OC CATHOLIC - DECEMBER 25, 2022

CONTENTS

THE THREE MASSES OF CHRISTMAS

Families coming together on Christmas can attend Mass at midnight, dawn or later in the day.

ROSARY ALUM PUBLISHES NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK

DECEMBER 25, 2022 7 10 12

“The Magic Pop-up Shop” was written by UCLA freshman Katie Fang.

A WARM CHRISTMAS IN CAPISTRANO

The Mission Basilica Knitting and Crochet Ministry brings together parishioners to craft warm clothes and blankets for donations.

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: Monsignor Stephen Doktorczyk

Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com

News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com

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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.

BY THE MOST REVEREND KEVIN W. VANN, JCD, DD

IAM WRITING TO GREET you in these Advent days as we all are preparing in so many ways to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord. Above all, I write these words in gratitude to God for all of you, especially as I have just celebrated my 10 years as the Diocesan Bishop. I remember well the excitement of my first months here, and the beauty of Orange County and the love of God reflected in all of you. Even with some of the challenges of these past 10 years my love for all of you and gratitude to the Lord has only increased and deepened over the years, much as I saw the love of my mother and father deepen over their years of marriage. This time of the year would often find my father and some of us kids help put up the outdoor Christmas decorations, along with my grandfather and grandmother Jones at

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Celebrate Christmas

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints. We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

SELECT DAYS

DEC. 3 - 30, 2022

A NATIVITY SET AND MUSIC BOX THAT BELONGED TO BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S PARENTS, WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN. THE MUSIC BOX PLAYS “LOVE STORY.” PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN

BISHOP VANN IN FRONT OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

DECEMBER 25, 2022 THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD (CHRISTMAS)

WHAT ALL THE WAITING HAS BEEN FOR

TODAY’S READINGS ARE AS familiar to most of us as the carols we sing and the commercials that overwhelm this holiday season. Often Christmas finds us tired, struggling with preparations and expectations. What we really want to feel is joy and peace. The stress of preparation, of waiting, is reflected in both Isaiah and Paul’s letter to Titus. Luke tells us of the exhaustion that Mary and Joseph felt: a young pregnant wife and her husband, forced to travel just as she is about to give birth, unable even to find a room to stay in. It must have been miserable. They must have been afraid. In the midst of this exhaustion, misery, and fear, a child is born, a Son is given. The world is then filled with light and hope, joy and peace. In that moment they, and we, know what all the waiting has been for.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

“ May the Holy Virgin help us listen to Christ…”

NICHOLAS FOURTH CENTURY

FROM THE NINTH CENTURY in the East and the 11th century in the West, Nicholas has been one of the most popular saints in Christendom and art, and the patron of many countries, dioceses, churches and cities. He was bishop of Myra in Lycia (now Turkey). According to folklore, he saved three girls from prostitution, restored to life three murdered children hidden in a brine-tub or saved from death three unjustly condemned men. There is no evidence that he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 or suffered persecution for his faith. “Santa Claus” comes from the Dutch form of his name: “Sinte Klaas.”

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

— Pope Francis

FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

A note from the Editor: In celebration of this most joyous day, OC Catholic has asked several religious and diocesan clergy to share a favorite Christmas memory.

We at OC Catholic wish you and yours a most blessed Christmas filled with peace, joy and love.

THIS CHRISTMAS memory comes with a disclaimer: At the time, I was young and ill-informed. Having said that, I always enjoyed Midnight Mass at my parish, where, as a teen, I would arrive early enough to run upstairs and snag an open seat in the choir loft. This resulted from my Catholic school experience, where Mass seating was (and still is) assigned according to grade levels, from youngest to oldest. Accordingly, by the time we hit eighth grade, we had matriculated from the front rows to the very last ones. Once we were in high school, we usually found our way to the stairwells or to the loft unless an usher made us clear out. I can’t recall now whether I was a sophomore or a junior, but that year, a couple of my Protestant high school buddies asked if they could attend Midnight Mass with me, to which I agreed. They were, of course, impressed with the beauty of the liturgy and the packed church, so when the Communion Rite began, they asked if they were allowed to join in. Being naïve and not fully informed, I just asked if they believed that it was the Body of Christ, to which they said yes, so I assumed it would be OK. I quickly showed them how to receive Communion, and off we went.

Over the years we lost touch, but I’ve often wondered how or if that experience affected their spiritual journeys. Of course, I later learned that I broke protocol that night, for which I eventually received absolution, but how fitting

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FR. DAMIEN GIAP IS PICTURED WITH HIS FELLOW SEMINARIANS ON CHRISTMAS, 1997. COURTESY PHOTO

FR. DAMIEN GIAP IS PICTURED WITH HIS FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS, 1982. COURTESY PHOTO

that the Nativity sparked a generous, albeit misguided, response in me. Bobby and Bill, if you’re still out there, I hope your hearts are still warmed by the mystery of the Incarnation and God’s gift of Himself to all humanity. Merry Christmas.

-Father Bruce Patterson, Episcopal Vicar for Priests for the Diocese of Orange

My first Christmas at St. Michael’s Abbey was in 1997. I was starting the seminary and in my first year of novitiate. I had received the white religious habit on Christmas Eve along with my new name in the religious life, frater Damien. We go by the title of “frater” at the Abbey which is Latin for brother. I was to put to death, spiritually speaking, the old Adam in me and put on the new man, our Lord Jesus Christ. So, under the patronage of Blessed Damien of Molokai, I was to have a new beginning, and this would be a rather memorable Christmas.

I finally experienced the beautiful Advent and Christmas liturgy with the Gregorian Chant that we would sing in choir and at Mass; before that, everything in December was from a commercial point of view. The television and the mall had formed my Christmas experience; whereas now the liturgy of the Church was giving me the formation that I needed.

I am also sharing a family photo of snow around Christmas time in 1982 because it showed a level of joy that we had experienced as a family. This picture was from 40 years ago and both my parents have gone to their eternal reward; but my two older brothers and I remain here below to do our parents proud by the love that we show for one another during the Christmas season by prioritizing time for family first and foremost.

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THE THREE MASSES OF CHRISTMAS

BY ROSALIA RIPULLO

ALL GOOD THINGS come in threes — which is especially true on Christmas Day, a holy day of obligation, when three individual Masses with varied readings and prayers are celebrated: Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn and Mass During the Day.

“Christ was born at Midnight,” said Fr. Charbel Grbavac of St. Michael’s Abbey, “and every Mass on Christmas Day celebrates an aspect of Jesus that can be seen from that night in Bethlehem.”

It is easy to get caught up in rushing to buy that last gift, or make party plans, but the best family gift-giving is the true gift of finding what God has prepared for us in the Mass. So, how does God speak to Christians through the three individual Masses, offered?

The first Mass occurs during Midnight, the time when Jesus is first born. This celebration emphasizes the mystery and beauty of the incarnation specifically through a virgin woman while reminding us of the meaning of Christ entering our world. In the darkest part of the night, in a not too unfamiliar world where everyday struggles burden lost souls, Jesus comes as a light, “for a child is born to us, a son is given to us…”.

“The Midnight Mass is a symbol for all the rejection Mary and Joseph face as they seek out a place to give birth to Jesus,” said Fr. Charbel.

With the birth of a heavenly king, the celebration continues into Mass at Dawn. During this Mass, no longer is there mention of a dark or silent night. Instead, the focus is on a changed world with the hopefulness and promise of Jesus’ birth. The readings for this Mass are focused on light and love, as seen in the Responsorial Psalm, “A light will

shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.”

The Gospel communicates this by telling of God’s plan to use the angels and shepherds to witness the child’s entrance into the world. Catholics are like shepherds, coming to this Mass to see the infant there and spread the truth of what has occurred, and the greatness to come.

While we see and celebrate Jesus’ humanity heavily in the first two Masses, we are reminded of his divinity in the third Mass during the day. Even though Jesus comes as a human, the second reading states, “God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,” a reminder of Christ’s divinity.

In this Mass, John 1:1 is used, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus’ messages are God’s messages because they are one.

Each Mass is seen as a sacrifice in an unbloody manner. It is a holy day of obligation and while Jesus has come, humbly, we are also reminded that “he is

begotten not made” and “consubstantial with the father.”

For Pastoral reasons, the readings presented may vary throughout each Mass and are at the discretion of the priest celebrating the Mass. For example, the regular readings of the Midnight Mass may be used for an afternoon Christmas Eve Mass. Not all local parishes will have these three Masses offered on Christmas Day. It is important to check the Mass hours beforehand. Midnight Mass might be held at 10 p.m. or earlier. This coincides with the Diocese noticing far more people attending Mass on Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day. There also may be a different variation of readings for Masses on this day of preparation.

At St. Michael’s Abbey new location in Silverado Canyon, Fr. Charbel shares that a beautiful Midnight Mass is held featuring moments of complete darkness then symbolic candle lights under a new, beautifully crafted building.

It is fun to enjoy this season’s other festivities, but it is the Mass that keeps us grounded in preparation for Jesus’ birth and his promised second coming. Understand the meaning of each celebration unveils the greatness God has crafted for us through the holy Mass. C

MIDNIGHT MASS AT ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY IN SILVERADO CANYON, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY

THE NATIVITY SCENE AT ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY IN SILVERADO CANYON, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. MICHAEL’S ABBEY

NOCHE GUADALUPANA AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL

DEVOTEES HONOR THE BLESSED VIRGIN

BY JORGE LUIS MACIAS

THE CATHOLIC FAITHFUL, including members of the Hispanic clergy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, gathered on Friday, Dec. 2 at Christ Cathedral to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Families from various nationalities and cultures joined the solemn celebration of the Queen of Mexico and Empress of the Americas during the special event, deemed Noche Guadalupana.

“Having Our Lady of Guadalupe as our patron of our Diocese of Orange is a great gift,” said Bishop Timothy Freyer. “Her apparitions led millions of people in this part of the world to come to faith in Jesus Christ. Now, more than ever, we need her to help the people of our Diocese fall in love with Jesus.”

It was the first bishop of Orange, the Most Reverend William Johnson, who named Our Lady of Guadalupe patroness of the new Diocese, which gives us a glimpse into how important he viewed her to be.

Within the Diocese, Hispanic priests led by Father Juan Navarro, parochial vicar at Christ Cathedral of Christ Cathedral, thought of ways to promote devotion to the Blessed Mother and provide the opportunity to pray with all the faithful of its 57 parishes, which is how Guadalupana Night came to fruition.

The festival in honor of the “Morenita del Tepeyac” dates back to the 15th century. The chronicles of that period and the apparitions in December 1531 are narrated in the Nican Mopohua, which means “Here it is told” in Nahuatl. In this handwritten account, the virgin appeared to Saint Juan Diego, an indigenous convert to Catholicism. The Queen of Heaven expressed to him her desire

that a sanctuary be built in her honor on Cerro del Tepeyac, a hill on the outskirts of Mexico City.

Juan Diego was walking along Tepeyac hill when he heard beautiful music, like birds chirping. A radiant cloud appeared within it; an Indian maiden dressed as an Aztec princess. The lady

from heaven spoke to him in his language, Nahuatl, and sent him to the bishop of Mexico; a Franciscan named Juan de Zumárraga. The bishop would have to build a chapel in the place where the woman from heaven appeared.

“God wants to build a temple in the depths of our hearts,” said Fr. Juan Na-

varro, during his homily on Dec. 2. “And God wants us, with faith, to build in a world of darkness and have a space for the love of Our Lady Guadalupe.”

In the account of the Marian apparitions, Bishop Zumárraga asked Juan Diego for the lady to give him a sign.

THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS HOSTED ITS FIRST-EVER NOCHE GUADALUPANA ON DEC. 2, A CELEBRATION FROM THE DIOCESE’S HISPANIC MINISTRY AND SUPPORTED BY THE NEWLY FORMED COMITE PRESBITERAL HISPANO. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

MASS WAS CELEBRATED INSIDE CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN HONOR OF NOCHE GUADALUPANA HELD ON FRIDAY, DEC. 2. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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Around that same time, Juan Bernardino, Juan Diego’s uncle, became seriously ill. And Juan Diego tried to avoid meeting the heavenly woman because he was worried about his uncle and trying to find a priest for him. However, she found Juan Diego and asked him where he was going.

“Listen and understand, my littlest son, let nothing frighten and afflict you or trouble your heart… Am I not

here? Who am I, your mother? Are you not under my shadow? Am I not your health? Are you not, by chance, held on my mantle? Do not be upset or worry about anything else; Don’t be afflicted by your uncle’s illness. He won’t die. Be sure he’s healed.”

Juan Diego was consoled, and his heart found calm. His uncle did not die. The virgin’s signal called for him to climb the Tepeyac hill, cut flowers, gather them, and bring them to her presence.

She took them in her hands and put them on Juan Diego’s cloak or tilma.

On Dec. 12, when Juan Diego opened his tilma before the bishop, the roses fell. The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared painted on the mantle. All those present knelt. They cried and apologized to the Blessed Virgin for not believing her word. And now, her image is in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

“The Virgin of Guadalupe is our most

holy mother,” said Bishop Kevin Vann. “We are her little children, and in her message, we are called to share her love and compassion with the world. If she were present with us, she would commit us to continue in search of her Son.”

In addition to Mass, followed by the praying of the Holy Rosary, an artistic and cultural festival was held in the central square of Christ Cathedral campus. There were mariachis, folkloric dances and Aztec dances, as well as Mexican food. C

ROSARY ACADEMY ALUM PUBLISHES NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK

BY PATTY MAHONEY

KATIE FANG IS A 2022 graduate of Rosary Academy. She is currently attending UCLA and recently wrote and illustrated her first children’s book, “The Magic Popup Shop.”

According to Kristie O’Campo, Rosary’s executive director of advancement, Fang was a stellar student during her time at Rosary. She won Rosary’s academic medal of achievement for visual arts and AP environment science and graduated with a certificate for the STEM pathway. Fang was also the recipient of Rosary’s General Excellence award, which is the school’s highest academic achievement award.

Fang took the time to answer questions posed by OC Catholic, about both her inspirations and aspirations for the future. Answers may be edited for length, content or clarity.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BOOK.

“The Magic Pop-Up Shop” is a heartwarming tale of three strangers who encounter a Magic Pop-Up Shop run by a child who seemingly knows what each customer truly needs in order to seek happiness in life. Regardless of their age or past experiences, it is never too late for them to realize what makes their lives meaningful. It is a story for readers of all ages that teaches lessons of empathy, patience and inner healing.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO WRITE IT, AND DID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO BE AN AUTHOR/ ILLUSTRATOR?

I wrote this story as a reminder to take

a moment and observe the beauty in the seemingly mundane moments of life. In our fast-paced society, it is especially easy to lose track of the things we find genuine meaning in, such as spending time with oneself. The first ideas of “The Magic Pop-Up Shop” came to mind during the summer of 2020, when I thought of a little coastal town and drew a sample magic shop. From then, I imagined the character of the storekeeper, which is an allusion to

Antoine de Saint-Exúpery’s little prince in “The Little Prince,” which was also a significant inspiration for this book. I never considered creating children’s books until two years ago, but I’ve always loved the art of storytelling, and it seemed like the perfect form to fuse words and drawings together to tell a story.

HOW DID ROSARY PREPARE YOU FOR WHERE YOU ARE

NOW WITH BOTH STUDYING AT UCLA AND EMBARKING ON A CAREER AS AN AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR?

At Rosary, I was able to gradually find a confident voice and cultivate a broad artistic skill set. As well as strengthening my relationship with God, Rosary prepared me with healthy academic habits, such as learning to balance my hobbies with schoolwork and developing a better sense of self-discipline. I am extremely grateful for all of the people I met at Rosary that have continuously supported my dream of creating art; without them, this book would have never come to fruition.

WHAT DO YOU SEE YOURSELF DOING AFTER COLLEGE?

Although I do not have a set plan for my future beyond college, I know that I want to pursue my artistic passions in storytelling, illustration, painting and design. I hope to continue creating children’s books while also crafting artwork that can be exhibited and experienced in a gallery space.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS/ ILLUSTRATORS?

For aspiring writers and illustrators, it is important to not be intimidated to start a project. Once you get past the first step, it is easy to let perfectionism consume you to the point of becoming overwhelmed and unable to progress. The number of times I started over, whether it was experimenting with different illustration styles or completely altering the storefront of the magic shop, was ultimately discouraging and forced me to question my capability to create such an intricate project from scratch. While I do agree that attention to detail is an important component of any creative work, it should not significantly delay the process. Above all, have faith in your own abilities and find inspiration everywhere you go in life!

“The Magic Pop-up Shop” is available for purchase on Amazon.com C

KATIE FANG. COURTESY PHOTO

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

PILGRIMAGE WITH THE VIRGIN MARY

On Dec. 4, St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church hosted its 6th annual 8k run called “Pilgrimage with the Virgin Mary.”

The group gathered at Christ Cathedral, where Bishop Timothy Freyer gave them a blessing before they began the run/walk back to their parish in Anaheim.

Participants included St. Anthony parishioners and their pastor, Fr. Bill Cao, who all wore T-shirts that included an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

An image of the Virgin Mary was placed in the front vehicle, following by a caravan of vintage automobiles, runners and walkers. Several participants carried lit torches.

“It represents the Virgin Mary’s light to the word,” said Fr. Bill Cao, pastor of St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church.

According to Fr. Cao, traditionally in Mexico, people come from hundreds or even thousands of miles away to pilgrimage to the basilica to pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“We thought it would be good to come to Christ Cathedral which is our mother church,” said Fr. Cao.

As the group passed through local neighborhoods, members of the community had set up altars filled with religious relics to be blessed by Fr. Cao.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

St. Kilian Catholic Church’s annual Christmas concert, “The Work of Christmas Begins,” was held on Friday, Dec. 9, in Mission Viejo.

The evening featured the church’s choirs, chamber orchestra and soloists with a repertoire ranging from classic Christmas carols to new seasonal favorites. A light reception followed. C

WHICH

ST. KILIAN’S CHOIR PERFORMS DURING THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT HELD ON DEC. 9. PHOTO BY SPENCER GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FR. QUYEN TRUONG, FR. BAO THAI, FR. BILL CAO AND BISHOP FREYER ARE PICTURED WITH PARTICIPANTS IN THE 6TH ANNUAL “PILGRIMAGE WITH THE VIRGIN MARY,”

KICKED OFF AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL ON DEC. 4.

PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

FR. BILL CAO, PASTOR OF ST. ANTHONY MARY CLARET CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ANAHEIM, BLESSES AN ALTAR SET UP BY RESIDENTS OF A LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD DURING THE “PILGRIMAGE WITH THE VIRGIN MARY” 8K RUN/WALK ON DEC. 4.

PHOTO BY DREW KELLEY/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

A WARM CHRISTMAS IN CAPISTRANO

BY SPENCER GRANT AND MARA CASEY

CHRISTMAS CAME

EARLY at Capistrano

Senior Living when Christina Puga arrived on Dec. 1 with two big baskets adorned with festive bows.

The baskets were filled with handmade woolen hats, scarves, shawls and prayer blankets, knitted by volunteers from the Mission Basilica Knitting and Crochet Ministry in San Juan Capistrano.

They were Christmas gifts to the residents.

“We hope the gifts that were made bring comfort and warmth and remind you that you are loved,” Puga said to the residents at the time.

She also went around the room - decorated with a Christmas tree, pine garlands and ornaments hanging from the ceiling - and gave hugs along with her woolen gifts to each recipient.

“Christina is an amazing person,” said Activities Director Rogerio de Silva. “She has a good heart. It’s a very big event when she shows up, oh my goodness yes.”

Resident Betty Billstein received a scarf with a matching cap inside.

“I’m so touched that someone made something for somebody they didn’t even know,” she said. “It’s just beautiful.”

The Mission Basilica Knitting and Crochet Ministry, also known as Knitters for the Lord, has been meeting since 2011, be-

ginning as a social service group at Mission Hospital.

Puga continued the group with her parish neighbors and become coordinator of the ministry. As many as 20 volunteers gather monthly at the Mission Basilica to knit, crochet and socialize.

The ministry creates 150-200 woolen gifts a year.

“The purpose of this ministry is to gather in friendship and fellowship,” explained Puga. “These gifts are stitches of love to be shared to comfort those who feel alone in a time of crisis due to an illness or are in a state of homelessness.”

In addition to Capistrano Senior Living, other recipients of the woolen gifts from the ministry include Mission Hospital Womens Wellness Center for women recently diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment. Until her contacts with the organization moved to Florida last year, the ministry also donated to the Wounded Warriors Project and hopes to resume the donations in the near future.

“I learned crocheting from my mother,” said volunteer Beth Gross. “I wasn’t very good at it then, but I joined the group and learned I really do enjoy it.”

De Silva said he appreciates Puga’s many services to Capistrano Senior Living.

“When she calls me, it’s always ‘What can I do for you guys?’ It seems that every time you get to know her, she always has something else to surprise you with. We’re very grateful.” C

RESIDENTS AT CAPISTRANO SENIOR LIVING HOLD UP THEIR NEW HANDMADE GIFTS AS CHRISTINA PUGA, COORDINATOR OF MISSION BASILICA’S KNITTERS FOR THE LORD MINISTRY, LOOKS ON

MISSION BASILICA’S KNITTERS FOR THE LORD MINISTRY MEMBERS BETH GROSS AND LUCY GUTIERREZ WORK ON THEIR CROCHETING. PHOTOS BY SPENCER GRANT/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

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their home just a few blocks away.

In the Midwest, all of that had to be done soon after Thanksgiving because of the bad weather often coming early in December. As I am opening and hanging all of the lights and ornaments here at home (with the help of friends and staff) I have seen once again two of my parents’ Christmas ornaments, one of which they bought in their first year of marriage in 1950!

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The lights and the light reflecting off of these ornaments speak to me of the birth of Christ - the promised Messiah spoken of by the prophets in the Liturgy of the Season – Isaiah and John the Baptist. And the music and the carols (particularly the O Antiphons of the last days of the season) speak to us of the love of God which has come to us in the Birth of His Son. I think hymns such as “Gesu Bambino” and “Love Came Down at Christmas” which the girls’ choir at St. Agnes, under the direction of

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Sr. James Marie, O.P. would sing. In some way, all of those people come to me again in the beauty and faith of the season. But this is not simply about the past, it is about the mystery and power of the Incarnation for the present moment, where the eternal love of God and the redeeming power of Christ calls to us.

Just after Thanksgiving I made a trip to see my brother Les and his wife Shannon in Asheville, North Carolina for a few days and two days before Christmas Father Michael and I will be going to see my godmother Rita Whitaker in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is the last of my mother’s generation and I want to spend some time with her.

I pray all of you have a very blessed Christmas season, which lasts for 12 days and beyond. Thank you for your love, dedication, generosity and support these past 10 years.

O COME LET US ADORE HIM CHRIST THE LORD C

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CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS BELONGING TO BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S PARENTS, WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN. THE RED ORNAMENT IS FROM THEIR FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE IN 1950. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN

SANTA CLAUS AND SNOWMAN FIGURINES THAT BELONGED TO BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S PARENTS, WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN

When asked to write about a favorite Christmas memory, my mind, for some reason, immediately recalled my time of ministry in Hawaii. The whole “island” experience was a blessed learning, however, Christmas turned out to be an invitation to expand my sense of the Incarnation. The first challenge was learning to say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka. The rest of the experiences were not so much a challenge rather more of a deepening revelation. Celebrating the Word Incarnate within a different culture from my own broadened my understanding and grew my appreciation of God’s incredible gift of God’s Self. God truly became one of us without limitations or partiality. Blessed be God forever . . . Mele Kalikimaka!

-Sr. Christine Hilliard, CSJ, Center for Spiritual Development, Orange, CA

Looking back, I would say that my favorite Christmas memory was not when I was a kid but as an adult. Mainly, because as a kid, I only looked forward to getting presents and I was also disappointed when I didn’t get what I wanted. I think being in the convent has helped me to live out Advent and Christmas more fully. Last year, I was able to visit my family on the feast of the Holy Family. When I got home, I thought we would have a small family gathering but it turned out to be big family party because my parents were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary. They were married on the feast of the Holy Family. What a blessing to celebrate the Holy Family and my own family! It was by far my favorite Christmas because I can see how our Catholic faith has kept my parents together all these years and how they strive to create a holy family for me and my siblings. The season of Advent and Christmas is a time for me to appreciate the Holy Family and my own family!

– Sr. Josephine Dinh, S. Praem. C

SR. JOSEPHINE DINH, S. PRAEM IS PICTURED WITH HER FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS DAY, 2021. COURTESY PHOTO

-Fr. Damien Giap, P. Praem. School Rector, St. John the Baptist School in Costa Mesa

NEWMAN HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, HONOLULU, HI, RCIA GROUP 1987-88. SR. CHRISTINE HILLIARD, CSJ IS FIFTH FROM RIGHT. COURTESY PHOTO

Moments in our Journey Moments in our Journey