Rosary Beads
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JUNE
15, 2025
CONTENTS
REFLECTIONS ON POPE FRANCIS
Msgr. John Urell speaks on the legacy of the late pontiff.
THE ST. KATHERINE DREXEL ROUTE
The Diocese will be hosting Masses during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage this month.
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CELEBRATES BLUE MASS
The annual event honors first responders and safety workers. 12
HOLY TRINITY WELCOMES SPEAKER LILA ROSE
The parish hosted Rose as part of a speaker series for the parish’s 20 year jubilee.
A FAMILY UNITED IN LOVE
Our faith brings us together in the family of God.
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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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.
SUMMER BREAK FOR ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
Please note that OC Catholic will not be printing a paper edition on the following Sundays:
July 20, July 27, Aug. 3, Aug. 10
The print edition will return weekly starting August 17. In the meantime, go to occatholic.com for important news and updates from the Diocese of Orange and stories of faith and community.
The Sunday OC Catholic newspaper is a FREE addition available to all Sunday Orange County Register print subscribers and is also available at parishes across Orange County, thanks to the Diocese of Orange and valued OC Catholic advertisers.
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
The Rosary was a gift from my husband, Andrew Pampuro, when we were on our honeymoon. The Rosary (he brought the case) was purchased at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. It is 75 years old. —Louise Pampuro, St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Laguna Woods.
If you would like to share a photo of your Rosary Beads with our readers, please send a photo and brief description (include your name and parish) to: editor@occatholic.com C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
6:1-10; PSALM 98:1, 2B, 3AB, 3CD-4; MATTHEW 5:38-42
“ Together we must try to be a missionary church, a church that builds bridges…” — Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
METHODIUS I OF CONSTANTINOPLE
THIS PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE, born in Sicily, is venerated in the East for opposing Iconoclasm, a movement to destroy all holy images and the veneration of saints. Methodius went to Constantinople, now Istanbul, to obtain a post at court, but instead entered one monastery, built another on the Aegean island of Chios, and was called to Constantinople by the patriarch. Because he fought Iconoclasm, he was imprisoned twice, once for seven years and once with a broken jaw. Finally, in 842, Empress Theodora banned the Iconoclasts and installed Methodius as patriarch. During his short reign, Methodius convened a synod affirming the lawfulness of venerating religious images.C
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
TUESDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
8:1-9; PSALM 146:2, 5-6AB, 6C- 7, 8-9A; MATTHEW 5:43-48
WEDNESDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
9:6-11; PSALM 112:1BC-2, 3-4, 9; MATTHEW 6:1-6, 16-18
THURSDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
11:1-11; PSALM 111:1B-2, 3-4, 7-8; MATTHEW 6:7-15
FRIDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
11:18, 21-30; PSALM 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7; MATTHEW 6:19-23
SATURDAY
2 CORINTHIANS
12:1-10; PSALM 34:8-9, 10-11, 12-13; MATTHEW 6:24-34
SUNDAY GENESIS 14:18-20; PSALM 110:1, 2, 3, 4; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:2326; LAUDA SION; LUKE 9:11B-17
PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUISE PAMPURO
HONORING A FATHER’S INFLUENCE ON FAITH
IN CELEBRATION OF FATHER’S DAY, DADS SHARE A MESSAGE TO THEIR KIDS ABOUT GOD’S UNENDING LOVE
BY MIKE VULPO
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE
THE power of dads in the Catholic Church.
As families attend Mass together each and every Sunday, a recent study revealed that the religious practice of the father of the family is the primary factor that determines the future attendance at or absence from church of the children.
With this in mind, Orange County Catholic decided to visit San Francisco Solano Catholic Church one Sunday morning and sit down with dads who were enjoying Mass with their kids of all ages.
In honor of Father’s Day weekend, we asked the proud dads to share a few encouraging words for their children about God’s love and the power they each have to make a positive difference in this world.
What came next were letters of encouragement, joy and hope that prove dads can leave quite a positive impact within the Church.
DEAR REBECCA, VICTORIA AND ALEJANDRO,
What makes you so special is watching you grow up in the Catholic faith and watching you be so close to God. Unfortunately, it takes some of us a lot longer in life to realize how important it is, and through example, your mom and I have been able to teach you to rely on God from an early age, put everything in his hands and remain humble.
Rebecca, I wake up in the morning and you’re reading your Bible, and I can sense your passion, which is really an inspiration to me and the entire family. Victoria, you are passionate about your God-given
your dad. I’m so proud of each of you. Always know that you are wanted, you are loved and that God delights in you. You bring your mom and I such joy.
As you grow older, remember this: there’s only one unshakable truth, and that truth is Jesus Christ. His love is never ending, and His Mercy knows no bounds. You might not always feel it, but He is always there. His love is always freely given, never earned. Let Him into your heart and draw close to him — He is waiting for you with open arms.
Wherever life takes you, stay close to the Eucharist and I'll find you there.
Love Your Dad, Daniel H.
CONTINUES
gifts and have a beautiful heart. You show your love and your faith through your art, which is truly amazing. Alejandro, you are on fire! You were at adoration recently, and at 10 years old, you’re in tears and when I asked what was wrong, you said, "God loves me." We are blessed, and I thank God for our family every day.
Please remember that faith is the most important thing in your life. It's what keeps us centered in times of anxiety and
uncertainty. There are so many things that want to pull you away from faith but remember to always stay centered and keep your faith at the core of everything you do.
Love Your Dad,
Mark Carlos
DEAR
ZION, JEDEDIAH AND PEARL,
My three miracles, a quick note from
MARK CARLOS AND HIS CHILDREN REBECCA, VICTORIA AND ALEJANDRO VOLUNTEER AT SAN FRANCISCO SOLANO CATHOLIC CHURCH IN RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA. PHOTOS BY MIKE VULPO
DANIEL AND HIS WIFE EMILY ENJOY A WEEKEND AT CHURCH WITH THEIR YOUNGEST CHILD PEARL.
FEATURE
DEAR CICELY, T.J., BRITTANY AND JOELLE,
I’m so proud that you live the Catholic life. Besides talking the talk, you are doing stuff and walking the walk. You’re bringing your kids to church. You’re also bringing them up through baptisms, confirmations and marriages.
Cicely, I love that you are independent and strong willed. T.J., you are athletic, faith-formed and have a beautiful heart. Brittany, you are such a giving girl. Joelle, your heart is the free spirit, and you are my mother in a mini version. That is such a beautiful blessing.
As I continue being a dad and grandpa, I also want to tell my grandkids to keep exploring your faith. It's only going to lead you to a better life. Keep close to God and keep close to Mary. She's the best. She will guide you the right way.
Love Your Dad, Jim Poettgen
DEAR JACK, MAGGIE, CHARLIE AND JANE,
God has blessed me tremendously by providing me the opportunity to be your dad. You have all chosen to prioritize your faith, and that is the best Father’s Day gift I could ever ask for. Jack and Maggie, you have been the quintessential siblings to Charlie and Jane and have been amazing sources of constant help and love to them and me and mom too.
Charlie and Jane, you have embraced the challenges God has placed upon you and have never complained about all the extra things you need to do daily. The support you show
JIM POETTGEN DOCUMENTS A FAMILY DAY WITH HIS DAUGHTERS CICELY, T.J., BRITTANY AND JOELLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF JIM POETTGEN
REFLECTIONS ON POPE FRANCIS
BY MEG WATERS
ON THE ROAD TO EMMAUS, Jesus, whose identity was hidden from them, met up with two of His grieving disciples on their journey home following the heartbreak of the crucifixion. While walking with them, He consoled them by explaining the purpose behind the Messiah’s suffering and death, encouraging them to see How God had fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies to wrestle with evil for man’s salvation. Then they recognized Him in the breaking of the bread, and overjoyed, they returned immediately to Jerusalem to share the good news with the apostles.
According to Msgr. John Urell, this story best illustrates the themes of encounter, accompaniment and encouragement, which were central to Pope Francis’s worldview and legacy. Msgr. Urell spoke on May 19 at a gathering of the local affiliate of the National Council of Catholic Women’s recent dinner meeting, speaking on the “Pastoral Legacies of Pope Francis.”
“Pope Francis, in a homily, said something like, ‘Are we so caught up in our lives that no matter what happens in the world, we read it and then go on to the next thing?”
He added: “We think — So many are killed in this place, but I wonder how the Dodgers did? He was pointing to global indifference and how it permeates every one of us.”
The antidote to this indifference is to encounter each other, “to allow oneself to be moved with compassion and then draw near to touch and to say, ‘do not weep’. This is the culture of Encounter — it can be seen in the way one looks at people they have never met, in the shopping centers, at the supermarket, on the road or at a person quite different from us —
their race, their origin, do we see the dignity in them?”
To illustrate Pope Francis’ theme of accompaniment, Monsignor shared a story of a young mother who had a disabled child. One day, she allowed her son to go to the store by himself, but he was late returning home. She waited outside for him, and when she saw him, she asked what had taken so long. He blurted out that on the way home, he saw his friend Susan, who had dropped her doll and it broke.
The mother said, So you stopped to help her pick it up?
No, the boy said, I had to stop and help her cry.
“A culture of accompaniment means we stay there with people and get to know them," said Msgr. Urell. “It’s so fundamental and is one of the things on which Francis built his legacy. He said we go to the peripheries, we don’t just hear and walk away, we accompany each other.”
Msgr. Urell suggested that in our prayers, we ask the Lord how he sees us.
“Sit with the Lord and say, ‘how do you see me? What do you see in me? What do you like?’ When you’re with someone you do not like, say to the Lord, ‘What is it you see in this person?’ This is the beginning of the culture of encounter."
It takes time to encounter, accompany and encourage, but in it we give dignity to all people, and as St. Paul says in Romans 5:1-5, “We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us."
If we learn to build a culture of encounter, we will all make it safely home, together.C
MSGR. JOHN URELL DISCUSSES THE PASTORAL LEGACIES OF POPE FRANCIS ON MAY 19. THE EVENT WAS HOSTED BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN, ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE OF LOS ANGELES AND HELD AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ATTENDEES OF THE MAY 19 LECTURE POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO WITH MSGR. JOHN URELL.
JSERRA HOSTS THE JESPY AWARDS
BY LOU PONSI
THE JSERRA CATHOLIC High
School athletes who distinguished themselves or their teams in extraordinary fashion were celebrated for their achievements at JSerra’s 5th Annual JESPY Awards.
In a ceremony akin to the Academy Awards, the JESPYS took place May 29 on the main field, kicking off a weekend of graduation festivities.
“The 2024-25 school year has been another phenomenal year for JSerra, one that continues to shine a light on our student athletes and coaches,” athletic director Chris Ledyard said.
The most prestigious award was for the male and female athlete of the year. To be considered, the athlete must have competed in their varsity sport(s) and “brought a level of excellence in that sport.”
The Female Athlete of the Year was Shea Gonzalez who starred on the Lions girls flag football team. Gonzalez, who scored 38 touchdowns in 27 games, leading the Lions to a league title and a berth in the playoffs. She was named to the All CIF-SS Division 1 first team, the all-county first team and was co-MVP of the Trinity League.
“It feels great, knowing the great competition I was up against,” Gonzalez said. “It’s just crazy to actually win it.”
The Male Athlete of the Year was Lions soccer player Gavin Allegaert. Allegaert scored 21 goals and had 10 assists, playing a key role in the Lions undefeated season and the Trinity League championship, CIF SS Open Division title and Southern California Division 1 Regional title. Allegaert was named CIF SS Open Division Player of the Year, Trinity League MVP and was an all-county first team honoree.
“I just feel honored to be selected out of all the great athletes that are at the
school,” said Allegaert, who is taking his game to UC San Diego. “Walking up for the award felt like an out of body experience.”
The achievements of several other JSerra athletes and teams were also highlighted.
They include:
■ Eight Lions teams won Trinity League Championships — girls cross country, girls flag football, boys water polo, boys soccer, girls lacrosse, girls track and field, girls beach volleyball and boys tennis.
■ Girls cross country won its fourth consecutive CIF Southern Section Division 4 title and its fourth consecutive CIF Division 4 state title.
■ Girls track and field won its third CIF Southern Section Division three title.
■ Boys water polo won its third consecutive CIF Southern California Division 1 Regional title.
JSERRA ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CHRIS LEDYARD SPEAKS DURING THE MAY 29 JESPY AWARDS.
JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL HOSTED ITS JESPY AWARDS ON MAY 29. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
■ Boys soccer had a “season for the age,” the AD said, finishing at 20-0 and capturing the Southern Section Open Division title, CIF Southern California Division 1 Regional title, and the Trinity League title. Boys soccer coach Eric Kirsch was named the CIF Coach of the Year.
■ Tennis players Riley Anson and Brady Schaefgen won the CIF Southern Section Individual Doubles Championship.
■ Swimmer Luke Stark was one of JSerra’s valedictorians, and senior track and cross-country athlete Annalise Packard was selected as a salutatorian.
Additionally, Ledyard announced that more than 20 student-athletes received sacraments of initiation within the Catholic Church this year.
“Our student-athletes remain connected to a life centered around accepting Christ,” Ledyard said.
Two former JSerra athletes and one team were named to the JSerra Catholic High School Hall of Fame:
■ Juan Guiterrez (2013), former
JSerra boys Soccer standout
■ Luciana Shafer (2008), pioneer of the JSerra girls volleyball program
■ JSerra Girls Cross Country teams of 2010-12, who left a lasting legacy of competitive excellence.
The guest speaker for the festivities was Olympic Gold medalist Mike Eruzione, team captain of the United States Men’s National Hockey Team that defeated Russia to win the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. The victory has been said to be one of the greatest upsets in sports.
“It was an accomplishment by a group of athletes who believed,” the Olympian said. “We believed in ourselves, but more importantly, we believed in each other. And that's a great place to be.”
Eruzione added: “The athletes who are being honored tonight probably talked about the same thing. There's no better place to be than in a locker room with players and teammates who believe they can be the best and to be successful.” C
GUEST SPEAKER MIKE ERUZIONE ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF JSERRA’S JESPY AWARDS HELD ON MAY 29. PHOTOS COURTESY OF
JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
JESPY AWARD WINNER, SHEA GONZALEZ: GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
JESPY AWARD WINNER, GAVIN ALLEGAERT: BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
THE NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC REVIVAL: “THE ST. KATHARINE DREXEL ROUTE”
BY BRADLEY ZINT
PILGRIMS FROM throughout California and the country will be passing through the Diocese of Orange later this month as part of the 2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a years-long effort to promote devotion and belief of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
From June 18 to 20, Diocese of Orange parishes as well as Christ Cathedral will be hosting the pilgrims for Masses, Adoration, guest speakers, walking processions, driving processions and other activities. Parishioners of Orange County are invited to participate. A registration link is available under the dates at www.rcbo.org/events
The pilgrims’ journey, dubbed the St. Katharine Drexel Route, began on May 18 in Indianapolis, where the National Eucharistic Congress took place last summer. It then passed through the Midwest and down south to El Paso, Texas, before heading westward to San Bernardino and San Diego.
From San Diego, it will come northward through Orange County and conclude on June 20 to 22 in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
In Orange County, the journey starts at noon on June 18 when the pilgrims arrive at Our Lady of Fatima parish in San Clemente. The monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament will be ceremoniously passed on to the Diocese of Orange before Adoration begins. Then a driving caravan will journey on to JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, where Adoration continues at 5:30 p.m. and a Mass of Thanksgiving at 6 p.m. The day ends with a walking procession from JSerra south to Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, where additional time for Adoration is scheduled through the night.
On June 19, Mission Basilica will host an 8 a.m. Mass before the group drives north to visit St. Thomas More parish in Irvine, Holy Family in Orange, St. John Maron
FROM JUNE 18 TO 20, DIOCESE OF ORANGE PARISHES AS WELL AS CHRIST CATHEDRAL WILL BE HOSTING THE PILGRIMS FOR MASSES, ADORATION, GUEST SPEAKERS, WALKING PROCESSIONS, DRIVING PROCESSIONS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Maronite in Orange and Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove.
A walking procession is planned between St. John Maron and Christ Cathedral, which is also hosting an evening of fellowship with food trucks, a procession around the cathedral plaza, speakers, Adoration, praise and worship music.
The Drexel Route then will move on into the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, leaving Christ Cathedral the morning of June 20.
Joining the Drexel Route pilgrims is another group calling themselves Camino de California. Their pilgrimage starts Northern California in early June before joining the Drexel Route in San Diego, through the Diocese of Orange and ending in Los Angeles.
For more information on the National Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese, visit www.rcbo.org/revival C
A MESSAGE FROM OUR BISHOPS
STATEMENT ON SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST, and Friends All:
As our Southern California communities continue to experience devastating disruptions, unease, and unrest amidst fears of immigration enforcement raids, we, the bishops of the Diocese of Orange pray for the safety of all people. We call upon all involved and affected to remain calm, respectful, and nonviolent.
Immigration laws have their place in society, as does enforcement of them, particularly to apprehend known criminals. But there is also a place for enforcement that does not invoke our worst instincts, that does not spread crippling fear and anxieties upon the hard-working, everyday faithful among us. As we said, together with the bishops of California on December 12, "We realize that the calls for mass deportations and raids on undocumented individuals and migrant families have created genuine fear for so many we shepherd in our dioceses. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacred dignity of every person, we commit to accompanying and walking in solidarity with you, our migrant brothers, sisters, and families through this uncertain time. We will shepherd you spiritually, gather information and resources, and continue to advocate for your dignity and family unity."
Thoughtful change must come from our country’s leaders in the form of a policy that recognizes boundaries and borders yet also promotes openness for those in search of a better life. It has been far too many decades since meaningful immigration reform has happened in Washington. We cannot wait any longer.
Now is the time. Now is the moment to address these pressing issues, so that we may move forward into a brighter, and more just, future for all.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us and intercede for us. Protect us with your mantle of love and compassion.C
ST. MARTIN DE PORRES PARISH CELEBRATES BLUE MASS
BY MIKE ZINN
SINCE 2015, ST. MARTIN de Porres parish in Yorba Linda has celebrated the Blue Mass in honor of current First Responders, those who have died in the line of duty and retirees from the field.
Nine total Blue Masses have been held, with the pandemic forcing one to be cancelled. This year’s Blue Mass, which was celebrated on May 24, honored representatives from the city of Yorba Linda’s police and fire departments, 911 operators, EMS and probation department personnel. Additionally, members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol, the District Attorney's Office, representatives from the Coast Guard and various local government officials attended the Mass to offer their support. The parish faithful were also in attendance.
While he was pastor of St. Martin de Porres, Fr. Sy Nguyen teamed with Deacon Denis Zaun to create this memorable event.
“We felt it was important to honor and acknowledge deceased, current and retired First Responders,” said Deacon Denis. “It
is a great opportunity for our parishioners to gather and honor those who serve others.”
The history of the Blue Mass dates back to 1934, when police officers gathered to pray for their fallen comrades and ask for God’s blessing for their safety. The original Blue Masses were held on or around Sept. 29, which is the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, protector of those in danger.
For St. Martin de Porres parish, Memorial Day Weekend was chosen for its traditional honoring of those who have served our country. Deacon Denis also pointed out that May was initially chosen to coincide with several emergency service commemorations, such as Firefighters' Day, Police Week and Public Service Recognition Week. History says the Mass was dubbed “Blue” due to the blue-colored uniforms
predominantly worn by those employed in the safety field.
Fr. Bruce Patterson, pastor of St. Martin de Porres, celebrated this year’s Mass.
“The annual Blue Mass at St. Martin de Porres has become a beloved tradition here and allows us the opportunity to thank and bless all those who serve and protect us,” said. Fr. Bruce.
Current First Responders, some in uniform and some in civilian clothes, served as lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and hospitality ministers during Mass. Following the service, the congregation proceeded to a designated spot in the parking lot to bless approximately 12 vehicles, which included ambulances, police vehicles and a fire truck. The blessing of the fire truck was a particularly impactful moment on Memorial Day weekend, with the ladder raised and the American flag blowing in the breeze. This significant celebration culminated with a reception in the parish’s Gathering Plaza.
The event was a perfect way for the devoted St. Martin de Porres family to kick off their Memorial Day weekend, offering thanks and blessings to all those who live a service-filled life. C
THE BLUE MASS WAS CELEBRATED ON MAY 24 AT ST. MARTIN DE PORRES CATHOLIC CHURCH IN YORBA LINDA. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
THE BLUE MASS HONORS CURRENT FIRST RESPONDERS, THOSE WHO HAVE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND RETIREES FROM THE FIELD.
HOLY TRINITY PARISH WELCOMES GUEST SPEAKER LILA ROSE
BY BRITNEY
ASOUTH ORANGE County parish recently hosted a national pro-life activist who shared her long-standing fight for the lives of the unborn and how every Catholic is called to action.
Lila Rose was a guest speaker at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Ladera Ranch on May 6 as part of a speaker series for the church’s jubilee celebration of 20 years serving the community. Rose, a wife and mother of three, is the founder and president of Live Action, a national nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about the truth of abortion and ending the practice.
“In this country that we call our home, America, this place that is blessed by God in so many ways, we are at a crossroads,” Rose said. “And the crossroads is one that not many people even realize that we are at. The crossroads is a question of: Will we protect life and value life and all the blessings that come with it … or will we reject a future of life, the protection of life and instead will we be a culture of death?”
Rose, one of eight children in an evangelical Christian family in Northern California, shared her story of picking up the book “The Handbook on Abortion” as a teenager. She recalled opening it up to see pictures of a baby growing inside a womb, then turned the page to see a 10-week-old baby torn apart by suction abortion.
“I remember looking at this image and just being cut to the heart, thinking, ‘Is this real?’” Rose said.
Live Action began soon thereafter, now reaching 46 million people a month. Rose stressed that although many think everyone has their minds made up about abortion, no one is past the point of hope.
“In a fight for life, this isn’t just about people’s opinions and personal preferences,” Rose said. “It’s about life or death for human beings who have a right to life. But just as importantly, we should have hope.”
Rose ended her talk with a call to action:
First, ask God over the Blessed Sacrament what He wants you to do about abortion and the fight for life; second, speak up not just about abortion, but all connected issues, like sexual ethics and marriage.
“Do not be afraid to speak to the truth," Rose said. "Your willingness to speak the truth, even if people reject it, they mock it, they ignore it. If you do not speak the
ZINT
LILA ROSE, A PROLIFIC PRO-LIFE WRITER, SPEAKER AND ACTIVIST WHO FOUNDED AND SERVES AS PRESIDENT OF LIVE ACTION, WHICH REACHES MILLIONS OF VIEWERS MONTHLY, SPEAKS DURING A SPECIAL EVENT AT HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LADERA RANCH ON TUESDAY, MAY 6. PHOTOS
BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
FR. MICHAEL ST. PAUL, PASTOR OF HOLY TRINITY PARISH, SPEAKS DURING A SPECIAL EVENT HELD ON MAY 6.
truth, who will?”
Rose encouraged involvement, like volunteering at a pregnancy resource center or praying outside an abortion clinic.
Bishop Kevin Vann pointed to the importance of human life when discussing his mother, a nurse at a Catholic hospital. She presided over many births and taught nursing. Bishop Vann remarked how “the name Mrs. Vann means a lot more than Bishop Vann” in Springfield, Illinois, where they lived.
“She wanted to be teaching the importance of human life before birth,” Bishop Vann said.
Holy Trinity pastor Fr. Michael St. Paul said he hopes his parishioners will “renew their strength in their faith and their stance on pro-life.”
Alex Serra, 15, brought his mother, Cathy Mariano, and grandmother, Renee Torres, to hear Rose speak. Mariano said she found it very inspirational and wants to learn more about Live Action.
“I think a lot of people don’t know about abortion,” Mariano said. “I think there’s a lot of ignorance about what happens.”
Torres agreed that the information is especially important for young adults.
“They have to learn what that means when you get together,” Torres said. “You are creating something that is blessed, that is a blessing.” C
HOLY TRINITY PARISH IN LADERA RANCH HOSTED
LILA ROSE ADDRESSES ATTENDEES DURING A SPECIAL EVENT AT HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN LADERA RANCH. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
A FAMILY UNITED IN LOVE
BY SR. DIANE HEISS, SDSH
FOR MOST OF US, one of our deepest, if not the deepest, longings and yearnings is to love and to be loved. Although we might find it difficult to verbally acknowledge this as it could expose our vulnerability, we read about that desire in stories, see it portrayed in films and hear it in our music.
For those of us in a certain generation, we might remember the song “Looking for love in all the wrong places,” while the younger generations can easily find current songs on this same theme. When we do not know the source of true love, nor even what true love acts, feels, looks and sounds like, then yes, our love-starved hearts and souls will search in all the wrong places, just as a starving person will eat any food, even the unhealthiest, just to remain alive.
Have you ever imagined living in a family where there is perfect acceptance, forgiveness, generosity, goodness, love and understanding? Seems too good to be true, right? Right, for it is impossible for such a family to exist since we are all wounded by original sin! AND YET, this family exists, and we actually belong to it. We were baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” At our baptism, we were adopted into the Family of God, the Holy Trinity, and so we have the privilege and the right to address God as our Father.
God’s love is so complete, real and total, that each of us is loved personally, exclusively and infinitely. St. Augustine expressed this admirably when he said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Taking that a step further,
observe all that I have commanded you." (Mt. 28:19-20)
Let us, then, do our part to help others know this family united in love, the Holy Trinity.
FOR YOUR FAMILY
■ Pray the Sign of the Cross and the Glory Be slowly and lovingly, focusing on the words as you pronounce the names of each of the persons of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit.
■ Have a special prayer, including Bible readings on the Trinity and Trinity songs such as “Come Holy Ghost.”
■ Find online crafts and activities for Trinity Sunday.
■ Celebrate today’s feast of the Holy Trinity with a special meal featuring trinitarian recipes. Bake and enjoy a cake or cookies in the shape of a shamrock. St. Patrick illustrated his teaching about the Holy Trinity (one God in three equal Persons) with the three equal leaves on one shamrock.C
we can say that Jesus, motivated by His love for God the Father and us, died for each of us as if there were only one of us. The Holy Spirit, the love between the Father and the Son, is given to each of us to help us live as true children of God our Father and brothers and sisters of Jesus, our brother.
Today, June 15, is the Feast of the Holy Trinity, celebrated one week after Pentecost. The Holy Trinity is the central
mystery of our Christian faith: we believe in one God in three Divine Persons. The three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity were clearly revealed at the Baptism of Jesus (see Mt. 3:16-17). Before Jesus returned home to heaven at the Ascension, He specifically commissioned His apostles to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
ST. PATRICK ILLUSTRATED HIS TEACHING ABOUT THE HOLY TRINITY WITH A SHAMROCK. PHOTO BY JANINE MEUCHE ON UNSPLASH
OC Catholic Afar
Joe and Barbara Baldo along with friends, Tom and Debbie Barker, just returned from Canada spending a day at St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal.
—The Baldos and Barkers are long-time parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Yorba Linda.
We want your photos! Send your pictures of “OC Catholic Afar” — of you, family or friends visiting Catholic churches and other interesting places — to editor@occatholic.com. Please include a brief description of the photo, the name of the person(s) featured in the photo and their home parish.
