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JULY 12, 2026
ST. ANTHONY, PRAY FOR US
Two first-class relics of the saint toured the diocese last month.
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP
Try this cherry pie for a summer treat or any time of year.
TWO ST. NORBERT SCHOOL TEACHERS HONORED
The 2026 Nano Nagle award was presented to outstanding educators.
12 THE NEXT CHAPTER
14
Rosary Academy has launched a landmark fundraising campaign.
LET’S RAISE SAINTS LIKE LOUIS AND ZÉLIE
Parents to a saint and saints themselves, the Martins set a model to emulate.
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
Sr. Director of Marketing: 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.
SACRAMENTS
READER CALL-OUT
I made my First Holy Communion in first grade at age 6 in 1954 at the original St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church on Don Felipe in Los Angeles. I have vivid memories of kneeling at the altar rail with my tongue out and Fr. Duggan, our pastor, placing the host there while the altar boy held the paten under my chin. Thus began 73 years of Communions with Jesus. My mom made my dress and veil, and I was gifted with a small doll dressed in a Communion dress exactly like me as well as a small white prayer book. I was blessed with parents who raised me in the faith and, for whom, sacraments were special occasions.
—Linda Serna, St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Huntington Beach.
OC Catholic is looking for photos of our readers receiving their Holy Sacraments. Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings — we want to see your special day!
Please include a brief description of the photo and why it is special to you. Include your name and home parish, and send to: editor@occatholic. com.
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
ISAIAH 1:10-17; PSALM 50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21, 23; MATTHEW 10:3411:1
“ Let us pray together that harmony may prevail… ”
— Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
ANTONY AND THEODOSIUS DIED 1073 AND 1074
SAINTS ANTONY AND THEODOSIUS were abbots of the monastery of the Caves of Kiev. Antony founded The monastery, where he sought solitude and asceticism in imitation of St. Antony of Egypt. Theodosius, one of his monks, succeeded him. He reformed the monastery, focusing less on the practice of mortification than Antony. Theodosius emphasized community life and the importance of serving one another and those in need outside the monastery. “Christ’s love is flowing upon us, unworthy as we are,” he said, “and we must meet that love with love and let it flow beyond the cloister.” And Theodosius led his monks in evangelizing Kiev and nearby areas. C
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
TUESDAY
ISAIAH 7:1-9; PSALM 48:2-3A, 3B-4, 5-6, 7-8; MATTHEW 11:2024
WEDNESDAY
ISAIAH 10:5-7, 13B16; PSALM 94:5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 14-15; MATTHEW 11:25-27
THURSDAY
ISAIAH 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; PSALM 102:13-14AB AND 15, 16-18, 19-21; MATTHEW 11:28-30
THE TWO FIRST-CLASS relics of St. Anthony of Padua — the patron saint of lost and stolen possessions — made a pilgrimage to several churches within the Diocese of Orange recently, providing an opportunity for thousands of devotees to venerate the saint’s sacred remains.
The two relics, which were presented at six diocesan churches from June 6-13, are fragments of St. Anthony’s skin and a floating rib. The rib carries special significance because it was venerated by Sister Lucia of Fatima in her convent in Coimbra in 1995 and by then-Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in the Cathedral of Buenos Aires in 2000.
The relics have made multiple visits to the U.S. but were presented for the first time in the Diocese of Orange.
Accompanying the relics were Fathers Fabio Turrisendo and Matteo Martinelli, two Franciscan friars from the Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy.
“I always find that people consider St. Anthony as a family member, an old friend,” Fr. Turrisendo said. “My mom and my grandma taught me about St. Anthony. They taught me how to pray to St. Anthony, and not only for lost items.”
During their presentation at St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Los Alamitos on June 8, Fr. Turrisendo provided a detailed history of the relics to the parish.
St. Anthony died in 1231 and was buried in Padua, the friar explained. Three decades later, the Franciscans and the people of Padua had completed the central nave of the new basilica built to house his remains.
In 1263, the tomb was opened for the first time under the direction of St. Bonaventure, then minister general of the Franciscan Order.
When the friars lifted the coffin lid,
they found the expected signs of decomposition, except for one startling exception, Fr. Turrisendo said.
St. Anthony’s tongue and jawbone were still red and fresh, appearing as if he were alive, he said.
“God wanted us to know that St. Anthony had been a true, authentic messenger of God’s love,” Fr. Turrisendo said. “He used his tongue, his voice, to proclaim the Gospel, the truth of the Gospel. So, we can see that God preserved his whole vocal apparatus.”
St. Bonaventure closed the coffin — the new one inside the older one — and
placed St. Anthony’s Franciscan habit folded on one side, the friar said.
“And this is what we found in 1981, exactly what St. Bonaventure left 700 years earlier,” he said.
At St. Hedwig, the faithful were encouraged to ask for St. Anthony’s intercession for any intention, “including loss of faith, family, harmony, health, hope, peace of mind and trust in others — all intentions and petitions are welcome.”
“People tell us, ‘St. Anthony is the one who helped me when I was sick,’” Fr. Turrisendo said. “‘St. Anthony is the one who helped my mom when she lost
her necklace. St. Anthony is the one who helped us have a baby.’”
Jose Ferrufino, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Hedwig, was among the hundreds who lined up outside the church for the chance to venerate the relics. Ferrufino has been at St. Hedwig since 1996.
“Because the life of Jesus ended over 2,000 years ago, there's a continuing link, I think, through saints for us to connect in a real, tangible way with the Spirit of Jesus,” said Ferrufino. “All of us are suffering in some way. All these people who
RELICS OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA MADE A PILGRIMAGE TO SEVERAL CHURCHES WITHIN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE, INCLUDING LA PURÍSIMA. PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
are here, they find it as a way of comfort and healing.”
Attendees were given a St. Anthony holy card and a prayer intention card on which to write their prayer requests to the saint.
After venerating, attendees placed the cards in a basket beside the relics.
Fr. Fabio and Fr. Matteo brought the prayer cards back to the basilica in Padua, where they were to be placed at the tomb
of St. Anthony. The friars were to pray for the saint’s intercession upon the intentions and petitions.
“St. Anthony has been in my prayers every day because I've been grateful for all the gifts that have been handed down to me by the Holy Spirit and God Almighty,” St. Hedwig Deacon Gary Mucho said. “And St. Anthony has been part of that group of prayers that assists me in finding lost things. And I like his character. He's a good man.” C
TWO RELICS OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA WERE PRESENTED AT SIX DIOCESAN CHURCHES FROM JUNE 6-13. PHOTOS BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ST. CECILIA PARISH DEDICATES OUR LADY OF LA VANG SHRINE
BY MIKE ZINN
ST. CECILIA PARISH IN Tustin recently joined a small but very select group of Diocese of Orange sites displaying a shrine to Our Lady of La Vang.
An excited crowd of over 400 parishioners, dignitaries and members of the media gathered on May 30 in front of the shrine, adjacent to the main church entrance.
St. Cecilia's pastor, Fr. Michael Khong, led a procession to the shrine, accompanied by Fr. Hoa Tran, former parochial vicar at St. Cecilia and currently serving in the same role at Holy Spirit Parish. The onlookers joined the priests in reciting the “Prayer to Our Lady of La Vang,” which ends with the impactful words: “And after this life, bring us to dwell with you to enjoy eternal happiness in the Holy Trinity forever.”
The journey of the completed Our Lady of La Vang statue from Vietnam to Tustin is a remarkable and unlikely story, born from what many might describe as a God-inspired encounter. In 2025, St. Cecilia parishioner Huong Anh was participating in a pilgrimage with Catholics from around the country. During the trip,
he assisted a fellow pilgrim from Pennsylvania and struck up a conversation with her. She shared information about a ministry that commissions Our Lady of La Vang statues in Vietnam and donates them to churches throughout the United States.
Recognizing a unique opportunity for St. Cecilia Parish, Anh contacted longtime Deacon Dong Ngo regarding receiving a statue. Providentially, this offer coincided with a parish plan, developed in August 2025, to install a small statue of Our Lady of La Vang, and Deacon Dong began correspondence with the Pennsylvania donor shortly after.
The 5-foot-tall, 630-pound statue was commissioned and created in Vietnam. The statue is made of water-resistant granite, and the base and framing are made of marble, which mirrors the look and feel of the church's recently remodeled interior. In February of this year, the statue was shipped to St. Cecilia. Deacon Dong was intimately involved in the creation of the statue and the construction of the shrine, made possible by generous donations from the St. Cecilia Vietnamese Catholic community. The finished shrine was inspired by Fr. Michael’s vision for the project's aesthetic elements, creating a
wonderful area for all parishioners to visit, pray and reflect.
Deacon Dong reflected on the project.
“I wanted the shrine to help make our parish special, and lift up the spirits and souls of all our parishioners.”
With roots dating back to 1798, the significance of Our Lady of La Vang was best expressed by Fr. Michael.
“The Our Lady of La Vang statue is a powerful sign of faith, hope and unity for the entire St. Cecilia community. Mary reminds us that in moments of suffering and uncertainty, God never abandons His people. This statue is not only meaningful for our Vietnamese community, but for all parishioners, as we come together under the loving care of our Blessed Mother.”
THE STATUE OF OUR LADY OF LA VANG WAS MADE IN VIETNAM AND TRANSPORTED TO ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PARISHIONERS TAKE PHOTOS OF THE NEWLY INSTALLED OUR LADY OF LA VANG STATUE AT ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN.
FR. MICHAEL KHONG OF ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN CELEBRATES MASS ON MAY 30.
CATHOLIC FAMILY NIGHT IS A HOME RUN!
BY STAFF
ASEA OF CUSTOM DIOCESE
of Orange Angels hats filled the stands of Angel Stadium on June 27 for the annual Catholic Family Night. Families and friends from across Southern California gathered for a lively tailgate hosted by the Orange County Chapter of the
Knights of Columbus, the ceremonial first pitch by Fr. Michael Nguyen of Santa Clara de Asís Catholic Church and a game that ended in an Angels victory.
A special thank you to the Office of Youth & Young Adults for helping make this night possible.
Enjoy these photos from the special night! Photos by Ian Tran/Diocese of Orange C
OC CATHOLIC RECIPE SWAP CHERRY CHEESE DELIGHT
THIS WAS MY MOTHER'S recipe, and I have made it for years. It is always a favorite at the choir's Christmas potluck.
—Debbie Laisure, St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange.
INGREDIENTS
■ 1-9" pie shell (pastry or graham cracker)
■ 1-8oz package of cream cheese
■ 1 cup powdered sugar
■ 1 teaspoon vanilla
■ 1/2 pint whipping cream
■ 1 can cherry pie filling
DIRECTIONS
Whip the cream until stiff. Next, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla with electric mixer. Fold in whipped cream and spread into pie shell.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Spread pie filling on top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Enjoy! C
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBBIE LAISURE
2026 NANO NAGLE AWARDS PRESENTED TO TWO TEACHERS AT ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
BY ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL STAFF
AMONG THE MANY awards presented at the May 28 baccalaureate for eighth-grade graduating students, two teachers were also recognized for the ways they exemplify the mission of Venerable Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, four of whom founded St. Norbert Catholic School (SNCS). This year, both awardees are alumnae of and longtime teachers at St. Norbert’s.
Students in grades K-3 were asked to draw a picture of how the teacher they were nominating prays with them, showing what the teacher is praying or thanking God for. For this quality, they selected Mrs. Patty McKimmey, a 1980 SNCS graduate and current kindergarten teacher who has been at the school for 27 years.
Students in grades 4-8 were asked to nominate the teacher who has most taught them to trust God and bring their needs to Him in prayer. They chose Mrs. Lisa Stephens, a 1986 SNCS graduate and seventh-grade teacher who has been at the school for 19 years.
The Nano Nagle Award has been a tradition at the school since 2009. Recipients are determined by a panel of judges who review redacted nominations. This year’s nominations again reflected that students found Nano’s example in every teacher. Each recipient received a certificate, a check for personal-not classroom use and a lantern. By day, Nano defied the English Penal Laws to teach Irish children in secret. At night, Nano trudged through the dark streets of Cork, Ireland, caring for the poor and sick, becoming known as “the lady of the lantern.” Past winners proudly display this lantern in their classrooms.
Mr. Joseph Ciccoianni, the school’s principal, is committed to keeping the
spirit of Nano’s charism and legacy of the Presentation Sisters alive for all SNCS students.
“One of the great privileges of being
principal at St. Norbert Catholic School is the opportunity every year to honor the amazing women who dedicated their lives to service as Sisters of the Presentation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary by presenting the Nano Nagle Award to teachers who are keeping the sisters’ legacy — and Nano’s — alive for our children.” C
ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS PATTY MCKIMMEY AND LISA STEPHENS WERE RECENTLY RECOGNIZED FOR THE WAYS THEY EXEMPLIFY THE MISSION OF VENERABLE NANO NAGLE, THE FOUNDRESS OF THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, FOUR OF WHOM FOUNDED THE SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
THE NEXT CHAPTER: ROSARY ACADEMY’S BOLD STEP TOWARD A STRONGER, BRIGHTER FUTURE
BY JENNIFER KANNE SEATON, ROSARY ACADEMY ‘97
ROSARY ACADEMY, ORANGE County’s only Catholic all-girls high school, has launched a landmark fundraising campaign. The school hosted a kickoff event for the campaign on campus this past spring. The Empower Rosary campaign will grow the campus and strengthen the school’s financial future. It will fund a new two-story building, establish a new endowment in the new Rosary Royals Foundation and power the Rosary Fund to keep Rosary thriving. Pledges and donations of over $9.1 million have already been secured. The goal is to raise $15 million by 2029.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Dr. Shawna Pautsch, head of school. “It’s about strengthening who we are. We’ve been here for 60 years, and I want to make sure we are here for 60 more.”
One of the primary goals of Rosary’s strategic plan is to make campus improvements to give students the spaces they need for today’s collaborative learning. The Empower Rosary campaign is designed to fulfill that mission. The new 12,405-square-foot building will be built next to the Karcher Center and form a T with the existing main classroom building. The first floor will house an Innovation & Robotics center, varsity locker room and athletic support spaces and a dance room for performance, wellness and team practices. The second floor will include four classrooms ringed by spaces for faith formation, campus ministry and student leadership. The classrooms will align with Rosary’s Pathways program and include space to launch the eighth pathway, Culinary Arts. With more dedicated permanent space, programs like robotics will have more flexibility for ongoing projects and dance and cheer
teams will have rehearsal spaces. With the construction of the new building, the modular classrooms currently on campus will be removed. The 14-month project began in June. The last major construction project on campus
was the Karcher Center, which opened in 1991.
Although student Bella Ramirez ’26 graduated before the new building will open, she is excited about the project and lists details that will be enjoyed by future
students. A lacrosse player, Bella points to the locker room as a much-needed upgrade from the outdoor racks where student athletes currently store their bags and gear during the school day. The new
ROSARY ACADEMY, AN ALL-GIRLS CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN FULLERTON, HAS LAUNCHED A LANDMARK FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
building will have an elevator, which will be helpful for students who are injured and currently have to navigate the stairs while on crutches.
“The fundraising campaign is an expansion of the opportunities available to help girls grow,” Ramirez said. “It’s a sign that we are supporting the next generation.”
Another goal of the 2020 strategic plan was to build a strong financial future for Rosary by establishing a new endowment. The Rosary Royals Foundation, approved by the Diocese of Orange, will be administered by a new board and held solely by Rosary. The endowment will grow over time and will fund tuition assistance and provide stability to protect Rosary during economic shifts. The goal in the Empower Rosary campaign is to secure $3 million in planned gifts.
According to Dr. Pautsch, “The endowment will allow Rosary to manage its future independently and represents a promise of a secure future to the students.”
The Empower Rosary campaign will also support the Rosary Fund, annual giving, which supports current campus life including academic programs, student support services, tuition assistance and professional development for faculty.
“Rosary is the only all-girls Catholic school in Orange County right now,” said Tracey Irving, a campaign committee member and parent of 2012 and 2015 Rosary graduates. “Now’s a critical time — we’re meeting the needs of future Royals. I don’t think Rosary has asked a lot of the community over the years. I know so many people who are very happy with their daughters’ experiences at Rosary, and I want it to be available to more girls.”
Recent graduate Valerie Palomino said the campaign is meant to give girls more opportunities to grow different life skills at Rosary. She is thrilled that the endowment will expand tuition assistance for future Royals. Palomino was part of the Leadership Pathway and said she was continually pushed to try new things and practice leadership during
her time at Rosary.
“I know Rosary has had a big impact on my confidence and leadership skills,” Palomino said. “The tuition assistance will allow more girls to experience sisterhood and growth at Rosary.”
Alumna and campaign committee member Annie Bertocchini Grand plans to send her three daughters to Rosary. She is excited about the increased opportunities to serve girls with a broader spectrum of interests after the new building is complete.
“It’s such a daunting task to know what you’re going to do when you’re 18,” said Grand. “The Pathways allow students to explore and see what they
like. For me, Rosary is about developing the whole person. I want my girls to have the faith, the academic piece, all of it. For girls ages 14 to 18, confidence is a big deal, and Rosary gives them confidence going out in the world.”
The Empower Rosary campaign is the critical next step for the school and benefactors are hoping as many community members as possible join the effort.
“The girls need to know that they deserve to be in an environment that is transformative,” Dr. Pautsch said. “By investing in our campus, we’re investing in our students and the next 60 years.” C
ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENTS ENGAGE IN A CLASS DISCUSSION WITH THEIR TEACHER. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSARY ACADEMY
THE GOAL OF THE EMPOWER ROSARY CAMPAIGN IS TO GROW THE CAMPUS AND STRENGTHEN THE SCHOOL’S FINANCIAL FUTURE. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
LET'S RAISE SAINTS LIKE LOUIS AND ZÉLIE
BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA
TODAY IS THE FEAST day of two of my new favorite saints: Louis and Zélie Martin. You may not have heard of them, but you've definitely heard of their youngest daughter, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the Little Flower. Sts. Louis and Zélie were the first married couple to be canonized together on the same day. In addition to St. Thérèse, their middle child, Léonie, is currently a Servant of God, and the other three Martin sisters were all nuns. A whole family of saints!
The Martins lived an incredible life, remaining faithful through four infant and early childhood losses in their family. They were also a two-income family in an era (the late 19th century) when that was not common. They struggled to provide for a child with learning disabilities. Zélie suffered from the breast cancer that left Louis a single father to five daughters. I know many of us can relate to some or all of these struggles. As we strive to live a faithful Catholic family life today, we have these two wonderful role models to look up to and pray to while we raise our own children to be saints.
So how did they do it? And what can we learn from the Martin family about raising faithful Catholics today?
First, Louis and Zélie lived their own personal faith vibrantly and boldly. Before they found each other, the two had each been turned away from religious vocations. They never let their personal love for God take a back seat to their work or family life. Instead, it informed every choice they made. They taught the faith to their children, delegating and accepting help with humility when necessary. The oldest two Martin sisters at-
AT THE VATICAN OCT. 16, 2015, IN ADVANCE OF THE COUPLE'S CANONIZATION. CNS PHOTO/PAUL HARING
tended school at their aunt's convent, while the youngest two learned at home. Léonie, whose learning disabilities were a constant source of struggle for her mother, received tutoring when it was available. Zélie did whatever it took to see her children learn their faith and receive their sacraments.
Louis and Zélie prayed constantly for their children. They trusted in God's will and never stopped interceding for their daughters' health, sanctity, education and struggles. This habit of consistent prayer
was passed on to their children. They were living witnesses to the Resurrection. They tragically lost three babies and one young child to illness, but never lost their faith. Instead, they turned to their little saints in prayer for the rest of the family, and longed for the day their family would be reunited again in heaven. This faith, passed on to the girls, served them well when Zélie lost her battle with breast cancer, leaving Louis alone to guide them in their faith journey towards their eventual vocations.
While “Catholic culture” was more
prevalent in 19th century France than it is in 21st century America, the faith was still under attack from a wave of anticlericalism sweeping France at that time. The Martins stayed faithful despite this hostility around them. Louis made frequent pilgrimages to intercede for his family. Zélie sacrificed work on Sundays that could have provided for her family in favor of rest on the Sabbath.
Following the lives of Sts. Louis and Zélie, we can see that sanctity is found in the little things. Just like St. Thérèse elaborated in her “Little Way,” her parents lived their simple faith with great love and devotion. That kind of faith— that can be felt in the way you live your life —cannot help but rub off on the people around you. If we are to instill a saintly faith in our own children, the most important thing we can do is to become saints ourselves.
Sts. Louis and Zélie, pray for us! C
WORKERS PREPARE A BANNER OF LOUIS AND MARIE ZÉLIE GUÉRIN MARTIN, THE PARENTS OF ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX, ON THE FACADE OF ST. PETER'S BASILICA
OC Catholic Afar
This photo was taken in February 2026 during St. Anne Catholic Church’s (in Seal Beach) pilgrimage to France, led by Fr. Al Baca. The group is pictured at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. Also pictured are Fr. Ben Tran and Fr. Edward Jablonski.
—Submitted by Pamela Ocampo, Office of Ecumenism and Inter-Religion, Diocese of Orange.
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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