedral ceilings above the altar. Some were designed to look like a dove, the image of the Holy Spirit.
In the early centuries of the Christian era, the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved in a tabernacle.
That custom began by the fourth century, when the Eucharist was reserved for those who were ill or near death.
Over the ensuing centuries, tabernacle vessels developed as well as devotion to the reserved Blessed Sacrament.
According to Canon Law, tabernacles should be immobile, made of solid material and remain locked.
After the Diocese of Orange was formed in 1976, Bishop William Johnson
required that all tabernacles be alarmed on account of a series of thefts where tabernacles were damaged, ciboria stolen and the Blessed Eucharist sacrileged.
In addition to the Christ Cathedral tabernacle and the one at the soon-toopen St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts of Christ Cathedral, particularly beautiful tabernacles include those at St. Anne’s in Seal Beach, St. Anne’s in Santa Ana, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Irvine, St. Thomas Korean Center in Anaheim and St. Columban in Garden Grove.
CHRIST CATHEDRAL TABERNACLE
Like the cathedral itself, this tabernacle, in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, is modern in design.
Celebrated German artist Egino Weinert crafted the vividly colorful tabernacle, which sits atop a tall, sculpted bronze, five-sided pillar also designed by Weinert. The images on the pillar depict the life of Christ from his birth to his resurrection.
Retired Msgr. Arthur Holquin was
THE COLORFUL AND MODERN DESIGNED TABERNACLE IS LOCATED IN THE CHAPEL OF THE BLESSED SACRA MENT WITHIN CHRIST CATHEDRAL.
responsible for this tabernacle’s acquisition after he located it in a museum in Germany maintained by Weinert’s widow. (Weinert also designed the tabernacles in Holy Family Cathedral in Orange and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Huntington Beach).
The 9-foot-tall tabernacle consists of four enameled side panels crafted using the champlevé technique, similar to cloisonné. Each scene is taken from the life of Christ and his ministry.
The door panel depicts the newborn Christ child cradled in the arms of his mother as shepherds adore on bended knee.
A second panel depicts Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast at Cana.
A third shows Mary Magdalene at the tomb of Jesus as she encounters the risen Christ.
The final panel represents Thomas the apostle falling in adoration before Jesus after doubting that Jesus had been raised from the dead.
ST. CALLISTUS CHAPEL AND CRYPTS TABERNACLE
Located directly behind the altar, this ornate tabernacle is an exact replica of a
FEATURE
medieval German tabernacle housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design.
Msgr. Arthur Holquin knows the original well. About 15 years ago, when he was on sabbatical in Rome, he travelled to London and visited the museum.
“It’s one of my favorite pieces of antiquity,” Msgr. Holquin said. “It’s lovely.”
Featuring intricate enamel and gold work, this tabernacle has faux ivory while the original one features walrus and elephant ivory figures and reliefs mounted in a setting of gilt copper and enamel on an oak core. The original tabernacle is thought to come from a Benedictine monastery in Cologne.
On the inside of the tabernacle, archangel figures surround the Eucharist.
The tabernacle will be blessed on Oct. 14 when the St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts opens.
CHAPEL IN THE SKY TABERNACLE
This chapel, located on the 13th floor of the Tower of Hope, now has a simple tabernacle.
Purchased in L.A., the tabernacle was consecrated in May 2024. C
THE TABERNACLE INSIDE ST. CALLISTUS CHAPEL AND CRYPTS FEATURES INTRICATE ENAMEL AND GOLD WORK. IT WILL BE BLESSED ON OCT. 14. PHOTOS BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ONE OF THE CHAPEL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT’S TABERNACLE DOOR PANELS DEPICTS THE NEWBORN CHRIST CHILD CRADLED IN THE ARMS OF HIS MOTHER AS SHEPHERDS ADORE ON BENDED KNEE.
BELLA’S PRO-LIFE CALLING
BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
BELLA IS A YOUNG ADULT and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. She has worked in multiple hospitals in Southern California over her short career. The road that led Bella (whose last name is being withheld for privacy) to this career was inspired by her encounter with pro-life ministry in high school.
A presentation in a high school Confirmation program first introduced Bella to the horrific reality of abortion. She was especially appalled to learn how abortion hurts women emotionally and even physically. Later in college, Bella began to encounter women who had an abortion among her classmates and friends. She noticed a psychological change in them as they dropped out of classes, went on anti-depressants and withdrew from their friends. As Bella observed the pain these women went through, she was convinced that abortion hurts women.
In college, Bella met the Students for Life organization at a SEEK conference. When she returned to her campus, she started a pro-life club with a friend at her university. The club grew to over 65 students and Bella continued to learn from the resources provided by Students for Life that abortion not only hurts women, but also the baby, the father of the baby and the extended family.
After receiving training, Bella began to serve as a sidewalk counselor at abortion clinics. The first time she went to serve as a sidewalk counselor, other pro-life volunteers mistook her as a young woman seeking an abortion. The experience of being judged and yelled at motivated Bella to pray more at abortion clinics and to be gentle and approachable as she served as a sidewalk counselor. She prayed and offered to listen to women’s stories as they approached an abortion clinic.
As Bella pursued nursing in college,
has had a woman come up to her with a child and thank her for being there. This woman shared that because she saw Bella standing there in front of the abortion clinic, she changed her mind and drove away.
During this month dedicated to pro-life ministry, consider how the Lord is inviting you to participate in this ministry. Sidewalk counseling requires training, and it is something to prayerfully discern. However, we all can go and pray. Planned Parenthood admits the rates of abortions go down when people are standing outside an abortion center. Take your family, a friend or go with a pro-life group from your parish and pray for the women who are considering abortion. Pray for the babies who have died there and acknowledge the dignity of their lives. Support the Walking with Moms in Need initiative in your parish. Trust that God is at work in the hearts of all who are affected by abortion. Ask Our Lady to help you remain at the cross and not run away from suffering. Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the unborn is praying with us. C
she did a rotation in a neonatal intensive care unit where she witnessed premature babies fighting for their lives. She saw that these babies were tiny human beings who could experience suffering. Bella decided to become a NICU nurse so she could keep serving these babies who were fighting for their lives.
“In the NICU everyone accepts that this a life that we want to save,” Bella observed.
After graduation, Bella began working a night shift in a NICU. On some days, she would go after her night shift to the abortion clinic. Still dressed in her nurse scrubs, Bella offered up being tired after a long shift, to counsel and to pray. She noticed more people seemed less threatened by her presence when she wore her nursing scrubs, and it made a difference
to the women she talked to.
“I got to give a witness that I work at a place that saves life the same size as your child,” she shared.
Most women who Bella encountered at the abortion center broke down crying and told their story. Some would take pro-life materials and drive off. Some would ask questions. Some would ignore her. Regardless, Bella tries to take a joyful approach. She recognizes she is in a spiritual battle and gentleness is the correct stance. Instead of screaming at them, she makes eye contact and communicates that she cares about them and their unborn baby.
When women still go into the abortion clinic, Bella prays for them and prays to their guardian angel. She knows you won’t always know if you saved baby, but Bella
BELLA IS A YOUNG ADULT AND A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) NURSE IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA
OC Catholic Afar
The Bauer Family visited Ueno Catholic Church in Tokyo, Japan while they were vacationing there in June. “We enjoyed the Mass, and the choir sang so beautifully.”
—Keith (dad), Jacob (son), Mary (mom)
The Bauers attend St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine.
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.
