OC CATHOLIC - DECEMBER 28, 2025

DECEMBER 28, 2025

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

PAGE 7

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM

SUPPORT FOR A PAPAL INITIATIVE DIOCESE TO FUND CLASSROOMS AT NEW CENTER AT PAPAL SUMMER RESIDENCE THAT IS FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY, EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING FOR THE VULNERABLE PAGE 14 BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER, FR. MANUEL DORANTES, BISHOP KEVIN VANN, BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN AND FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN ARE PICTURED FOLLOWING FR. DORANTES' PRESENTATION ON THE BORGO LAUDATO SI’ INITIATIVE WHICH TOOK PLACE ON NOV. 20. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Rosary Beads 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

DECEMBER 28, 2025 POSE R U ITH P W E SION V S R I E M S W IN GRO

CONTENTS

5 7 10 11 14 16

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

St. Joachim Catholic School students performed during the Snoopy House holiday display at Costa Mesa City Hall on Dec. 17.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2025 had many ups and downs in the Diocese of Orange.

KNIGHT TIME AT ST. TIMOTHY’S

Several hundred Knights and their families gathered to mark over 25 years and thousands of hours of community service.

CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Pax Christi Academies came together to mark the feast on Dec. 12.

SUPPORT FOR A PAPAL INITIATIVE

Diocese to fund classrooms at new center at papal summer residence that is focused on sustainability, education and job training for the vulnerable.

SYMBOLS OF LIGHT

The Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center hosted a parol-crafting workshop.

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 Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

ROSARY BEADS

“

Christ enters our own struggles and touches our deepest sins with his mercy.

”

— Pope Leo XIV

SAINT PROFILE HOLY FAMILY

T

FIRST CENTURY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELI A. SAN JOSE

HE HOLY FAMILY CONSISTS of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and this feast honors their life together, beginning in Bethlehem and then moving to Nazareth, Egypt and back to Nazareth. The church has chosen to commemorate their family life as a model for all Christian families. The feast recognizes the humility of Jesus, Mary's virtue and Joseph's steadfastness, along with the obedience of all three to God's plan for them in salvation history. Traditionally celebrated in January, the feast has been celebrated since the Second Vatican Council on the first Sunday after Christmas.

If there is no Sunday between Christmas and New Year's Day, it is celebrated Dec. 30. C

READER CALL-OUT

I found this Rosary in a small shop during our pilgrimage in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is exquisitely made of silver that can also be worn as a necklace. I carry it with me in a leather pouch wherever I go. I haven't left my house without it since.

—Eli A. San Jose, Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange.

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

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PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

1 JOHN 2:3-11; PSALM 96:1-2A, 2B-3, 5B-6; LUKE 2:22-35

1 JOHN 2:12-17; PSALM 96:7-8A, 8B9, 10; LUKE 2:36-40

1 JOHN 2:18-21; PSALM 96:1-2, 11-12, 13; JOHN 1:1-18

NUMBERS 6:22-27; PSALM 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; GALATIANS 4:4-7; LUKE 2:16-21

1 JOHN 2:22-28; PSALM 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4; JOHN 1:1928

1 JOHN 2:29–3:6; PSALM 98:1, 3CD-4, 5-6; JOHN 1:29-34

ISAIAH 60:1-6; PSALM 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 1213; EPHESIANS 3:2-3A, 5-6; MATTHEW 2:1-12

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DIOCESAN NEWS

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

BY BRITNEY ZINT

S

URROUNDED BY CHARLIE Brown, Linus and Lucy, Peppermint Patty and Snoopy himself, a Costa Mesa Catholic school choir helped bring Christmas cheer through song.

St. Joachim Catholic School students performed a 45-minute concert at the Snoopy House holiday display at Costa Mesa City Hall on Dec. 17. The thirdthrough eighth-grade choir sang 11 songs, including O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Holy Night, Joy to the World and Carol of the Bells.

“It went really good,” said a beaming fourth-grader Reagan Countess, 9, after finishing her first performance ever.

The Snoopy House is an annual traAT RIGHT, ANDREW EVERSON, MUSIC DIRECTOR OF ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL, POSES WITH THE CHOIR. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE dition that features colorful displays and lights with the beloved characters from Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip. The event also featured pictures with Snoopy and Santa Claus, a Christmas train and crafts for children — all free to the community.

“It’s really cool because there are a lot of decorations and a lot of lights, so it really caught my eye as we were driving past,” said St. Joachim seventh-grader Ava Kobzeff, 13, who added she was hoping to get a picture with Santa after her performance.

Her twin sister Amelia, 13, was eyeing a picture with someone else.

“I really want to take a picture with Snoopy over there,” Amelia said, pointing out the beloved black-and-white beagle.

“I like Peanuts and Snoopy is one of my favorite characters.”

The original Snoopy House was started in 1966 by former Costa Mesa Mayor Willard Johnson and his family at their Eastside Costa Mesa home on Santa Ana Avenue. That tradition later passed on to CONTINUES ON PAGE 6

MONICA AMBROSE, A CHOIR PARENT AT ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL, POSES WITH MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR.

D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

KELLY BOTTO, PRINCIPAL OF ST. JOACHIM CATHOLIC SCHOOL, SMILES WITH PRIDE AS THE CHOIR PERFORMS BEHIND HER. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 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. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.

live at Costa Mesa City Hall each Christmas season.

St. Joachim has been trying to give its students the opportunity to perform at Snoopy House, but this was the first year they’ve been able to snag a coveted spot.

The idea was to give the students a chance to share their gifts with their community while also showcasing that the school is focused not just on academics, but the whole child, said St. Joachim Principal Kelly Botto.

Now that St. Joachim’s choir has had its moment, Botto said she hopes the experience gives them confidence in performing — something they do a lot at school, but not as much outside of St. Joachim.

“Tonight, they are going to have that opportunity to perform in front of strangers, the public,” Botto said. “So just getting that confidence in themselves and performing for others and feeling good at the end of the day, they are using their singing talents to do good in our world.”

Music director Andrew Everson said the students sing at Mass every couple

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of weeks, at important events (like First Communion and graduation) and at other school activities. Singing at this community event was a fun chance to mix it up, he said.

“I think it went well,” Everson said.

“The kids sang great. They are very used to singing at St. Joachim but it’s kind of fun to come out and sing for something different.”

The Kobzeff twins have been members of the choir since they were in third grade. It was hearing Mater Dei High School’s choir perform that inspired Amelia to sing. Her sister Ava said she hopes the children in the audience will have the same experience.

“I hope that if there are little kids, they are inspired to sing or join choir, or sing for the community,” Ava said.

Being part of St. Joachim’s choir is “really amazing, honestly,” said fourth-grader Riley Ross, 9.

“You get to be with a group of people who like the same music you do, and it’s really fun when it all comes together,” she said. C

O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5

FEATURE

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

BY BRADLEY ZINT

T

HE YEAR 2025 STARTED off notably as a Jubilee Year, an invitation for all Catholics worldwide to rediscover the presence of God and reinvigorate trust in His promise. Jubilee Years are recognized every quarter century in the Catholic Church. The 2025-year theme, approved

by Pope Francis, was “Pilgrims of Hope.”

At Christ Cathedral, on display was a specially designed Year of Hope Cross that contained various symbols specific to Orange County, such as an orange tree and St. Junípero Serra (founder of Mission San Juan Capistrano). The cathedral was one of three designated pilgrimage sites, as were Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano and Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Habra.

TRAGEDY & DESTRUCTION, BUT ALSO HOPE

Massive fires in Southern California marked a difficult start for 2025 in January, with significant damage to Los Angeles County’s Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena areas. While Orange County was not directly affected, aid from O.C. came to help fellow Californians and Catholics in need up north.

The Orange Catholic Foundation, in collaboration with Bishop Kevin Vann, started the Help LA wildfire relief fund, which raised more $1.2 million.

HOLY FACE OF JESUS TOURS O.C.

An image of the Holy Face of Jesus, similar to the Veil of Veronica housed in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, toured the

Diocese of Orange on April 12 and 14. It went to St. Michael’s Abbey, JMJ’s Catholic Store in Placentia, Our Lady of Guadalupe La Habra and Christ Cathedral.

The relic, created in 1905, was laid upon the true image of the Veil of Veronica, touched to the True Cross of Christ and the point of the spear (both of which are also housed at St. Peter’s) that was thrust into the side of Christ.

This tour was sponsored by the diocese’s Office of Ecumenism and Inter-religion and organized by Cynthia and Gary Micaletti, owners of JMJ’s Catholic Store. The replica is safeguarded by Vikki Schreiner of Oklahoma City, whose family has had it for more than a century. It received a papal certificate of authenticity from Pope St. Pius X in 1905.

DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS

On April 21, Pope Francis — the 266th pope, the first Jesuit pope and the first Latin American pope — died at age 88.

He had been hospitalized earlier in the year.

In a joint statement, the bishops of Orange said: “With heavy yet prayerful hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis. In this moment of great loss, we give thanks for the life of a shepherd who embodied the Gospel with humility, mercy and an unwavering faith in God’s boundless love.”

Per church tradition, parishes disPOPE FRANCIS DIED ON APRIL 2, AT THE AGE OF 88. PER CHURCH TRADITION, PARISHES DISPLAYED A PICTURE OF POPE FRANCIS WITH A CANDLE AND FLOWERS. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE played a picture of Pope Francis with a candle and flowers.

CONCLAVE & AN AMERICAN POPE

Following a two-day Conclave selection process, on May 8, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected the 267th pope. He chose the name Pope Leo XIV, becoming historic in being the first American pope (he was born in Chicago) and the first Peruvian (he became a naturalized Peruvian citizen while serving as a bishop there).

In a joint statement, the bishops of Orange called Pope Leo “a man of great faith and integrity who will lead the

Church in a journey of faith, hope and love. We are blessed that Pope Leo XIV harbors a deep commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and a pastoral heart that reflects Christ’s mercy and compassion.”

Bishop Vann also shares a unique connection to Pope Leo: the two studied canon law together in 1982 at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In August, Bishop Vann reconnected with his former classmate who became pope. He presented to the Holy Father a college class photo with the two of them, among other gifts.

NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT OUR LADY OF LAVANG

On May 11, Our Lady at the Center, a documentary co-presented by the OLLV Foundation and Diocese of Orange, had its premiere at the Christ Cathedral campus. Filmed in four countries and in four languages, Our Lady at the Center tells the story of Our Lady of La Vang — the 1798 Marian apparition significant to the Vietnamese Catholic diaspora — as well as the shrine made in Our Lady’s honor at Christ Cathedral. Interspersed with that story are CONTINUES ON PAGE 8

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FEATURE

ON JUNE 18 TO 20, AN ESTIMATED 5,000 OF THE FAITHFUL PARTICIPATED IN THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE COMING THROUGH THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, WHICH INCLUDED PROCESSIONS THROUGH THE STREETS OF ORANGE COUNTY. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

testimonies about Our Lady, as well as the story of how the cathedral’s Marian Gardens were built.

Throughout 2025, Our Lady at the Center has been screened in Orange County and San Diego and was translated into Vietnamese. It was also recognized with awards from the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival and East Village New York Film Festival.

In other documentary news, a national award was given in June to Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist, produced in 2024 by Deacon Steve Greco of the diocese’s Office of Evangelization and Formation and his Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry.

The film received a Gabriel Award — a contest that recognizes feature-length films and other productions — from the Catholic Media Association. It was a first-ever recognition for the Diocese of Orange.

DIOCESE TAKES PART IN NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE

On June 18 to 20, an estimated 5,000 of the faithful participated in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage coming through the Diocese of Orange. In our diocese, events included Masses, Adoration, processions

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and testimonies. Pilgrimage stops were Our Lady of Fatima, JSerra Catholic High School, Mission Basilica, St. Thomas More, Holy Family (Orange), St. John Maron Maronite and Christ Cathedral. Between St. John Maron and the cathedral, the pilgrimage also traveled through UC Irvine Medical Center, Theo Lacy jail, Orange County juvenile hall, a foster care facility and the Outlets at Orange.

The pilgrimage began in Indianapolis in May, passing through the Midwest, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, San Bernardino and San Diego. Many thousands joined it alongside a small contingent of “perpetual pilgrims” traveling the entire route. The journey was dubbed the Drexel Route after St. Katharine Drexel, the American religious sister canonized after a lifetime of service for Black and Indigenous American Catholics.

The Drexel Route served as a culminating event of the National Eucharistic Revival, a multiyear effort to promote the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

“It is an amazing opportunity,” said perpetual pilgrim Ace Acuña, traveling from New Jersey. “Whenever I get asked what it’s like being a perpetual pilgrim, I always come back to JPII’s quote that life with

O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5

ON JULY 13, 2025, THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE CELEBRATED THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Christ is an amazing adventure. I think we are really living that out, because day in, day out, you’re with Jesus, in the Eucharist, in the tabernacle.”

of its pages.

NEW FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IN ANAHEIM

Bishop Kevin Vann on July 21 blessed the opening of the Poong Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center in Anaheim, On July 13, the Diocese of Orange the only operating Filipino Catholic celebrated the 20th anniversary of the center in the United States. More than episcopal ordination of Bishop Kevin Vann, 1,000 came to the event, overflowing the whose journey as a bishop started in the 1.4-acre property in Anaheim with love Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas in 2005. He and support as the grounds were blessed was later installed as the Bishop of Orange

by Bishop Vann and other priests from in 2012.

Alagad ni Maria, a religious order that Fr. Christopher Smith, the former rector will own and operate the property. of Christ Cathedral who worked alongside The center was the longtime dream Bishop Vann to transform the cathedral of local Filipino Catholic community, from its former Protestant identity as the estimated at 90,000 people, and has given Crystal Cathedral, noted how Bishop them a permanent home to celebrate always wanted Christ Cathedral to be “a Mass in English and Tagalog, learn cathedral and Church that is welcoming, more about their cultural traditions, and that is a point of unity and that touches the engage in dance and song. To acquire the hearts of people through its beauty.” property, the community raised more Orange County Catholic created a special than $2 million in just a few months to issue to celebrate Bishop Vann’s milestone, use as a down payment. with words of support and love pouring out CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

BISHOP VANN CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

FEATURE

THE POONG NAZARENO FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IS THE ONLY OPERATING FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IN THE UNITED STATES. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

The privately funded, $5-million museum features 360-degree projection-room theaters, interactive exhibits, Shroud replicas, new sacred art and more.

Thousands descended upon the Christ “After much work and prayer by so Cathedral campus for the I AM: A Beacon many members of our team, we gather of Hope event on Oct. 16 to 18. The now to bless and dedicate this new Shroud Eucharistic congress, the second since of Turin museum,” said Bishop Vann.

2023, included outdoor Masses, confes“Here, many will come to learn of the sions, a procession, guest speakers and Shroud of Turin and deepen their faith special youth tracks. Representatives from and understanding. We pray that the word all Orange County parishes attended, of God may always echo from its walls.” and presentations were made in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.

OTHER DIOCESAN NEWS OF All who attended, from middle-school NOTE students and youth leaders to ministry Blessed Sacrament parish in Westleaders and the wider diocesan commuminster completed a renovation project nity, left the congress renewed, inspired that bought several changes, including and filled with the Holy Spirit. The next a new retablo and much-needed air diocesan Eucharistic congress will be on conditioning. Construction began in Oct. 15 and 16, 2027.

May, with Fr. Anthony Hien Vu giving a blessing that helped kick off the project.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR The project features an expanded SHROUD OF TURIN MUSEUM sacristy that has been completely renThe Shroud of Turin: An Immersive ovated with an ADA-compliant bathExperience was dedicated by Bishop room, new cabinetry and new vestment Kevin Vann and his auxiliary bishops area. on Nov. 18 in a ceremony that included On Memorial Day, May 26, Ascenhymns, singing, reading Scripture and sion Cemetery in Lake Forest celebrated the sprinkling of holy water throughout its long-awaited expansion project. It the 10,000-square-foot museum, located now has an additional 6.5 acres, bringinside the Richard H. Pickup Cultural ing the total size to around 16 acres.

Center at Christ Cathedral.

The project added an extra 1,147 trav-

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS RETURNS TO CHRIST CATHEDRAL

THOUSANDS OF THE FAITHFUL FLOCKED TO THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS IN OCTOBER FOR THE I AM: A BEACON OF HOPE EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

ertinefront niches, 1,440 lawn crypts and 35 family estates. Cemetery officials estimate that the expansion will provide up to 15 years’ worth of additional grave and cremation niche spaces into the future.

On Oct. 25, Bishop Kevin Vann dedicated the new convent of the Lovers of the Holy Cross of Nha Trang, officially named the John Paul II Community, in Garden Grove. The liturgy, attended by more than 150 friends and supporters, was held under a tent in the convent’s backyard. Just a week later, on Nov. 4, Bishop Vann dedicated the “Mu-a Nanumteo” (Selfless Sharing Center) convent of the Sisters of the Blessed Korean Martyrs, also in Garden Grove.

Due to limited space, the liturgy was held on the patio, where Bishop Vann blessed the convent and its small oratory, and the Blessed Sacrament was reserved.

THE FOLLOWING CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARIES IN THE DIOCESE:

■ Holy Trinity parish (20 years) ■ The Orange County Catholic Foun-

dation (25 years) ■ St. Norbert Catholic School (60 years) ■ Rosary Academy (60 years) ■ Our Lady of Fatima Academy (60 years) ■ Santa Clara Day Nursery by the Poor Clare Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (60 years) ■ St. Timothy Catholic Church (60 years) ■ St. Anthony Mary Claret parish (70 years) ■ St. Pius V Catholic School (70 years) ■ Mater Dei High School (75 years) ■ St. Catherine’s Academy (100 years as a boys military academy). C

THE SHROUD OF TURIN: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE, 10,000-SQUARE-FOOT MUSEUM, LOCATED INSIDE THE RICHARD H. PICKUP CULTURAL CENTER AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

KNIGHT TIME AT ST. TIMOTHY’S: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

BY MEG WATERS

F

OR THE PAST 25 YEARS, St. Timothy’s Council of the Knights of Columbus has worked hard while making it look easy, putting in more than 6,000 volunteer hours. On Dec. 4, several hundred Knights and their families gathered in the parish hall to celebrate Christmas and a quarter-century of making a difference in the church and the community.

Fr. Binh Nguyen, pastor of St. Timothy’s, has come to appreciate the Knights’ contribution to nearly every aspect of parish life.

“My experience with the Knights, espe-

MEMBERS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, ST. TIMOTHY CHURCH CHAPTER, AND THEIR FAMILIES ENJOY A DINNER TOGETHER IN THE LAGUNA NIGUEL CHURCH’S MAIN HALL DURING A 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE CHAPTER ON DEC. 4.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MEMBERS TIM BOWMAN, RIGHT, AND JERSEY JOE, DRESSED AS SANTA, PRESENT A GIFT TO FR. BINH NGUYEN DURING A CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHAPTER IN LAGUNA NIGUEL.

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O C C A T H O L I C ■ D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5

CURRENT AND FORMER MEMBERS OF THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS STAND WITH LAGUNA NIGUEL MAYOR GENE JOHNS, PASTOR BINH NGUYEN AND OTHERS, DURING A 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE ST. TIMOTHY CHURCH CHAPTER OF THE ORGANIZATION ON DEC. 4. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

cially at St. Timothy’s, is that they are great role models for young men in our parish. I appreciate all they do to make the parish so vibrant.”

Indeed, there is hardly an aspect of parish life that doesn’t enjoy some contribution from the more than 300 Knights in the St. Timothy’s council.

According to Grand Knight Tim Bowman, the Knights were chartered in 2000 with 89 members, and the group is very active in the parish and in Laguna Niguel.

“People recognize the green shirt we wear and appreciate that the St. Timothy’s Knights are supporting the community — whether by cooking for events, helping people in need, providing emergency financial assistance, Red Cross blood drives and much more,” said Bowman.

The group is also very involved in Special Olympics and individuals with disabilities. In addition to the community projects, the council also supports priests and seminarians, disaster relief, Catholic education and a special project in Uganda.

According to Bowman, “We have raised more than $50,000 for the community by selling barbecue at the Sea Country Festival, and at the Interfaith Breakfast, which benefits South

County Outreach and Family Assistance ministries. Our community service also includes an outreach team that helps elderly and disabled people with maintenance projects such as cleaning yards, building stair ramps, providing emergency assistance when needed, and just in general, helping them with what they need around their homes.”

The city of Laguna Niguel recognized the Knights' 25th anniversary with a special city commendation presented by Mayor Gene Johnson and Councilmember Ray Gennawey, who is also a member of the Knights.

And they do not ask, ‘Are you Catholic?’

Their mission is to help everyone. Members have construction, maintenance and financial expertise, so they can help people with tasks like filing taxes. For the families of members, they offer an insurance program and assistance to widows and families who need anything.

One might call the St. Timothy council the Knights of the Round Table because they often cook for parish events that aren’t specifically sponsored by the Knights.

“Among our members, we have an executive chef and a true barbecue pit master,” shared Bowman. “We can do very elegant sit-down dinners, not just bacon, eggs and pancakes.”C

DIOCESAN NEWS

CELEBRATING THE FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

BY BRITNEY ZINT

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ROM MEXICO’S TRADITIONAL huipil tunics and the Vietnamese áo dài to the Catholic school plaid, children of different cultural heritages recently came together to celebrate the Blessed Mother.

Pax Christi Academies celebrated the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a special multi-school program on Dec. 12 at La Purísima Catholic Church in Orange.

The student-led day was held in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. It featured music, singing, dancing and a skit from the five Pax Christi Academies campuses: La Purísima, St. Anne, St. Barbara, St. Joseph (Santa Ana) and St. Justin Martyr.

THE STUDENT CHOIR SINGS DURING THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROGRAM AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE, ON DEC. 12. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE

SECOND-GRADE STUDENTS FROM ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC SCHOOL PERFORM DURING THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROGRAM HELD ON DEC. 12.

STUDENTS WITH THE ST. ANNE PARISH SCHOOL MARIACHI PROGRAM PLAY A SONG DURING THE OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PROGRAM ON DEC. 12.

“This morning, our students are presenting their talents and gifts to our patroness of this diocese,” said Pax Christi Academies President Dr. Christina Arellano to the audience.

Pax Christi Academies is the umbrella organization for the five schools that have banded together for shared governance and resources.

Assembling them all together adds to the beauty of the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, noted Fr. Angelos Sebastian, the diocese’s vicar general and moderator of the curia, who also serves on the Pax Christi board of directors.

“Bringing these five schools together conveys that message that we are all one: one entity,” Fr. Angelos said.

The La Purísima community decorated its church, and the students worked hard to prepare for their presentations, according to La Purísima’s principal Rosa Ramirez.

“I’m happy to see the community come together. I’m happy to see all five of the schools come together,” Ramirez said.

The students put on a skit narrating and silently acting out the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Juan Diego. As they told the story they lit five candles that symbolized faith; obedience and courage; compassion and healing; a miracle; and the mission of hope.

“Today we gather together to remember the powerful and beautiful story of Our Lady of Guadalupe,” said one student. “This is the story of faith, courage, compassion, miraculous love and enduring hope. As we light each candle, we reflect on a part of the story, and the message Mary brings to all.”

The La Purísima choir also joined with the St. Justin Martyr choir to sing Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. St. Anne’s mariachi band opened the program with La Guadalupana and closed with Dios Te Salve. The second graders at St. Barbara performed a dance, which their teacher Elizabeth Puccio taught them over the last two weeks.

“It went beautifully,” said Puccio of the overall program. “All the kids got so involved and I love the mariachi band. It was beautiful and they really enjoyed coming and doing this.”

Students across the five schools lead the program in multilingual prayers, with La Purísima pastor Fr. Martin Nguyen providing Scripture.

Fr. Angelos said he hopes the children take away the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“She’s our mother,” he said. “She’s there to love us, to protect us, to guide us and to have that special love and devotion to our Blessed Mother is always important for us Catholics.”C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

NATIVITY SCENES

O

C CATHOLIC READERS shared their Nativity scenes this Christmastime, to remind us of the joy of the season. Enjoy!

I bought this ceramic and wood Nativity for my twin great granddaughters in Mexico City. It's perfect for toddlers as they can't break it.

—Theresa Breithaupt, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in San Clemente.

My son James designed and built this authentic manger for our Christmas celebration of the birth of Baby Jesus, the Holy Family and the Wise Men. “Emmanuel, God is with us.”

— Margie Biffin Fountain, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.

I've had this Nativity for over 40 years, at the base is a music box that plays Silent Night.

—Debra Laisure, St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

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DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

I am sending Nativity pictures for my neighbor Maria Rubalcava. One is outside and the other inside her house.

—Sandra Antczak My parents purchased this Italian creché for Christmas 1965, when I was in first grade. I remember gazing at it, enthralled that we had this beautiful Nativity scene. It has been under my parent’s or my own family’s tree every year since. I am still moved by its simplicity each Christmas.

—Arthur and Vickie Dominguez, San Antonio de Padua del Cañon Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills.

My mom gave me this Nativity scene before she passed away, so it brings back good memories.

—Rita Laskey, Holy Family Catholic Church in Seal Beach.

I have a large collection of Nativity scenes from my travels. But this one has become my new favorite, made for me by my 12-year-old granddaughter.

—Jeanine Davies, Holy Family Catholic Church in Seal Beach. C D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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FEATURE

SUPPORT FOR A PAPAL INITIATIVE

DIOCESE TO FUND CLASSROOMS AT NEW CENTER AT PAPAL SUMMER RESIDENCE THAT IS FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABILITY, EDUCATION AND JOB TRAINING FOR THE VULNERABLE

BY GREG HARDESTY

T

HIS AUGUST, BISHOP Kevin Vann, while in Rome during a papal audience with his former classmate Pope Leo XIV, took a side trip 15 miles outside of Rome, where he studied canon law with the future pontiff in the early 1980s.

With him was the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop José H. Gomez. The two visited the picturesque hilltop and lake town of Castel Gandolfo, that has served as a summer residence and vacation retreat for popes for 400 years.

Recently opened to the public, the grounds include Borgo Laudato Si’ — a 135-acre spread of gardens, villas, archaeological sites and farmland that Pope Leo inaugurated in September.

Borgo Laudato Si’ — named after Pope Francis’ 10-year-old encyclical that urges concrete action to be taken to save the planet, among other initiatives — includes a new Center for Higher Education that is managed by one of the archbishop’s old friends, Fr. Manuel Dorantes.

Bishop Vann and Archbishop Gomez learned about the center’s mission to care for the Earth and provide tools to society’s most vulnerable through events, conferences, seminars, education, job

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BISHOP KEVIN VANN SPEAKS DURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION ON BORGO LAUDATO SI’, WHICH TOOK PLACE ON NOV. 20. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

training and more.

And when Fr. Manuel recently visited in Orange County, so did 30 local pastoral and lay leaders.

ON NOV. 20 FR. MANUEL DORANTES MADE THE FIRST OFFICIAL PRESENTATION ON BORGO LAUDATO SI’ OUTSIDE OF ROME DURING A LUNCHEON IN ORANGE COUNTY.

for the welcome of all and the support of the most vulnerable,” Fr. Manuel previously said of Borgo Laudato Si’.

“It will allow anyone — students, business leaders from around the world and AN OPEN, ACCESSIBLE SPACE members of religious communities — to FOR ALL experience a unique encounter with faith On Nov. 20, Fr. Manuel, who until that interweaves spirituality, education his papal appointment was pastor of St. and sustainability. The project’s goal is to Mary of the Lake-Our Lady of Lourdes offer an open, accessible, and inclusive Parish in Chicago, made the first official space where people can be formed, reflect presentation outside of Rome of the and experience a more conscious and vision of Borgo Laudato Si’ at a luncheon respectful relationship with creation and in Orange County. with God.” “This is a zero-impact space, created Following Fr. Manuel’s presentation,

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Bishop Vann announced that the Diocese of Orange would commit to funding two classrooms at Borgo Laudato Si’.

SUPPORTS DIOCESE EVANGELIZATION EFFORTS

As Fr. Manuel continues to seek support for Borgo Laudato Si’ at dioceses around the world, Orange County Catholic and lay leaders expressed enthusiasm for the project, which includes farmland and new areas for organic farming and regenerative cultivation.

A newly constructed training center CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

FEATURE

BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER ATTENDS A PRESENTATION ON BORGO LAUDATO SI’ IN ORANGE COUNTY. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

LUCY DUNN, A LONGTIME ORANGE COUNTY BUSINESS LEADER AND PARISHIONER, ATTENDED FR. MANUEL DORANTES' PRESENTATION.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

been recognized by Bishop Vann, attended Fr. Manuel’s presentation.

“This is the kind of project that will particularly interest our young people, so it’s a wonderful opportunity for evangelization,” Dunn said. “This is truly 360-degree thinking: caring for our environment, reducing climate impacts, enhancing educational opportunities, preserving ancient traditions, as well as elevating the economic status of our people while living out our faith.”

Kevin Tiber, executive vice president of Farmers and Merchants Trust Co., found Fr. Manuel’s talk “very interesting.”

nicknamed the Sanctuary will house a bookshop, offices, a restaurant and dining areas. The Sanctuary is carbon neutral and NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) certified, with photovoltaic systems that make it self-sufficient.

“One of the strategic missions of our diocese is to go make disciples of all nations and in many ways, this project aligns with our evangelization efforts,” said Bishop Timothy Freyer.

“As I go around the diocese and I read all the letters of high school students wanting to be confirmed,” he contin-

ued, “many of them talk about service projects such as beach cleanups or other ways to help the environment, so this project is a perfect way for us to reach out to these youth. It shows that the Church isn’t just talking about doing good work but is doing good things, which is one of the ways people come to faith.”

LOCALIZING THE MISSION

Lucy Dunn, a longtime Orange County business leader, cantor and parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church whose support of the diocese has

Said Tiber: “As a Catholic, I always knew about Castel Gandolfo and the palace’s exclusive use to the papacy as a summer residence and vacation retreat.

I salute the Borgo Laudato Si’ initiative within the papal villas of Castel Gandolfo as a real-world, living application of what Pope Francis set in motion via the Laudato Si’ encyclical.

“It’s great to see that Pope Leo continues to support the effort. It is a living model of how our Church can link care for the environment with human dignity and spirituality. I hope to be able to visit someday.” C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

SYMBOLS OF LIGHT

BY BRITNEY ZINT

F

OR FILIPINO-AMERICAN Cyndi Abundabar Ting, growing up in the 1980s was all about assimilating to American culture. Now, the special education teacher is celebrating her cultural heritage by teaching her community and the next generation how to make the traditional Christmas star lanterns called parols.

“It really becomes a symbol of our generations across the ocean, our traditions and remembering our faith and that the light from these parols used to light the way of our ancestors and now we’re lighting that for our future generations,”

ELLEN D’AMBROSIO, LEFT, LAUGHS WITH HER SISTER-IN-LAW CHERIE PADILLA DURING A PAROL-MAKING WORKSHOP AT POONG JESUS NAZARENO FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IN ANAHEIM ON DEC.14. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE

CYNDI ABUNDABAR TING, LEADS A PAROL-MAKING WORKSHOP AT POONG JESUS NAZARENO FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER IN ANAHEIM ON DEC. 14.

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said Abundabar Ting.

The Diocese of Orange's San Jose Filipino Ministry sponsored a free parol-making workshop on Dec. 14 at the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center in Anaheim. The workshop brought out children, parents, grandparents and extended family to learn how to turn 10 identical sticks, a couple of dowels as tension rods and some colored cellophane and tissue paper in a smaller version of the beautiful Christmas decoration.

Parols are lanterns traditionally made from wood and translucent Capiz shells in the shape of a star with a candle inside. They can be bought from the Philippines for several hundred dollars or made from found materials, said Abundabar Ting. Catholics hang them up as decorations or gift them to others, or even use them to put gifts inside.

The history of parols goes back to the 1500s when the Spanish brought Catholicism to the Philippines, said Abundabar Ting. The Spanish wanted the Filipino people, who were living in an agricultural society at that time, to attend Mass before work started in the fields at sunrise, she said. So, the parols were created to light their way to Mass, Abundabar Ting said.

“It symbolizes hundreds of years of faith and culture for Filipinos around the world,” she added.

For Aileen Corbilla, who grew up in the Philip-

pines and came to the U.S. as a teenager, learning to make parols took her back to her childhood.

Although this was her first time making one from scratch, her family had a store-bought one with lights inside that was used every year during the holidays.

“Every time my dad would bring out the parol, it would just give me this warm feeling inside that Christmas is coming and it's to celebrate Christ,” Corbilla said. “So being Catholic, it makes me very happy.”

Attending the workshop with her 12- and 15-year-old daughters, Corbilla said she wants them to have the same warm memories that she has and hopefully pass the tradition on to their own children — a long time from now, she said.

Eight-year-old Talia Usher was also learning to make a parol for the first time. Although “kind of difficult,” she said, she wants to hang it up on her Christmas tree. Usher’s mom, Tammy Usher, a first-generation Filipino American, said she grew up never knowing the history of the parol. She said she wants her two daughters, who are biracial, to know both of their heritages.

“I want them to learn and be immersed in our culture, so they can carry it on,” Tammy Usher said.

“That feeling of where you come from is important to me.” C

DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

ST. ANNE’S BOOK CLUB CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

St. Anne’s Book Club recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special luncheon at Finbars Italian Kitchen in Seal Beach. Members enjoyed a delicious meal, great conversation and discussion of their latest read, The Scent of Lemons, by Anne Licata-Solaas, who is also a member of the club.

Since its start 10 years ago, the vibrant community of readers has read a total of 83 books. Members have shared friendship, thoughtful discussions and a love of literature that only grows stronger.

Over the years, the club has featured several memorable events, including a reading and discussion of A Prescription for Faith with its author, local physician Dr. Jose Caceres.

The club has also enjoyed Christmas-themed reads, such as: Silent Night: The Story of the WWI Christmas Truce (Stanley Weintraub), Mystery of the Magi (Fr. Dwight Longenecker), Joy to the World (Scott Hahn), Advent of the Heart (Fr. Alfred Delp, SJ), The Purpose of Christmas (Rick Warren), and Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (Ace Collins).

For more information about St. Anne’s Book Club or to inquire about joining, contact Karen Chelling at (562) 252-5673.

MEMBERS OF ST. ANNE’S BOOK CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH A SPECIAL LUNCHEON AT FINBARS ITALIAN KITCHEN IN SEAL BEACH. PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN CHELLING

JSERRA INAUGURAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

JSerra Catholic High School welcomed students, families and the local community to its Inaugural Christmas Tree Lighting and newly renovated Quad Reveal on Dec. 4.

The celebration included a special performance by the JSerra Choir, hot chocolate, festive treats, Christmas hall decoration voting and a countdown to the first official tree lighting. The event also marked the grand reveal of JSerra’s revitalized quad — now a central hub for student life and community building.

A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM

St. Francis of Assisi School's First Annual "A Walk Through Bethlehem" took place on Dec. 9.

This interactive Advent journey, organized by the Catholic Identity Team,

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL'S FIRST ANNUAL "A WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM" TOOK PLACE ON DEC. 9, FEATURING STUDENT FAMILIES TAKING ON THE ROLE OF THE HOLY FAMILY. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAEANNA ASHTON

provided families with a meaningful and prayerful way to reflect on the gift of Christ's birth.

The event drew a strong response from the community, with families joining for the journey to Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph.

Families participated in the journey, encountering various scenes culminating in the wondrous night when our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born. The campus was successfully transformed into Bethlehem, thanks to the construction of incredible structures by parent volunteers. The evening featured dedicated participation from Holy Families (The Evelo and The Kearney Families), student actors and numerous day-of volunteers, whose joy helped bring the story to life. The evening concluded with a fellowship, featuring hot cocoa and cookies served in the Seamus Center.C

THE JSERRA CHOIR PERFORMS DURING THE SCHOOL’S INAUGURAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING HELD ON DEC. 4. PHOTO COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL D E C E M B E R 2 8 , 2 0 2 5 ■ O C C A T H O L I C

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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE

FAMILY: REFUGE FOR THE REFUGEE

threatened, displaced, and searching for refuge. The slaughter of the Holy Innocents and the flight into Egypt illumines an enduring pattern in Salvation History—a struggle between the Josephs and the Herods of this world.

We are continually faced with a choice: will we act as Josephs or as Herods?

Joseph listens to God, trusting He has the better plan, and acts for the sake of others. Herod clings to power, fears the future and creates refugees through deafness to God’s voice. Fear hardens the heart; faith opens it to hope.

This Christmas season, the Holy Family invites us to become people of refuge—to protect what is vulnerable, to trust God’s voice and to welcome Christ wherever He appears. May our families become places of refuge where the refugee Jesus is recognized and loved— whenever, wherever and in whomever we encounter Him.C

BY DEACON KEVIN DUTHOY

T

HREE DAYS AGO, WE gathered to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Many of us are still living in its glow—sharing meals, exchanging gifts and rejoicing in the birth of our Savior. Yet today the Church invites us to look more deeply into the fullness of Christmas by celebrating the Feasts of the Holy Family and the Holy Innocents, the children murdered by Herod in his attempt to destroy our newborn King. These Feasts remind us that Christmas is incomplete if it ends at the manger. Christ’s birth is inseparable from suffering, displacement and sacrifice.

Soon after Jesus is born, the Holy Family is forced to flee for their lives, becoming refugees in a foreign land. God enters our world not shielded from danger, but vulnerable to it. The Word made Flesh knows fear, flight and uncertainty.

While commuting, I often encounter a woman with a small child bound to her back, selling flowers from the median, enduring heat and cold to survive. The United Nations estimates that more than 122 million people worldwide are refugees, fleeing war, poverty and persecution—echoing Jesus’ words, “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head (Mt. 8:20).” Yet we need not cross borders to experience what it means to be refugees. Many of us feel displaced by physical and spiritual threats, seeking

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CLASSIFIED ADS

A STAINED-GLASS WINDOW DEPICTING THE HOLY FAMILY. PHOTO BY WILL GULLO ON UNSPLASH

refuge. Like Joseph, we are asked to listen for God’s voice and trust it, even when it leads us into unfamiliar territory.

The Holy Family reveals God’s intention for family life. Family is the foundation of society and the primary place where love is learned. That love begins with God. Loving God above all does not diminish our love for one another; it amplifies it. All love flows from the Trinity— the Father who loves, the Son who is beloved and the Spirit who is love itself. As Joseph was entrusted with protecting the Holy Family, we too are called to safeguard our families, especially the faith entrusted to us.

Family is where discipleship begins; where we learn

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to choose love, forgiveness and trust. Our journey toward salvation often starts at home, just as Jesus’ mission began in the hidden life of Nazareth. Jesus reminds us that family is defined not by blood alone: “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister and mother (Mt. 12:50).”

Families are not sustained by perfection, but by mercy. Their beauty lies in their fragility—in the daily work of forgiveness and reconciliation. Families are shaped by choices that form them in the image of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

When centered on Christ, healing flows outward, and the Good News takes flesh in ordinary lives.

The Holy Family also teaches perseverance amid suffering. Throughout Scripture, God walks with people who are

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OC Catholic Afar

Anthony and Ida Bucag traveled to Italy for the Jubilee Year.

They visited St. Michael's Holy Cave, where St. Michael the Archangel is said to have appeared, and the Basilica of San Francesco in Lanciano, where the Eucharistic Miracle took place in the 8th Century.

—Anthony and Ida are parishioners of St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress.

We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.

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