BISHOP VANN
20 Years Celebrating
JULY 13, 2025
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
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SPECIAL ISSUE CONTRIBUTORS
WRITERS: The Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, Very Rev. Christopher Smith, Greg Hardesty, Dennis Vann, Cathie Traines, Dr. Dan Luby, Bradley Zint, Patricia Mahoney
PHOTOGRAPHERS Steven Georges, Renne Enriquez, Everett Johnson, David Vann, Sean Hiller, Kathy Cribari Hamer, Ana Venegas, Dale Peterson, Orange County Register
ADVERTISING SALES: Patty Brooks
SPECIAL THANKS TO: The Vann Family, Santiago Avila, Susan Moses and North Texas Catholic, Diocese of Fort Worth, Peter Flynn and Reyna Castelán
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, AND FRIENDS ALL:
AS A CHILD IN SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, I would have been shocked to learn about the varied paths my life would take me. From starting my priesthood in my Midwestern hometown to studying at the Vatican and becoming a bishop of Orange County — a place close to my imagination while I grew up watching stories of Walt Disney and his Disneyland — I will forever remain thankful for the privilege and honor of serving our Lord.
This year marks my 20th anniversary as a bishop, which commenced when I became the third bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth, Texas, and then continued as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Orange with my installation on Dec. 10, 2012. Each time, wherever I went and whatever I did, I followed the Lord where He called me to journey with all His faithful as a shepherd.
During my time in Texas from 2005 to 2012, I visited nearly 100 parishes throughout North Texas and some 28 countries abroad. Back then, we sought to foster a spirit of Communio a theological approach emphasizing sacred communication between God and humanity in our midst. Through expanding existing parishes and
creating a new one, the Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Arlington, we experienced explosive growth, from an estimated 400,000 Catholics to 710,000.
Then in 2012, when called by the Holy Father to serve Orange County, California — whose Crystal Cathedral I had recently visited and construed that it would be quite the undertaking to oversee — little did I know that such an undertaking would be bequeathed to me. As God’s providence would have it, my prophetical words became my destiny. Soon after my installation as the Bishop of Orange, I shepherded what would become a virtually unprecedented task, one with many challenges but also possibilities: transforming the Crystal Cathedral megachurch into Christ Cathedral: A Place for Christ Forever.
Today and every day, I thank the countless individuals and donors involved in that effort — which took more than a decade to accomplish — while also thanking our Lord for helping us construct and conceive such a beautiful house of God.
As your ordinary here in Orange, I have so many happy memories to look back upon throughout our cathedral, our parishes and centers, our schools and our incredibly diverse communities. I remain forever grateful, honored and enthusiastic to be your bishop here in the Diocese of Orange.
Yours in Christ, THE MOST REV� KEVIN W� VANN� D�D�, J�C�D�, D�MIN� BISHOP OF ORANGE
‘THIS IS WHERE GOD WANTS YOU TO BE’
BISHOP KEVIN VANN REFLECTS ON TWO DECADES OF LEADING DIOCESES OF ORANGE AND FORT WORTH
BY GREG HARDESTY
BILL AND THERESA VANN
were on their way to see their son, Kevin, installed as bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth.
Sitting behind her husband, who was in the front passenger seat, Theresa leaned forward and, her face next to his and her arms around his shoulders, she whispered:
“This is our little boy. This is his moment.”
Indeed, for the tight-knit Vann clan of Springfield, Ill. — Kevin is the oldest of six children, and the family’s home on Douglas Avenue was a magnet for scores of relatives — the moment was monumental.
The memory still chokes up Nicki Prevou, a communications specialist for the diocese who had the privilege of driving the Vanns and their daughter, Mary Therese (“M.T.”), on that scorching hot July evening to Texas Christian University’s Daniel-Meyer Coliseum.
“It was beautiful to see the love and pride his family had in him,” Prevou recalled.
That night — July 13, 2005 — a crowd of more than 5,000 watched as Monsignor Kevin Vann was installed as the third bishop of the sprawling diocese, which
encompasses 28 counties and 96 parishes in northern Texas.
This July, Bishop Vann will celebrate his 20th year with that title after spending 7 ½ years in the Fort Worth diocese before Pope Benedict XVI appointed him the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Orange on Sept. 21, 2012.
‘A DAY AT A TIME’
Sadly, Bishop Vann’s parents and sister won’t be there to celebrate this milestone. Theresa died in 2012, followed by Bill in 2014 and M.T., at just 55 years old following an emergency hospitalization, in 2016.
The bishop’s four brothers — Dennis, Les, Gerry and Dave — and members of their large, extended family will mark the occasion, along with his longtime friends, colleagues and supporters in the Midwest, as well as those in Fort Worth where he led a diocese whose Catholic population has grown to 1.2 million from 400,000 two decades ago.
Sitting in his office on the 34acre campus of Christ Cathedral, his beloved white-and-tan cocker spaniel Gracie sitting at his feet, Bishop Vann reflected on his upcoming episcopal anniversary — and the 20 years that have flown by.
“So much has happened since
then,” he said of his episcopal consecration in Fort Worth. “What I’ve learned is to take life a day at a time. Don’t think too far ahead. Pray to do the right thing and pray that God’s providence has brought you to where you’re supposed to be and what you’re supposed to do.”
A hot cup of coffee, cream with no sugar, sat untouched.
“I learned earlier that you can’t look back — don’t look back,” he continued.
“You’re not in Springfield anymore, you’re not in Fort Worth anymore. This is where you are, this is where God wants you to be, and you’ve got to put your heart and soul into it.”
CHILDHOOD MEMORY
Relatives and former colleagues in Texas praise the bishop as a kind, down-to-earth person whose faith continues to inspire them.
And that faith was apparent at an early age.
JoAnn Owens, a cousin, recalled a typically chaotic family gathering on a warm Sunday afternoon in Springfield.
“I was one of the younger kids and Kevin was the oldest,” she said. “At one point, some of the kids decided it would be fun to open an upstairs window and climb out onto the roof of the front porch.
“When I got to the window, I could see that Kevin was standing nearby. I asked him if I could also go out. He said: ‘You can, I won’t stop you. But should you? Remember, God is always watching you.’”
JoAnn didn’t go out.
“I can’t tell you how many times those words have made me pause, especially throughout my youth,” she said.
BECOMING A PRIEST
After working for three years as a medical technologist at the Catholic hospital where his mother worked as a maternity nurse, Kevin entered the seminary. He was ordained a priest on May 30, 1981.
He earned a doctoral degree in canon law in 1985 from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, also known as the Angelicum.
Bishop Vann proudly displays a picture of fellow Angelicum students in 1982. Next to him stood Fr. Robert
Prevost, the future Pope Leo XIV, whom Bishop Vann will be visiting this August. Fr. Prevost graduated from the Angelicum in 1987, two years after him.
Bishop Vann recalled getting the phone call from Bishop George Lucas of Springfield telling the then-pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish that he CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
BISHOP KEVIN VANN IS PICTURED ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S DEDICATION DAY, JULY 17, 2019. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP VANN SEES OTHERS
BY
JEAN RILEY WAS EASY TO MISS�
She was small in stature and thin, not taking up a lot of space. Born with cerebral palsy, her movements were limited, and from very early childhood she was confined to a wheelchair, which made her less visible to others. Her speech was affected as well. She spoke very softly, and her words were often hard to understand. Over a lifetime, she experienced a kind of invisibility which left her pretty isolated. She was easy to miss.
When Bishop Vann met Jean after arriving in the Diocese of Fort Worth, he did not miss her. Her work as a diocesan representative for persons with disabilities brought them together. As a diocesan staffer, and a decades long friend of Jean, I had occasion to be in conversations with them at various events. I was used to seeing people overlook Jean so I would not have been surprised had that happened with Bishop Vann. But it didn’t. Their friendship blossomed. I helped introduce him to Jean’s prodigious talent as an artist and was almost as delighted as she was when he
told me of his intent to purchase one of her larger paintings. Because of his sincere interest in others, and his commitment to really seeing people, especially those who others might “miss,” I wasn’t surprised to discover one morning that he’d had her painting framed and given a prominent place in the Catholic Center’s lobby.
A few years later, shortly before Jean died, Bishop Vann included her on a short list of local Catholic leaders for recognition with papal honors.
One of the happiest and proudest moments of her life was the night Bishop Vann placed the Bene Merenti papal medal around Jean’s neck. Her signature grin matched the bishop’s. It was a privilege to witness his commitment to seeing and hearing and caring about everyone. That commitment is one of his most Christ-like qualities as an ecclesial leader. C
C ongratulations !
Bishop Kevin vann,
on the 20 th anniversary of your episcopal ordination, the priests, deacons, seminarians, consecrated religious, lay faithful, and Bishop Michael F. Olson of the Diocese of Fort Worth send their prayers and best wishes to you and the Diocese of Orange. May God continue blessing you as you serve the faithful of the diocese.
DR. DAN LUBY
BISHOP VANN BECAME THE third bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth on July 13, 2005, after the unexpected death of Bishop Joseph P. Delaney. His ordination as a bishop and his installation as the Bishop of Fort Worth took place before a crowd of more than 5,000 enthusiastic Catholics and members of the local community in TCU’s Daniel Meyer Coliseum on a scorching hot July evening. Bishop Vann has won the hearts of North Texas Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He is known for his outgoing personality, compassion and love for others. His travels throughout the 28 counties and 96 parishes of the diocese have caused him to be well known and loved by the Catholic people of North Texas. On his pastoral visits, he frequently would offer an impromptu demonstration of his skills as a pianist on whatever keyboard was available, endearing him even further. C
—EXCERPT FROM THE ARTICLE ”BISHOP VANN NAMED BISHOP OF ORANGE, CALIFORNIA: HE LEAVES A SOLID LEGACY OF ACCOMPLISHMENT,” PUBLISHED IN THE NORTH TEXAS CATHOLIC NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN BECAME THE THIRD BISHOP OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH ON JULY 13, 2005.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN GREETS HIS PARENTS WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN FOLLOWING HIS EPISCOPAL ORDINATION ON JULY 13, 2005, IN THE DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID VANN
BISHOP KEVIN VANN’S EPISCOPAL ORDINATION WAS CELEBRATED ON JULY 13, 2005, AT TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY’S DANIEL-MEYER COLISEUM. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID VANN
BISHOP KEVIN VANN WITH SR. YOLANDA CRUZ AND SISTERS FROM THE CONGREGATION OF THE SISTERS OF ST. MARY OF NAMUR IN TEXAS. PHOTO
OF PETER FLYNN
MY BROTHER KEVIN
THE VANN FAMILY WAS a typical 1950s/1960s family — five kids between 1951 and 1961 (1951: Kevin, 1952: Dennis, 1955: Les, 1957: Gerry; and finally a girl, Mary Therese, in 1961; and then a bonus child in 1971: Dave.).
As families with multiple children in this generation, at least in our neighborhood, we ran in packs with the other neighborhood kids, played games (kick the can, tag, hide and seek and many more) and generally had fun in groups. Kevin and I shared a bedroom (five kids in two bedrooms) for many years and would often listen to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games on a transistor radio with Harry Caray and Jack Buck announcing (I went through a lot of batteries on that radio). We played on the same Khoury League baseball team in grade school and in high school were in the band (Kevin played French horn and baritone and I was a trombone prodigy). In 1967, Kevin and I went to the World’s Fair in Montreal and performed in the marching band. Mom chaperoned and dragged my little brother Les along for fun. The big surprise when we came home was that dad got a portable dishwasher so he would not have to rely on the Vann children to do the dishes properly. After Kevin became a priest, he married me to my beautiful wife Claudia in 1984 in La Grange, Illinois. Then we had two fabulous children, Barrett in 1989 and William in 1992. Kevin baptized them both; Barrett in his first parish in Auburn, IL, and then William in our parish in St. Paul, MN, in 1992. We were the epitome of that era’s Catholic family — crowded but minimal drama, a lot of mostly good memories. I do know that mom and dad were proud of each of us for what we did and who we became, never compared and never created unrealistic expectations for any of us.
On behalf of myself and our family — Congratulations, Kevin, for 20 years!
Your Loving Brother, Dennis
KEVIN VANN AND HIS YOUNGER BROTHER DENNIS VANN, CIRCA 1952. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAVID VANN
FR. KEVIN VANN WITH DENNIS AND CLAUDIA VANN FOLLOWING THE BAPTISM OF HIS NEPHEW BARRETT IN 1989.
WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN WITH A YOUNG KEVIN VANN AT CHRISTMASTIME, 1951. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VANN FAMILY
FR. KEVIN VANN WITH HIS PARENTS, THERESA AND WILLIAM VANN IN 1998.
KEVIN VANN AS A MEMBER OF THE GRIFFIN HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND, 1968.
KEVIN VANN (SECOND FROM RIGHT) IS PICTURED WITH HIS FAMILY, CIRCA 1973: PARENTS WILLIAM AND THERESA VANN AND SIBLINGS DAVID, DENNIS, GERRY, LES AND MARY THERESE.
MY BISHOP COUSIN KEVIN
IAM EXCITED TO BE A PART of this wonderful celebration to honor Bishop Cousin Kevin Vann.
Kevin was the eldest of the Waters family cousins and everyone knew he was special. His love of music united him with our family from the beginning. His aunt gave my brother Jim his first piano lessons, along with Kevin.
My grandfather and he loved the ragtime piano music, and my parents very much adopted Kevin as the “other son.” He spent many vacations in Arizona and learned to love our beautiful scenery and warm climate.
I can remember many a vacation when he put on shorts and a Hawaiian shirt and could be caught reading in my parents’ backyard.
He would often shop at Old Town Scottsdale and of course make trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon.
Kevin came for most of the big days in my adult life and presided over the marriages, deaths and celebrations for our family. My mom, Rita Whitaker, was his godmother,
and she was always so proud of his amazing education and accomplishments in his life.
I will always be grateful for the thoughtful and loving way he treated my mom. Beautiful gifts and flowers would always arrive on her special days that he would never forget.
He came when dad, Jim “Whit” Whitaker, died and helped her pick out a coffin and prepare dad’s liturgy. He arrived for a final visit when she entered hospice and again to preside over her final goodbye.
His mother and my mother were more like sisters, but above that they were the best of friends. I feel the same way about my Bishop Cousin and other brother. He is loved by all of us, and we are so lucky to have shared his exciting and wonderful journey serving the Church.
Love, Cousin Cathie Traines
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6
was heading to Texas after Pope Benedict XVI appointed him coadjutor bishop of Fort Worth to assist Bishop Joseph Delaney, who was in poor health.
“You’re the one for the job,” Bishop Lucas told him.
Pragmatic and humble as usual, he responded: “Your Excellency, I will do whatever the Holy Father wants, but I’m late. I need to get to St. Louis in two hours.”
The then-Msgr. Vann was rushing to a retreat for seminarians.
“I had to be careful I didn’t get a speeding ticket,” he recalled.
BAPTISM BY FIRE
Bishop Delaney died on July 12, 2005 — the day before Msgr. Vann was to be consecrated as coadjutor bishop. The episcopal ordination went on as scheduled.
He had never been to Texas, but his father was born at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, and his grandmother had a child who died at birth who was buried there (Bishop Vann later was able to track down the burial place and mark and bless the grave).
One of the new bishop’s first duties was to bury his predecessor.
Peter Flynn, then vice chancellor for administrative services and finance director of the Diocese of Fort Worth, recalled Bishop Vann’s baptism by fire.
“He had to adjust himself to become the bishop, but he was very calm and collected,” recalled Flynn, whom Bishop Vann soon named chief financial officer. The two became close colleagues and friends.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
“He had a lot going on,” Flynn recalled. “A lot of times when new bishops come in, they make adjustments. But that didn’t happen immediately. He listened and learned, and that was very helpful to us.”
Sr. Yolanda Cruz was the director of the office of Children’s Catechesis and Catechist Formation at the time.
“I really felt for him because the people of the diocese were mourning the death of a beloved bishop while welcoming a new one,” she said. “He struck me as a humble man from the get-go, and he ended up handling the complexities of diocesan business with a lot of pastoral grace and wisdom.”
Bishop Vann soon named Sr. Yolanda, of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur, vice chancellor and delegate for Women Religious.
“He leads with humility and listens well, and he embodies the whole pastoral spirit of what a bishop should be,” Sr. Yolanda said. “His commitment to serving the community is in his pores.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN TEXAS
Bishop Vann’s accomplishments in Fort Worth were numerous.
He oversaw construction of one of the largest Catholic churches in the nation to serve a Vietnamese congregation, Vietnamese Martyrs in Arlington.
He was an advocate for immigration reform and oversaw several sexual abuse settlements.
He established a new Catholic school in Frisco, grew the number of seminarians to a record 30, and oversaw restoration of the historic St. Patrick Cathedral Rectory in Fort Worth and construction of the first St. Patrick Pastoral Center.
“He was an extremely outgoing bishop who loved to be out in the community,” Prevou recalled.
Sr. Yolanda said Bishop Vann frequently visited her congregation’s regional house in Fort Worth, where he would join them for meals, celebrate Mass frequently, provide pastoral care to elderly sisters and play Christmas carols on his beloved piano while the sisters sang.
“It was amazing,” Sr. Yolanda said. “We miss him still every Christmas. He remains a dear friend to all of us.”
Bishop Vann said his pastoral experience in Springfield helped guide him as bishop.
“And my father always told me to do the right thing,” he added. “So, I did what my dad taught me.”
In perhaps what was a hint at what would come 7 ½ year later, Bishop Vann bought cowboy boots in the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, where twice-daily cattle drives are held.
The black boots are embroidered with the image of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the Diocese of Orange.
Bishop Vann got the call he would be coming to Orange County when he was at a picnic in Cleburne, Texas, with a visiting priest from Springfield. He recently had visited the Christ Cathedral campus for a tour.
“Boy, this is beautiful,” he recalled at the time. “But this is going to be a lot of work for the next bishop.”
A DISNEY FAN
Geographically, Orange County is more than 30-times smaller than the Diocese of Fort Worth. But both dioceses are similar in the fast pace of their growth and diversity.
As a child, Kevin dreamed of someday coming to Orange County after growing up watching “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.”
When he was installed as bishop here, he bought a pass to Disneyland. He has led the Diocese of Orange — the 11th largest diocese in the country and the second-largest west of the Mississippi — in its multicultural mission to meet the social, economic and spiritual needs of the region’s increasingly diverse Catholic population.
Bishop Vann led the historic effort to transform the former Crystal Cathedral from a world-renowned center of Protestant worship into the West Coast’s most visible center of Catholicism. Christ Cathedral was dedicated on July 17, 2019, and its transformation was completed last October with the dedication and blessing of the St. Callistus Chapel and Crypts in the undercroft of the cathedral.
Other major projects completed under Bishop Vann’s leadership here include the opening of the new St. Michael’s Abbey in Silverado Canyon and the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine on the Christ Cathedral campus — both in 2021.
PROUD RELATIVES
Bishop Vann loves working with students and has made guest appearances in several high school productions in Orange County.
When he was installed as bishop in Fort Worth, a lot of youth were in attendance — some driving three hours from parishes in rural pockets of the diocese.
At the time, Prevou’s husband (also named Kevin) was director of youth ministry and adolescent catechesis for the diocese, and he helped create a very connected youth ministry network.
“It was a very intergenerational crowd,” Prevou recalled, “and Bishop Vann’s family and friends were surprised by the huge youth representation.”
Of his time in both Fort Worth and Orange, “I have no complaints and no regrets,” he said.
David Vann was the baby of the family and Kevin’s junior by 20 years, but he fondly recalls Kevin taking him to see Disney movies and out for Chinese food when he was a kid.
“All of us are so very proud of him,” David said.
Patti Dial, a cousin, said the bishop has remained the same over all these decades.
“He’s still always ‘Kevin’ no matter how many amazing things he does, how many people’s lives he touches, how many blessings he gives, or sermons he works on, degrees he gets or places he goes,” Dial said.
“He will always be the same loving, caring Kevin he’s always been, and I couldn’t be prouder to be his cousin.” C
CONGRATULATIONS TO BISHOP VANN
From Our Lady Queen of Angels Church. We Wish You A Blessed 20th Anniversary Of Your Episcopal Ordination.
A PLEDGE OF THE GLORY TO COME
AND THE CREATION OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL
BY VERY REV. CHRISTOPHER SMITH
BISHOP KEVIN VANN
may be one of the few bishops — if not the only bishop — whose first meeting after being installed involved participating in a design charrette
This is a term often used by architects to describe a gathering of interested parties, including architects, organizational leadership, engineers, financial professionals, designers, artists and more. Their task is to imagine and to dream about how something new might be created from the ground up or repurposed and renovated for specific uses. In this case, the project was the renovation of a Protestant megachurch into a Catholic cathedral and center for ministry and worship. The megachurch was the former Crystal Cathedral and the Catholic cathedral was what is now Christ Cathedral, the mother Church and center of the Diocese of Orange.
The charrette took place in December of 2012. In addition to being a gathering to imagine and dream about a campus and buildings, that charrette can be seen as an image for the task Bishop Kevin Vann had ahead from the first day of his appointment as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Orange. That task was to learn about people from diverse cultures, countries, ages and walks of life and discern what they needed to be a thriving diocesan church. From the huge project of the
development of Christ Cathedral, which was begun by his predecessor, Bishop Tod Brown, to his many initiatives over the past 13 years as the Bishop of Orange, Bishop Vann has been intent on shepherding a diocese that serves the pastoral needs of its people and addresses the concerns of the larger Church.
What Bishop Vann wanted for the emerging Christ Cathedral is what he continues to want for the Diocese of Orange: A cathedral and Church that is welcoming, that is a point of unity and that touches the hearts of people through its beauty. One of his first directives was to develop a new pastoral plan for the diocese. The foundation of the plan was the mission statement, already proclaimed by Jesus, known as the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). These words are imprinted on the dome over the baptismal pool of Christ Cathedral. Those words are powerfully reflected in the priority that Bishop Vann has made for the diocese to be an evangelizing Church.
Bishop Vann’s leadership in the creation of Christ Cathedral has been transformative. He has worked to create more financial stability for parishes in need, made concerted efforts to keep the diocese’s Catholic schools open and prioritized ministry to youth and young adults. The theme of trans-
formation is reflected in his choice of the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord as the “feast day” of Christ Cathedral celebrated every Aug. 6. Jesus gave the vision of himself transfigured in resurrected glory to Peter, James and John in anticipation of His death and resurrection. The Transfiguration points to a future yet to come that is preceded by a present that embraces challenge and, at times, suffering. Bishop Vann invited the diocese to embrace the challenge of fashioning Christ Cathedral, confident of the future blessing it would be to the Church of Orange and beyond. Fittingly, a beautiful bas-relief of the Transfiguration adorns the south wall of Christ Cathedral.
Bishop Vann’s episcopal ministry has always been rooted in his love of our Lord in the Eucharist. Over the years, he has often referred to the day of his First Holy Communion. That day would reach its apex the day he was ordained a priest and would make that Eucharistic presence a reality for untold numbers in the years ahead. The fullness of the priesthood was realized through his ordination as a bishop. All along, he has kept the holy card from his First Communion which contain the revered words of St. Thomas Aquinas, “How holy this feast in which Christ is our food, his passion is recalled, grace fills our hearts, and we receive a pledge of the glory to come.” This quote is etched on the dome above the tabernacle in the
Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Christ Cathedral. Bishop Vann’s zeal for the Eucharist continues in Christ Cathedral’s hosting of the “I AM” Conference and the diocese’s involvement in the Eucharistic Revival currently taking place in the Church.
The word charrette is French for “cart”. It is told that as 19th century students of architecture in France were working frantically to meet a deadline, a cart was wheeled among them to collect their scale models and other work to be reviewed. They then worked together, helping each other to put the finishing touches on their work. This practice became known as “working en charrette,” “in the cart.”
Little could anyone have imagined the meeting “in the cart” on that December day would eventually lead to what is now the magnificent Christ Cathedral. In 2025, as we honor the 20th anniversary of Bishop Vann’s ordination as a bishop, we celebrate the collaboration and creativity he has fostered to bring Christ Cathedral and the Diocese of Orange into the first quarter of the 21st century. As was true from his first day as Bishop of Orange, we continue to face the challenges of the times. At the same time, with the grace of God, the ministry of Jesus is well underway. Yes, there surely are more than a few finishing touches to put on these efforts. Still, there is no need for finishing touches if nothing begins in the first place. We thank God for Bishop Kevin Vann and the work of so many with him over these years. Together in faith, we trust in our Eucharistic Lord’s pledge of the glory to come. C
BISHOP KEVIN VANN
BISHOP KEVIN VANN SHOWS THE CROWD HIS COWBOY BOOTS WITH AN EMBROIDERED IMAGE OF THE VIRGIN MARY FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS FORTHCOMING INSTALLATION AS BISHOP OF ORANGE. PHOTO BY ANA VENEGAS FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
BISHOP KEVIN VANN SNAPS CELL PHONE PIC OF A MODEL OF THE FUTURE CHRIST CATHEDRAL IN 2014. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP VANN
BISHOP KEVIN VANN was installed as the fourth Bishop of Orange on Dec. 10, 2012, before a crowd of over 4,000 at the UC Irvine’s Bren Events Center. He greeted those gathered, which included bishops, archbishops and other clergy, family, friends and the faithful — in four languages — English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean. They answered with loud cheers throughout the service.
In his homily, which was said in both English and Spanish, Bishop Vann spoke of continuity, diversity and unity.
“The sometimes disparate currents of life in faith can indeed be brought together in unity, peace, love and great joy to build up the body of Christ,” he said.
A “bishop of the people,” Bishop Vann has guided Orange County and its 1.3 million Catholics through challenges and great transformation. He continues to lead the Diocese of Orange with a true shepherd’s heart. C
BISHOP
BISHOP VANN AND HIS PLAYER PIANO — A 1922 CABLE-NELSON — WHICH HE BOUGHT FOR $50 AT NEIGHBOR’S GARAGE SALE BACK IN 1967 AT THE AGE OF 16. PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP VANN SITS WITH HIS RESCUE DOGS MOCHI, MAX, CONSTANTINE AND HELENA IN SAN DIEGO IN 2025. PHOTO COURTESY OF BISHOP KEVIN VANN
BISHOP VANN PERFORMS IN SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL’S 2016 PRODUCTION OF “GUYS AND DOLLS.” PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSES THE MARIAN GARDENS ON MAY 29, 2024.
BISHOP KEVIN VANN WAS AWARDED A DOCTOR OF MINISTRY DEGREE ON MAY 11, 2024, FROM MOUNT ANGEL SEMINARY IN OREGON. ALSO PICTURED: BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER, SANTIAGO AVILA, FR. ANGELOS SEBASTIAN, FR. DAVID MORENO AND FR. MICHAEL ST. PAUL. PHOTO BY DALE PETERSON
BISHOP KEVIN VANN GREETS FRIENDS FROM THE ORDER OF THE POOR CLARE MISSIONARY SISTERS FOLLOWING A MASS FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY CELEBRATED IN 2014. PHOTOS BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BISHOP
BISHOP KEVIN VANN PARTICIPATES IN THE OUR LADY OF LA VANG SHRINE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ON OCT. 27, 2018. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
EXTENDING GRATITUDE TO BISHOP VANN
“The Diocese of Orange is truly blessed to be guided by your faithful leadership and pastoral care. Your steadfast support of Our Lady of La Vang Shrine Ministries is deeply appreciated by me and the Vietnamese Catholic Community throughout Orange County. I am grateful for the privilege of serving alongside you as an auxiliary bishop. May the Good Lord continue to inspire and strengthen you each day as you carry out your sacred ministry.”
— Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen
“Bishop Vann is a great friend and teacher, and I enjoy our many conversations throughout the day. He is one of the most personable people I have ever met and his ability to remember names and stay in touch with people is beyond compare. I have learned so much about pastoral ministry, leadership and vision from Bishop Vann. May the Lord continue to bless you for many years!”
— Bishop Timothy Freyer
“Your anniversary is a true milestone that reflects your steadfast devotion, visionary leadership and tireless service to God and His people. Your role as a wise, faithful and loving spiritual Father has guided countless souls with compassion, strength and grace. May God continue to bless you abundantly as you lead with courage, humility and firm faith.”
— Fr� Angelos Sebastian, Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Orange
“You have faithfully taught, governed and sanctified the people of God with unwavering love, humility and unity in the light of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Your abiding presence at Christ Cathedral stands as a powerful witness to our shared faith and the strength of our united community. Under your spiritual leadership, this sacred place has truly become a lasting home for Christ—a beacon of hope, peace and holiness for generations to come. With full hearts, we thank you for your tireless dedication and paternal care. In the cherished words of the Reverend Dr. Robert H. Schuller, we join together in joyful acclamation: “God loves you, and so do we.”
“Your dedication and faithful service to Almighty God and to the people of the Diocese of Orange has been a source of inspiration and blessing to countless individuals. It is a true blessing and honor to be part of the Diocese of Orange under your spiritual leadership. Among other things, I admire your continuing, unwavering commitment of supporting Catholic Education and other essential ministries, including Catholic Charities and the vital service they provide throughout the diocese.”
— Gabriel Ferrucci
“As a sending bishop and an alumnus of Mount Angel Seminary and an oblate of Mount Angel Abbey, Bishop Kevin Vann has always been a welcome presence and faithful supporter of us at Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary. We offer our congratulations and prayers for him on the occasion of his 20 years of episcopal ministry. May God who has begun the good work in him bring it to fulfillment.”
—Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary
— Very Reverend Bao Thai, Rector of Christ Cathedral Parish & Academy
“Bishop Vann leads with pastoral wisdom and a shepherd’s heart, helping to shape the Diocese of Orange into a vibrant, faith-filled community. He has been especially supportive of and prayerful for his Lovers of the Holy Cross L.A. daughters, for which we are deeply grateful. We praise God for the gift of his faithful leadership.”
— Sr� Grace Duc Le, LHC
“I remember the day you asked me to lead The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF). It marked the beginning of a new and meaningful chapter in our friendship. It’s been a joy to serve beside you in bringing others closer to Christ through philanthropy and stewardship. On behalf of The OCF board and staff, thank you for your leadership and commitment to the people of God.”
— Steve Cameron, Executive Director, The Orange Catholic Foundation
“We are so grateful for your unwavering leadership of the California Catholic Conference and for helping direct its work with such integrity and conviction. Your guidance has helped shape a moral voice on the most pressing issues of our time, and your commitment to advancing the common good has been an inspiration to us all. We are profoundly appreciative of your faithful service and dedication to serving both the Church and all Californians.”
— California Catholic Conference
“I am grateful for your many years of friendship and support. Thank you for all the ways you attend to the people God has put in your life.”
— Msgr� David Hoefler, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Springfield, Illinois
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as a priest in this diocese under your leadership. Thank you for being a good shepherd to your priests and people!”
“It has been a true honor to serve under you in a variety of roles and circumstances. You have accomplished so much in the completion of the cathedral campus and your pastoral oversight of the entire Orange Catholic community. Thank you for your dedicated service to us all.”
— Randy Redwitz, Managing Partner, Redwitz, Inc�
“Your deep love and compassion for all cultures, especially your unwavering support for the Vietnamese community and the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine, have been a powerful witness of unity in diversity. With a shepherd’s heart, you have embraced everyone as your own, building bridges of faith and hope across communities.”
“I felt honored when Bishop Kevin made it a point to come to St. Michael’s Abbey so quickly after his appointment to the Diocese of Orange. I have a photograph of the bishop from that occasion in my office. His visit began a friendship with the Norbertine community that has only increased over the years and now includes our confreres in important diocesan and parochial ministries. We are grateful.”
— Right Reverend Eugene Hayes, O� Praem, Abbot, St� Michael’s Abbey
“I will always remember your dad and mom, a World War II vet and a registered nurse and my dad and mom, a World War II vet and a registered nurse… both couples with six kids.
“It’s a small world after all!”
— Fr� Michael St� Paul, Pastor, Holy Trinity Catholic Church
— Fr� Tuyen Van Nguyen, Retired Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
— Fr� William B� Goldin, Pastor, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, La Habra
“Shirley and Peter Flynn thank God for Bishop Vann’s leadership, guidance and friendship on his 20-year anniversary as a bishop and 44-year anniversary as an ordained priest. Congratulations and thank you, wonderful friend. God bless you and many years to come.”
— Peter, Shirley and the Flynn Family in Fort Worth, Texas and in North Carolina
“As director of Bishop Vann’s dissertation, I was so encouraged by his intellectual curiosity. That an already accomplished canonist and experienced bishop pursued doctoral studies at all is impressive; that he engaged them with such vim and vigor offers Catholics an important witness of a shepherd committed to being ‘transformed by the renewal of [his] mind’ (Rom. 12:2) on behalf of the whole Church.”
— Deacon Justin Shaun Coyle, Ph�D�, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, Mt� Angel Seminary
“Bishop Vann, we feel privileged to have been part of your team as you led the momentous transformation of Crystal Cathedral to become Christ Cathedral, a place of worship, respite and renewal.”
— Susan and Tim Strader
“Bishop Vann has been a cherished client and friend to all of us at Piano Artisans for over 10 years, and we’ve had the privilege of working with him on his amazing player piano restorations. Throughout our relationship, we have consistently witnessed his extraordinary kindness towards the community and families he serves. His deep love for music reflects the same passion and dedication he brings to his ministry, making him truly special to work with.”
— Brian & The Piano Artisans Inc� Team
“Many people care deeply for animals, but only a rare few share a true bond with them. Bishop Vann is one of those individuals, as animals of all kinds are naturally drawn to his gentle nature and flourish in his presence.”
— Janette Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Cell Dogs
“It is an honor to serve under Bishop Vann’s visionary leadership. His dedication to the Diocese of Orange will leave a lasting impact on our Church and his love for the People of God shines through in everything he does.”
— Dr� Erin Barisano, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Orange
“Your steadfast support of our mission to renew and strengthen Catholic education has been a source of inspiration and encouragement to our schools, students and families. We are especially grateful for your pioneering leadership in building this national model in Catholic education and form joyful disciples of Christ who are rooted in faith and academic excellence.”
Christina
“We always remember Bishop Vann’s special friendship, love and pastoral care for us in the Diocese of Fort Worth. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support, faithful witness and humble leadership.”
— Sr� Yolanda Cruz and the Sisters of St� Mary of Namur in Fort Worth, Texas
“You are a true example of servant leadership, and I am deeply honored to be part of your ministry in the Diocese of Orange. I am very grateful for your support of Catholic Charities and the services we provide to the diocese.”
— Ellen Roy, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of Orange County
—
S� Arellano, MA, MBA, Ed�D, President, Pax Christi Academies
“I am most grateful for your friendship and support for Catholic education. May St. Joseph continue to bless your ministry.
Ad multos annos!”
“Thank you for your remarkable leadership of the Diocese of Orange. Thanks also for your confidence in me and for encouraging me to pursue the priesthood here instead of in Detroit.
May God richly bless you!”
— Fr� Mike Rizzo, Parochial Administrator, St� Edward the Confessor Catholic Church
“I had the pleasure of being Bishop Vann’s secretary for five years. To have him named our Auxiliary Bishop when our Bishop Delaney was so very sick gave us a sense of calm— He was a Godsend!”
— Reyna Castelán, Fort Worth, Texas
“Congratulations Bishop Vann! I’m grateful for your friendship, guidance and leadership over the years. Your continuous support of Ignatian spirituality has yielded so much fruitfulness in the Diocese of Orange. AMDG”
— Lori Stanley, Executive Director of Loyola Institute for Spirituality
“I’ve known Bishop since the acquisition of the Crystal Cathedral. Always seeing him interact and make time for the faithful, especially the Vietnamese congregations here in Orange County, touches not only me personally but the entire community at large. His love for all of us as a spiritual father in our projects is a tremendous support. Bishop Vann allows us to reach beyond our dreams. Congratulations!”
— Dr� Elysabeth Nguyen, Chief Executive Officer, OLLV Foundation
Bishop Kevin Vann
on the occasion of your 20th anniversary of Episcopal ordination 930AM • 1290AM • 1000AM Watch and Listen: RelevantRadio.com
— Sr� Mary Beth Ingham, CSJ, General Superior
With great joy, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Kevin Vann on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of his EPISCOPAL ORDINATION
Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations, Bishop Vann! Bishop Vann! Bishop Vann!
Catholic Charities of Orange County sends its blessings and warmest regards as you mark this remarkable milestone in your ministry. You are a great example of servant leadership, and we are honored to serve alongside you. -Catholic Charities of Orange County
Catholic Formation | Classical Curriculum | Character Development
Email: admissions@jccacademy.org with interest or scan the QR code below: Discover Orange County’s only Catholic Hybrid Academy - The Flying Saints Joseph of Cupertino Classical Academy Congratulates Bishop Kevin Vann on the 20 Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination! th
LOVE AND SERVICE ILLUMINATED BY
Faithful Collaboration
Creating a Place for Christ Forever:
Just months after the Diocese acquired the former Crystal Cathedral in February 2012, Bishop Vann found himself entrusted with both a new flock and a monumental undertaking: the transformation of the 34-acre campus in Garden Grove. With a group of visionary benefactors by his side, Christ Cathedral has grown into a sanctuary for Catholic worship.
“I will love you and do my best to serve you, with the Lord’s help.” These words, spoken by The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, J.C.D., D.D., D. Min., shortly after his 2012 appointment to lead the Diocese of Orange, have proven to be more than a promise. As we celebrate two remarkable milestones, the 20th anniversary of Bishop Vann’s episcopal ordination and the 25th anniversary of The Orange Catholic Foundation (OCF), we pause to reflect on the unwavering support of faithful partners like you.
Together, we’ve shared Christ’s love with countless souls, seen prayers answered, stood with families in times of need and helped build a legacy rooted in faith.
Supporting the Domestic Church: Family is a place where faith is lived and shared. Yet, fostering holiness in the next generation is not meant to be done alone. As a graduate of Catholic school, Bishop Vann has a special place in his heart for one of the biggest ministries. Driven by a shared commitment, many generous donors have made Catholic education possible for thousands of children and their families. In fact, over half of OCF’s 117 funds support Catholic schools, including the Bishop Kevin W. Vann Marian Alliance Endowment Fund.
Celebrating Ethical, Business-Minded Catholic Leaders: At the annual Conference on Business & Ethics, hosted by The Orange Catholic Foundation, Bishop Vann has recognized business leaders who have led with faith and upheld strong ethical
values in every aspect of their lives. Additionally, OCF’s Catholic Professional Network has fostered faith, community and purpose among Catholic professionals, highlighting the vital role of the laity in the Church’s work.
Caring for Retired Priests: For years, priests call their parish home and their parishioners their family. But when retirement comes, where do they go? Out of deep gratitude for their lifetime of service to God’s people, several philanthropists have stepped forward. Some have established funds with OCF, while others have covered the cost of rectory renovations to ensure retired priests have a place to stay. Most recently, Bishop Vann blessed the upgraded rectory at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Placentia.
Restoring Hope after Wildfires: When the devasting wildfires swept through Los Angeles in January 2025, Bishop Vann and OCF’s executive director, Steve Cameron, worked together to create the Help LA Fund. With a one-million-dollar donation from the Diocese and the contributions of many others, hundreds of families and individuals have received grants to rebuild after losing homes, jobs and much more.
Calling You to Make an Impact: You are the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. Making a difference doesn’t require a title, only a heart willing to serve. What if there was a way to put your faith into action by redirecting some of your tax dollars to support your favorite cause? Interested in learning how to do it, scan the QR Code. You can also reach out to your Catholic philanthropic advisors at 714.282.3021 or info@OrangeCatholicFoundation.org.