“It’s
Your Turn, Lead”
JOB POSTING
Are you a person with expertise in business, finance or accounting and a love of the Catholic faith and Catholic Parishes or Schools? The Diocese of Orange is actively seeking such candidates for Business Manager positions (full-time and part-time) within our 100 or so parishes and schools.
As a Business Manager, you will play a crucial role in the financial and operational management of our parish and/ or school locations. You will work closely with parish and/ or school leadership to ensure the smooth running of daily operations, manage budgets, oversee financial reporting, and support various parish and/or school activities and programs. Your role is vital is helping realize the mission of our parishes and schools in welcoming all to live the Gospel with faith, joy, charity and unity.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT THEIR RESUMES TO HRJOBS@RCBO.ORG. PLEASE INCLUDE "BUSINESS MANAGER APPLICATION" IN THE SUBJECT LINE.
JANUARY 19, 2025
CONTENTS
5 12 A DESIRE TO HELP
The St. Cecilia Food Pantry in Tustin provides much-needed assistance to members of the community.
REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS
St. Edward the Confessor parish and the Knights of Columbus participate in “Wreaths Across America” day.
JANUARY 15 & February 12, 2025
The Camino School, Tustin
JANUARY 23, 2025
Mission Basilica School, San Juan Capistrano
JANUARY 26, 2025
14
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
What does it mean to be a pilgrim?
ORANGE
COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT
The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840
Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange
Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales
Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com
News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com
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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.
Christ Cathedral Academy, Garden Grove; Holy Family School, Orange; La Purisima School, Orange; Our Lady Queen of Angels School, Newport Beach; St. Angela Merici School, Brea; St. Bonaventure School, Huntington Beach; St. Catherine’s Academy, Anaheim; St. Cecilia School, Tustin; St. Columban School, Garden Grove; St. Edward the Confessor Parish School, Dana Point; St. Francis of Assisi School, Yorba Linda; St. Hedwig School, Los Alamitos; St. Irenaeus School, Cypress; St. Joachim School, Costa Mesa; St. Joseph School, Placentia; St. Juliana School, Fullerton; St. Junipero Serra Catholic School, Rancho Santa Margarita; St. Norbert School, Orange; St. Pius V School, Buena Park; Saints Simon & Jude School, Huntington Beach
JANUARY 30, 2025
Our Lady of Fatima Academy, San Clemente
JANUARY 31, 2025
St. Justin Martyr School, Anaheim
February 2, 2025
St. Anne Parish School, Santa Ana; St. Barbara School, Santa Ana; St. John the Baptist School, Costa Mesa; St. Joseph School, Santa Ana
February 23, 2025
Blessed Sacrament School, Westminster
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
This is a picture of my dad, Jack Grelck, with a Rosary he said he liberated from an empty burned out house in Germany during WWII. He carried it with him for the remainder of the war, praying it daily, and credits it along with Our Lady for his safe return. Dad was devoted to Our Blessed Mother and prayed the Rosary all his life. By his example, he passed that love on to us his children. Toward the end of his life, he would pray the Rosary as he was getting his nebulizer treatments. So, it was fitting that, at the moment of his death on Feb. 2, 2013 (just one month shy of his 93rd birthday), all of us family sat around him and prayed the Glorious mysteries of the Rosary, praising God for his life and asking Our Lady to accompany him on this last journey. —Linda Serna, St. Vincent de Paul parish, Huntington Beach
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: editor@occatholic.com C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
HEBREWS 5:1-10; PSALM 110:1, 2, 3, 4; MARK 2:1822
“ Let's not forget: War is defeat.”
— Pope Francis
SAINT PROFILE
VINCENT PALLOTTI
1795 - 1850
THIS FOUNDER SPENT HIS entire life in Rome. Even as a youth he was devoted to Mary and the poor. Ordained in 1818, he taught theology at La Sapienza University before dedicating himself to religious and charitable works in collaboration with laypeople. In 1835 the Society of the Catholic Apostleship, or Pallottine Fathers, emerged from his work, and an order for women also was founded. Pope Paul VI said Vincent “anticipated a discovery by almost one hundred years. He discovered in the world of laypeople a great capacity for good work.”C
TUESDAY
HEBREWS 6:1020; PSALM 111:12, 4-5, 9, 10C; MARK 2:23-28
WEDNESDAY
HEBREWS 7:1-3, 15-17; PSALM 110:1, 2, 3, 4; MARK 3:1-6
THURSDAY
HEBREWS 7:25— 8:6; PSALM 40:78A, 8B-9, 10, 17; MARK 3:7-12
FRIDAY
HEBREWS 8:613; PSALM 85:8, 10, 11-12, 13-14; MARK 3:13-19
SATURDAY
ACTS 22:3-16; PSALM 117:1BC, 2; MARK 16:1518
SUNDAY
NEHEMIAH 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10; PSALM 19:8, 9, 10, 15; 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-30; LUKE 1:1-4; 4:14-21
PHOTO COURTESY OF LINDA SERNA
A DESIRE TO HELP
SPOTLIGHT ON ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH’S FOOD DISTRIBUTION MINISTRY
BY MIKE ZINN
THE FOOD PANTRY OF St. Cecilia parish in Tustin has been helping those in need for over 40 years. Led by long-time parishioner Pete Ruiz and staffed by many volunteers of all ages, the pantry serves some 225 families every Friday afternoon.
Ruiz has been a parishioner at St. Cecilia since 1976 and has directed the Christian Services ministry for approximately 45 years. This ministry assists those in need with housing and basic living needs, in addition to the food distribution program.
Ruiz inherited this desire to help others from his father. When he became a parishioner at St. Cecilia, he noticed that there was no food distribution ministry. So, he went to St. Ann parish in Santa Ana and volunteered there. He was particularly impressed by a senior who ran the program and did so many great works of service.
One day after assisting at St. Ann, Ruiz said, “I felt the Holy Spirit come over me.”
He then decided that he should start the same kind of program at St. Cecilia. Ruiz worked with then-pastor Fr. Patrick Doherty to do just that.
Ruiz researched the parish boundaries and found they extended west into Santa Ana, near the Santa Ana Zoo. Ruiz felt there was a need in this community as well, so he distributed flyers for the food distribution program to attract people to St. Cecilia.
FR. MICHAEL KHONG, PAROCHIAL ADMINISTRATOR OF ST. CECILIA, AND PETE RUIZ DURING PREPARATIONS
CECILIA
PARISH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Ruiz was teaching a Bible Study group at the parish at the time, and his students became the core group of volunteers who would bag and distribute the food.
Today, the core group is much like his original ministry members. Long-time parishioners Sandie and Bill Guard, Tia and Khanh Tran, Patty Baer, Miguel Prietto, Londa Woods, Jeanne and Michael DePasquale and Beatrice and Tony Oliveras have tirelessly supported this ministry with long years of service.
“It is a hectic two hours,” said volunteer Mike DePasquale of distribution day, “but we've developed practices that allow us to safely distribute over 5,000 pounds of food each week to members of our local community.”
With Ruiz at the helm and DePasquale and Khanh Tran serving as his assistants, this well-oiled machine not only gets food to those in need but also makes them feel welcome and encouraged to return.
In addition to being the food pantry’s leader, DePasquale calls Ruiz the group's spiritual leader.
“He leads us in prayer before food distribution and often includes extra prayers for any sick or grieving member of the St. Cecilia community.”
One volunteer couple, Pam and Gary Schoenbachler, have made the ministry a family affair, with three generations of family members volunteering at various times.
Pantry volunteer Bill Guard had this to say: “We love being involved because
FEATURE
it is a way to give back and get to know people in our St. Cecilia community, both those we work with and serve.”
The food distribution program is open every Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County delivers the food to St. Cecilia and the core group of 10 to 15 volunteers handles the distribution. St. Cecilia Catholic School students also earn service hours by volunteering on various days.
The Christian Services ministry, led by Ruiz and his loyal group of volunteers, has been an essential fixture within the Tustin community since its inception. Serving those in need with grace and a welcoming spirit have been the cornerstones of this long-time St. Cecilia ministry. Under the guidance of Ruiz and his team, serving the parish and community will remain vital to the parish's vision well into the future.
If you would like your parish food pantry featured in OC Catholic, please email editor@occatholic.com C
FOOD PANTRY VOLUNTEERS BAG FRESH VEGETABLES DURING DISTRIBUTION DAY AY ST. CECILIA PARISH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PETE RUIZ, CENTER, LEADS THE VOLUNTEERS IN A PRAYER FOR THE FIRE VICTIMS IN LOS ANGELES ON JAN. 10 BEFORE STARTING THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT ST. CECILIA PARISH IN TUSTIN.
TRAVEL DIARY: LITHUANIA’S HILL OF CROSSES
BY RON KUZLIK
VILNIUS, LITHUANIA —
When most people think of the “most Catholic” countries, they usually think of Poland or the Philippines, or somewhere similar. But, in reality, the Republic of Lithuania in the Baltic region of Europe is also high on the list.
A relatively small country with a population of 2.9 million people, nearly 74% of Lithuanians self-identified as Catholics in the 2021 census. By comparison, the United States, a country of 335 million is about 23 percent Catholic.
About 12 km (7.5 miles) north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania, is a pilgrimage site known as the Hill of Crosses.
The exact origins of the Hill of Crosses are unknown. Many believe the first crosses were placed there after the failed 1831 uprising against Russian rule. It is reported there were about 17 crosses in all.
Although nobody is actually buried there, the faithful from Lithuania and the world over have come to the site to leave crosses, Rosaries and even statues of Jesus as well as the Virgin Mary and other mementoes to serve as an expression of their devotion to Christianity and for Lithuanians — national identity. It is estimated that there are now over 200,000 crosses at the site, with some speculating that there may be as many as 300,000 or more.
It also came to be a sign against the Soviet occupation of Lithuania that began in 1940 and continued for over half a century until the collapse of the Soviet Union and independence of Lithuania in 1991.
During this time of Soviet occupation, the Hill of Crosses became a forbidden place, as it was regarded as opposition to Soviet ideology.
The site was bulldozed at least three times, burning the wood crosses and melting the metal ones to be reused as scrap metal while the stone and concrete ones were crushed and used for road construction.
Visitors were deterred by roadblocks and guards.
In spite of these attempts to destroy the site and stymie the faithful, Lithuanians continued to bring crosses to the hill every night, risking harsh punishment including imprisonment.
Instead of destroying the spirit of the Lithuanians, these tactics strengthened their resolve.
During a visit to the Hill of Crosses in 1993, Pope St. John Paul II brought it to the attention of the whole world and declared it a place for “hope, peace, love and sacrifice.” Aurora Romero Ruiz is from Guadalajara, Mexico, but is a frequent visitor to the Diocese of Orange where she attends Mass at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove and St. Vincent de Paul in Huntington Beach.
“I am impressed to be in such an important place in history where so many people died in search of freedom and justice are memorialized,” she commented on her recent visit to Hill of Crosses.
The current Archbishop of Vilnius, the Most Rev. Gintaras Grušas, was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Agoura, Calif. (Archdiocese of Los Angeles) and was educated at UCLA and the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He
VISITORS TO THE HILL OF CROSSES LEAVE CROSSES, ROSARIES AND STATUES OF JESUS AND THE VIRGIN MARY TO SERVE AS AN EXPRESSION OF THEIR DEVOTION TO CHRISTIANITY. PHOTO BY RON KUZLIK
FEATURE
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
was ordained in 1994 and later served as the secretary-general of the Episcopal Conference of Lithuania. He was rector of the seminary in Vilnius and after being ordained a bishop in 2010, he served as the Ordinary for the Military Ordinariate until his appointment as Archbishop of Vilnius in 2013.
He explained the importance of the Hill of Crosses site.
“The Hill of Crosses stands as a profound testament to the enduring faith, hope and resilience of the Lithuanian people,” he said.
He added: “For foreign visitors, it is a deeply moving witness to the strength of faith in the face of oppression, a reminder that no earthly power can extinguish the light of Christ in the hearts of believers. This site transcends borders, calling all who come here to encounter the mystery of the Cross, the ultimate sign of God's love and our redemption."
For more information on the Hill of Crosses, go to https://kryziukalnas.lt/?id=44 C
“For Lithuanian Catholics, it is a sacred place where generations have brought their prayers, their gratitude and their suffering, lifting them to God through the symbol of the Cross.”
LITHUANIA. PHOTOS BY RON KUZLIK
IN MEMORIAM
BR. WILLIAM JOHN WOEGER
APRIL
22, 1945 TO DEC. 17, 2024
CRAFTED IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA, FROM BLACKENED STEEL AND TRANSPORTED TO ORANGE COUNTY IN FOUR SEPARATE PIECES, THE CRUX GEMMATA (CROSS WITH JESUS’S BODY) WEIGHS 1,000 POUNDS, RISES 18 FEET ABOVE THE CATHEDRAL’S ALTAR AND HANGS FROM THE BALDACHIN. IT WAS DESIGNED BY THE LATE BR. WILLIAM JOHN WOEGER, FSC. PHOTO BY GREG O’LOUGHLIN
BY BRADLEY ZINT
BR. WILLIAM JOHN WOEGER, FSC, a nationally recognized liturgical designer whose vision helped transform the Crystal Cathedral into Christ Cathedral, has died. The member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers) passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 17 while in Connecticut. He was 79. Br. William served on the architectural and sacred art commissions in the endeavor to transform the Crystal Cathedral, world-famous Protestant megachurch, into Orange County’s Catholic worship hub
artistic design of a particular period.”
Fr. Christopher noted how Br. William was direct, respectful and knowledgeable, yet always willing to learn. For Christ Cathedral, he designed the crux gemmata, altar candles, Paschal candle, sanctuary lamps, reliquary and dedication candles. He also incorporated pieces of crystal in the crux gemmata and Paschal candle — small nods to the Crystal Cathedral history.
“It was genius. It does give the ambo prominence in the cathedral,” Fr. Christopher said. “He gave input all along the way … he was a person who could teach you a lot just to work with him.”
Msgr. Art Holquin served with Br. William on the Christ Cathedral renovation commissions.
of Christ Cathedral: A Place for Christ Forever. Since the cathedral’s 2019 dedication, Br. William’s contributions — which include designing the crux gemmata above the altar — have left an indelible impression upon countless worshippers and visitors each year.
“He was able to take traditional religious art and give it a contemporary flair,” said Fr. Christopher Smith, who served with Br. William on the cathedral commissions in his role as Christ Cathedral’s first rector. “He was very artistically astute. Every time he presented an idea, he didn’t just put out an idea. He put it in a context that was educational, talking about the
“The art in Christ Cathedral will pass judgment as good art and also be both evocative and provocative, evoking commentary — and that’s when art is successful,” Br. William told Orange County Catholic in 2019. “There is so much sacred art out there that may be well-intentioned but is no good. If it’s mediocre art, you look at it and move on. Good art will challenge and engage you — you may not like it at first, but you may come to like it because it won’t let you quit considering it.”
Br. William was born on April 22, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his religious habit in 1963 and pronounced his perpetual vows in 1970. He served in the Office for Divine Worship in the Archdiocese of Omaha for 40 years, a role that including him serving as a liturgical consultant and designer for projects across the United States.
When giving input on the layout of Christ Cathedral, Br. William suggested that the ambo should be raised above the floor like in old churches.
“Br. William, a dear friend, was encyclopedic in his knowledge of church art through the centuries,” Msgr. Holquin said. “We, in the church of Orange, benefitted from that wisdom in his unparalleled input on the magnificent redesign of Christ Cathedral. Its beauty and noble simplicity very much is a gift from this servant of the Church.”
Omaha Archbishop George Lucas credited Br. William’s work in the Diocese of Orange, saying during the brother’s Golden Jubilee that he “is now in the Crystal era of life.” He also complimented his continued contributions to Omaha’s St. Cecilia Cathedral.
“We have a beautiful cathedral … [and] it remains beautiful and vibrant today thanks in great part to Br. William, who loved every stone, statue and window,” Archbishop Lucas told Omaha’s The Catholic Voice. “Many of us will miss him; many more will continue to be inspired by his legacy.”
Br. William’s Mass of Christian Burial was on Jan. 2 at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, Nebraska. He was interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, also in Omaha. C
BR. WILLIAM WOEGER DISCUSSES THE DESIGN OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL CIRCA 2013. PHOTO COURTESY OF ORANGE CATHOLIC FOUNDATION
WE EXTEND OUR MOST heartfelt prayers to our neighbors and friends affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
We pray for strength for our entire Southern California community during these difficult times. Yet we are united in spirit, praying for the repose of the souls who have tragically lost their lives. We pray for the healing of the injured, comfort for those who have lost homes and businesses, and relief for the displaced.
We express our deepest gratitude for
the brave first responders whose dedication and courage safeguard lives and property. We pray for their continued safety.
To all, may God’s grace and mercy bring peace and restoration.
Learn how you can help by visiting the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ website at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/ and Catholic Charities at https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
With prayerful solidarity, Bishop Kevin Vann
Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer
Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen C
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
DOG-FRIENDLY BIRTHDAY CAKE
ANYONE HAVING A SPECIAL pet knows how much they are well-deserving of special recipes. Our Australian Shepard Angel is a true diva, especially on her birthday. Her "pawdy" guests were treated to a dog-friendly birthday cake. All were decked out in party hats, with "doggie" bags as hostess gifts, games and other goodies for their "pawents." But the winner for the day was this easy-to-prepare cake.
Vivian Frahm, St. Vincent de Paul parish in Huntington Beach
INGREDIENTS
1 egg
1/4 cup natural peanut better
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup shredded carrot
1 tsp. baking soda
FROSTING
1-2 cups leftover mashed potatoes mixed with 1/3 to 1/2 cup plain yogurt in order to thin to a spreadable consistency.
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Line a small cake pan with parchment paper. Whisk peanut butter, and eggs until smooth.
Add flour, baking powder, oil and water; whisk until smooth.
Bake 20 minutes, until top is golden, or skewer comes out clean.
Cook and frost with mashed potatoes.
Decorate with doggie bones. Enjoy! C
REMEMBERING OUR VETERANS
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR PARISH’S KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PARTICIPATE IN “WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA”
ON SATURDAY, DEC. 14, members of Knights of Columbus council 12451 from St. Edward the Confessor parish in Dana Point participated in the annual “Wreaths Across America” day held at over 3,500 military cemeteries across the United States.
On that day, over 2.7 million wreaths were placed on the graves of our military veterans by tens of thousands of volunteers. The Knights at St. Edward’s have participated in this annual event for the past four years, having chosen Miramar
To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064
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BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương.
National Cemetery in San Diego as their designated site. This year, the Knights raised a total of $6,783 to purchase remembrance wreaths (399 in total) all of which were included in the more than 18,000 donated and laid at Miramar. The Knights sold the wreaths online on their group fundraising page. The men, their families, as well as members of the St. Edward’s altar server group and their families then participated in the wreath laying ceremony at Miramar on national wreaths day.
“It is a very moving experience which touches the heart and the Knights at St. Edward’s are honored to participate,” said Randy Parrick, Grand Knight. “It is a wonderful event for our members and especially the youth of our parish to participate in.”
ceremony which included all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
The mission of Wreaths Across America is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. The event started in 1992 with a few hundred wreaths laid at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. and has now grown to the nationwide event that it is today.
“We think it is important to show our gratitude to these military heroes for their sacrifices which allow us to live in freedom,” shared Parrick. “It is more than just laying a wreath on a grave, it is a time for us to remember, thank and honor them because many of these veterans no longer have anyone to come remember them.”
1-800-364-3064
The council chartered a bus to take all 40 volunteers from St. Edward’s to and from the church and the cemetery, approximately 55 miles away, where they, along with hundreds of volunteers laid the 18,000 wreaths. The event began with an opening
Each wreath is placed on the grave with dignity, with the volunteer reading aloud the name of the service-member, reflecting on their duty and then saying a silent prayer before moving on to the next grave.
The Knights at St. Edwards look forward to participating in the event for many years to come. C
JEFFREY LISINICCHIA
ON DEC. 14 AT MIRAMAR NATIONAL CEMETERY IN SAN DIEGO, 18,000 WREATHS WERE LAID AT THE GRAVES OF VETERANS DURING THE ANNUAL “WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA.”
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
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE between a vacation and a pilgrimage; don’t they mean the same thing, since you left home and traveled somewhere special?
According to the dictionary, a vacation is an opportunity when one leaves home for relaxation and enjoyment, while a pilgrimage is a special journey made by a pilgrim to a sacred or holy place.
In our Catholic Church, a Jubilee or Holy Year is celebrated every 25 years, stemming from an ancient tradition tracing its roots back to the Jewish people, our ancestors in the faith. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, designated the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” for this current Jubilee Year which commenced Dec. 24, 2024, when he officially opened the Holy Year door at St. Peter’s Basilica, sealed and bricked over since the ending of the prior Jubilee Year 25 years ago. It will conclude with the closing of that same Holy Door on Jan. 6, 2026, the feast of the Epiphany. After this Jubilee Year, a special one in 2033 will mark the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection.
In Romans 5:5 we read “… hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
Some, in the face of loss or tragedy and out of disillusionment, may contest this statement. While true that at times our hopes and prayers are not realized, or not in the manner we desire, God’s answer is always YES!
These are the times when we must cling to hope, even in the most difficult or painful of circumstances, as a drown -
How, then, do we become Pilgrims of Hope? Firstly, it is important to realize that our entire life is a pilgrimage toward our goal, union with God forever. God wants us to come home to heaven even more than we desire to. As we journey through life, we need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus, true God, and true man, who entered our world 2,000 years ago as a human being to help us know how infinitely loved and precious we are to God. Since Jesus is the light of the world, let us follow His example which can never lead us astray, and keep hope alive in our hearts.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Make a pilgrimage to Rome if possible, or to your local Cathedral.
■ Find information online regarding previous Jubilee years.
■ Share your hopes for and about each other, and your hopes concerning the precious gifts of faith, hope and love you received. C THE
ing person desperately clings to a life preserver. Even the simplest of wishes, as when a child says “I hope we have hamburgers and ice cream for dinner tonight on my birthday” or “I hope I get the latest cell phone for Christmas,” they are not hoping that suddenly the
food will appear on the table, or the gift materialize under the Christmas tree. Our hope is not in an event or in an object, but in the person able to fulfill this wish. What is really meant is: “I hope my parents (or guardian or relative or friend) will provide this meal or gift.”
YEAR OF HOPE CROSS WAS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE DIOCESE AND CONTAINS VARIOUS SYMBOLS SPECIFIC TO ORANGE COUNTY. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
OC Catholic Afar
Elise Bowles and Nestor Contreras visited the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Norwich, England, and brought along a copy of OC Catholic. The building of this church, an example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, began in 1882 and was completed in 1910.
—Elise and Nestor are parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Yorba Linda.
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.
