TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
PAGE 5
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
OUR LADY OF THE BROKEN
HOW A BROKEN STATUE OF MARY HELPED HEAL A BROKEN MAN PAGE 7
A PARISHIONER PRAYS BEFORE OUR LADY OF THE BROKEN STATUE DURING A SPECIAL EVENT WITH FORMER RADIO PERSONALITY AND AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARIAN KEVIN MATTHEWS ON OCT. 17 AT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ANAHEIM HILLS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
WOMEN IN SPORTS +
Pathways Night
Join us for Women in Sports + Pathways Night at Rosary Academy! Meet our coaches, teachers, and students, explore athletic opportunities and specialized Pathways Programs, and discover how your daughter can pursue her passions both on and off the field. Experience the supportive community that empowers young women to grow in confidence, build meaningful connections, and thrive.
Pathways Programs
Scan to RSVP
Computer Science
Leadership
Performing Arts
Engineering
Medical
Culinary Arts
Law
Performing Arts
Business
Monday, November 17 | 5–7:30 PM Rosary Academy | Karcher Center
Savoring our Faith Join OC Catholic’s Recipe Swap!
Sharing recipes highlights the importance of gathering with family, friends and our broader Diocese of Orange faith community. Please share your favorite recipes, along with your name and parish. Send your favorite seasonal dish, or a recipe that has special meaning to you or your family. Tell us why it’s important to you! Our editors will pick their favorites to be featured in OC Catholic throughout the year. Submissions must include a photo of the completed recipe. Categories are entrees, appetizers, side dishes, beverages and desserts. Send your recipes and photos to: editor@occatholic.com Disclaimer: Only high resolution photos will be considered for publication in the print edition of OC Catholic. Orange County Catholic, the Diocese of Orange and Southern California News Group reserve the right to publish all submitted materials, including recipes, photos and personal anecdotes. Photos become the property of the Diocese of Orange and may be used for publication in OC Catholic or by the Diocese of Orange for print or online publication or social media purposes. Only recipes submitted by parishioners living in the Diocese of Orange will be considered.
NOVEMBER 1, 2026
CONTENTS
8 9 10 12 14
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
La Purísima student Owen Mulholland makes an impact among his peers.
ROSARY STUDENT’S CALL TO SERVICE
Junior Sofia Lombardi volunteers with No Limits for Deaf Children and Families.
SERVITE REPRESENTATIVES ATTEND AI SUMMIT IN ROME
The contingent included educators and alumni for the Church’s commission on AI technology.
CELEBRATING ITALIAN CULTURE IN IRVINE
The Knights of Columbus hosted La Festa Italiana at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.
CALLED AND SENT
The Feast of All Saints shows us that holiness is lived in daily lives.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC MISSION STATEMENT The Orange County Catholic Newspaper seeks to illuminate and animate the journey of faith for Catholics within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange – building solidarity among the faithful and inviting a deeper understanding and involvement in the mission of Christ – through the timely sharing of news, commentary and feature content in an engaging, accessible and compelling format.
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com
ADVERTISING Sr. Director of Marketing: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams
Art Director: Marissa Chamberlain
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.
OCCatholic.com
OCCatholicNews
@OCCCatholicNews
Restrictions and eligibility requirements may apply. See advisor for details.
Restrictions and eligibility requirements may apply. See advisor for details.
0% INTEREST FOR 3 YEARS
November Special
E: info@occem.org | T: (888) 543-5020 | W: occem.org OFFER VALID THROUGH 11/30/2026
DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
PRAYER SPOT
“
In moments of darkness, baptism is light. — Pope Leo XIV
PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY FLETCHER
SAINT PROFILE
READER CALL-OUT
This is my prayer spot. It is so special because included are crosses that were made by my triplets while attending St. Irenaeus years ago, and from funerals, travels and gifts. I see it every time I walk down my hall, and I smile and say a prayer.
ALL SAINTS
T
HE APOSTLES’ CREED LISTS “the communion of saints” among Catholic beliefs, and since at least the ninth century the church has honored everyone in heaven, including angels, formally recognized martyrs and saints, and all those who had died in God’s friendship, with a November feast. As early as 411, the Eastern church celebrated a feast of all martyrs in May. The custom gradually spread to other regions and included nonmartyrs. In England the feast formerly was known as All Hallows, that is, made holy, which gave rise to Halloween. C
—Judy Fletcher, St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, Cypress. Do you have a favorite prayer spot? 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
4
”
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
WIS 3:1–9; PSALM 23; JN 6:37–40
PHIL 2:5–11; PSALM 22; LK 14:15–24;
PHIL 2:12–18; PSALM 27; LK 14:25–33
PHIL 3:3–8A; PSALM 105; LK 15:1–10
PHIL 3:17—4:1; PSALM 122; LK 16:1–8
PHIL 4:10–19; PSALM 112; LK 16:9–15
WIS 6:12–16; PSALM 63; MT 25:1–13
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
FEATURE
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS
ST. PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION MOVEMENT IS EXPANDING IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE BY GREG HARDESTY
I
T WAS A SUNNY and breezy beautiful day when Daniel Bukaty and other parishioners of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church set up their table at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza. They were there to provide information about the Catholic faith and to hand out rosaries and literature. They ended up giving away over 150 rosaries, miraculous medals and crosses over the course of a few hours and having meaningful conversations with more than 20 people from different faith backgrounds. “We met people from Brazil and Canada, as well as people from all over the United States,” Bukaty recalled. He and his fellow parishioners are trained members of St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE), a grassroots, Catholic evangelization organization that equips Catholics to share their faith in the public square. SPSE has grown from a single team in Michigan 14 years ago to a nationwide movement with hundreds of teams across the United States and beyond. Now, SPSE is taking off in Orange County. In addition to Saints Simon and Jude, groups have formed at Our Lady of the Pillar in Santa Ana and Holy Family in Orange under the leadership of Fortune Guzman, coordinator of parish evangelization for the diocese, and Luis A. Chavez, director of Parish Evangelization and Faith Formation.
NO PRESSURE
Inspired by the example of the Apostle Paul, who boldly proclaimed the Gospel in the marketplaces and public
forums of his day, SPSE trains ordinary Catholics to do the same. The evangelists set up tables in parks, downtown areas, farmers markets and other public spaces, offering free rosaries, miraculous medals, Catholic literature and most importantly, the opportunity for conversation about Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. “The Church exists for the salvation of souls,” Guzman said. “We’re seeing a real hunger out there and sometimes all people need is an invitation. “First of all,” he added, “many of the people we encounter can’t believe we’re Catholic. Once they realize we are, there’s a sense of trust. Our approach is sharing our faith naturally with no pressure and no arguing.” Chavez said the goal is to get people to return to the Church and become regular parishioners, but the ministry, he added, is about more than that. “We want people to encounter the love of Christ, even if it’s just having a simple conversation with them,” Chavez said.
A DIOCESAN PRIORITY
With evangelization a priority for the diocese and its bishops, O.C. Church officials first hosted training with an SPSE instructor in early 2023. Guzman kick-started the creation of teams and gave structure to the effort. The diocese supports him and engages in follow-up with SPSE team members. Participants in SPSE go through up to eight hours of training in the art of listening, befriending, proclaiming and inviting. Volunteers commit to hitting the streets once a month for a couple of hours, but many commit much more time, Chavez noted.
IMMERSION 2025, THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR ST. PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION, TOOK PLACE JULY 17-19, 2025, AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PART OF THE CONFERENCE WAS SPENT MINISTERING TO OTHERS ON THE STREETS OF ORANGE COUNTY. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The goal is to have at least one SPSE team at every parish in Orange County, he said.
MOVING TESTIMONIES
Eduardo Salcedo, a team leader at Our Lady of the Pillar, recalled a married couple who had been experiencing difficulties because the husband struggled with drinking and drug use.
“My wife and I shared our testimony with them about how God transformed our lives, and we invited them to join our parish support group,” Salcedo said. “They began attending the meetings and later shared with us that they are doing much better and have found hope and support through the group.” Katrina Wallace, an SPSE team CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
5
FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
PICTURED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: SERGIO CORONA, TEAM LEADER; KATRINA WALLACE, TEAM MEMBER; ROSEMARIE ALOR, TEAM LEADER; DEACON STEVE GRECO, DIRECTOR OF EVANGELIZATION AND FORMATION; BISHOP THANH THAI NGUYEN; EDUARDO SALCEDO, TEAM LEADER; MARTHA ARENAS, LUMEN CHRISTI SCHOOL OF EVANGELIZATION MANAGER; FORTUNE GUZMAN, COORDINATOR OF PARISH EVANGELIZATION. PHOTO COURTESY OF FORTUNE GUZMAN
To report sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel please call: 1 (800) 364-3064 Healing and Hope After Abortion: 1 (800) 722-4356 New Hope Peer-to-Peer Support Line | Mon - Fri 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM | Sat - Sun 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM: 1 (714) NEW-HOPE or 1 (714) 639-4673 BÁO CÁO LẠM DỤNG TÌNH DỤC Nếu bạn là nạn nhân bị lạm dụng tình dục bởi một linh mục/ tu sĩ hay một thành viên trong Giáo Hội gây ra, xin hãy gọi và báo cáo cho Giáo phận ở số điện thoại miễn phí sau đây: 1-800-364-3064, và đồng thời báo cáo cho nhà chức trách địa phương. 본당내의 성적학대 신고 성직자나 성당 사목을 대표하는 관리자에 의한 성적 학대의 피해자 인 경우, 교구청의 무료 신고 전화 번호, 1-800-364-3064 및 관할 지역 법 집행 기관에 전화하십시오.
member at Holy Family, said her participation in the ministry has begun to change her impulse to sometimes be more concerned with being right than with being gentle. “I have learned that evangelization begins not with correcting someone, but with encountering and loving the person in front of me and trusting the Holy Spirit to do what I cannot,” Wallace said. Sergio Corona, an SPSE team leader at Our Lady of the Pillar, recalled an encounter with a man at a bus stop who was experiencing deep loneliness and a young man living on the streets who was suffering from a hangover and asking for money. “When we asked about their prayer needs,” Corona said, “we were initially rejected. But when we offered them a gift from God through the sacramentals we have with us while evangelizing, they opened themselves to the grace and power of prayer. Suddenly, the
6
expressions on their faces changed from hopelessness to the joy that only God can give.” Rosemarie Alor, a team leader at Holy Family, didn’t realize the impact serving as an SPSE volunteer would have on her. “I took the basic class and shortly after I found myself giving out miraculous medals to all my friends and random strangers,” she said. “I gave a medal to an older homeless woman. The joy I saw in her eyes moved me deeply — it seemed as if I had given her a precious pearl. “Reflecting upon this encounter,” Alor added, “I actually did give her something that money can’t buy: the gift of our faith and the strength that comes from knowing that God is with us.” Remarked Chavez: “Every time I hear testimony, it’s just so rewarding to see what God is doing.” Parish leaders interested in learning more can email fguzman@rcbo.org or streetevangelization.com C
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
FEATURE
OUR LADY OF THE BROKEN HOW A BROKEN STATUE OF MARY HELPED HEAL A BROKEN MAN BY GREG MELLEN
W
“
ILL YOU DENY ME? Will you deny my Mother?” That was the simple life-altering question a voice posed to Kevin Matthews on a November day as he stood alone outside a Midwest flower shop looking down at a broken concrete statue of the Virgin Mary. There, next to a dumpster, amid the mud, clutter and detritus, lay the statue, broken in two. It was the serene visage of the Holy Mother. The statue would be instantly recognizable to any Catholic, even a self-described “zombie Catholic” as Matthews called himself at the time. Matthews, who was suffering from a rare form of multiple sclerosis, had just been fired from a career in which he had once been one of the country’s most
KEVIN MATTHEWS AND OUR LADY OF THE BROKEN VISITED SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA CATHOLIC PARISH IN ANAHEIM HILLS ON OCT. 17. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
recognized radio personalities. He was at rock bottom facing a decision about what to do with a battered concrete statue destined for a landfill. That’s how it began, his long journey to redemption, healing and faith. A winding path from a trash heap to a procession on the streets of Chicago, to the Vatican, to cathedrals and chapels, hospitals and hospices, and now the Diocese of Orange. And as he travels, Matthews shares a simple message that resonates in our fractured world — we are all broken, but we’re loved by God.
Saturday night with an appearance of San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Anaheim Hills. It may seem a peculiar coincidence that Matthews would meet the same students who were at the Vatican praying for the restoration of their statue on the same day the pope blessed Our Lady of the Broken. While the Long Beach statue is nearing completion of its restoration, Matthews and Our Lady of the Broken offered inspiration and showed that healing and redemption are possible. “There are no coincidences,” said Matthews, whose life has been so full of converging stories during his travels as Mary’s roadie, that he no longer “overthinks it.” “God has it all planned,” he said.
THE CRASH
To understand how far afield Matthews went to find Mary, you have to go BLESSED BY THE POPE back to Chicago in the 1980s. In the town This message resonated enough with of MJ and the Bulls, Mike Ditka and Pope Leo XIV that in February when the "Da Bears" and Oprah, Kevin Matthews pontiff met Matthews, statue in tow, he loomed equally large. In a time when not only blessed them but officially recHoward Stern and Rick Dees were kings ognized the statue then known as Broken of East and West Coast radio, respectiveMary as Our Lady of the Broken. ly, while in the Midwest there was Kevin She still bears the blemishes from Matthews, broadcasting to 10 million lisher original meeting with Matthews. teners on The Loop radio. He was an antic Although a craftsman reattached the top cross between Stern, without the raunch, and bottom halves of the 3-foot sculpand Dees without the Hollywood polish, ture and offered a thorough restoration, but with better music. He was as Chicago Matthews insisted her broken hands be as Harry Carey. left alone as a reminder of their shared Ask any Chicagoan of a certain age frailty. Also remaining are cracks and about Jim Shorts, one of Matthews' iconic chips along her shawl and robe and faded characters, or the”Kev-heads” and you paint that tell of her rough condition will get a hearty laugh. when found. For 20 years, Matthews rode the On a recent weekend, Matthews and tumultuous waves of the radio business Our Lady of the Broken were in Southand skirmished with the Federal Comern California, where they visited Holy munications Commission. Then, in 2008, Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach, he was diagnosed with MS after suffering where earlier this year the school’s hissymptoms on his show. He was eventualtoric 1958 Virgin Mary statue had been ly fired in 2011. smashed and toppled by vandals. MatAfter his discovery of the Broken thews and Our Lady also toured Christ Mary, it took a few years before severCathedral, where they encountered al priests finally talked Matthews into diocesan relics and visited the Shroud of sharing his experiences and embracTurin Museum. The weekend concluded ing his faith. He has since written two
books, been featured with Mary in an award-winning and Emmy-nominated 2025 documentary film Broken Mary: The Kevin Matthews Story, and travels regularly to speaking engagements. His website, brokenmary.com, is a one-stop shop for merchandise, bookings and free prayers and rosary readings.
PARISHIONERS FLOCK TO THE MOTHER
Matthews told his story with Our Lady of the Broken to a gathering of about 150 to 200 parishioners at San Antonio de Padua. Delivering a talk that was at times raw and personal and at other times raucous, Matthews reminded the parishioners to be nice, to be unabashedly Catholic, to go to confession and to recite the rosary (on his free app if you like). Then he invited them to come down and meet Our Lady of the Broken. “She’s not mine, she’s yours,” he said. “Spend some time with her, she’ll clean you up. Go to her, she’s here.” And so the faithful did just that for the next hour: singly, in pairs and in groups. Some knelt, some bowed, some just stood quietly. Some brought personal and sacred items to touch to the statue, some took pictures on their phones, some touched her broken hands and kissed her feet. And with faith they just may have left a piece of brokenness behind. C
A MAN TAKES A MOMENT OF SILENCE BEFORE THE STATUE OF OUR LADY OF THE BROKEN.
N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
7
DIOCESAN NEWS
LEADERSHIP IN OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SPOTLIGHT ON: OWEN MULHOLLAND, LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL BY MIKE ZINN
L
A PURÍSIMA EIGHTH-GRADE student Owen Mulholland and his family have been deeply connected to the school and parish for many years. Now in his 11th year at the school, Mulholland follows in the footsteps of two older brothers and one older sister who also attended La Purísima. Principal Aaron DeLoera summed up Mulholland’s career at La Purísima by saying, “He has made an impact. He has a certain presence when he walks into the room. The tone is set, let’s get to business.” Alejandra Hurtado, his eighth-grade homeroom, math and science teacher, said, “He is empathetic and cares for his classmates. When he sees a fellow student struggling, he will reach out and welcome the student into his friend group.” Academically, Mulholland has distinguished himself as a well-rounded student, with particular strengths in math and history. He has also participated in a specialized math program offered through Pax Christi and Arizona State University. La Purísima follows Pax Christi’s core values by providing a welcoming, faith-centered environment where every child is known, valued and inspired to grow. Through the program, Hurtado has observed Mulholland acting as an “unofficial mentor,” helping younger participants develop their math skills. Mulholland lists science, history and music among his favorite subjects, and he has participated in the school choir for six years. His interest in science stems from his fascination with medicine and
8
his interest in possibly becoming a pediatrician, following in his mother’s footsteps. An avid musician, he has played guitar for six years and trombone for four years. He is learning the saxophone this year and is self-taught on the piano. Mulholland is active in a variety of school activities. As student council president, he helps oversee school events and works with fellow council members. He also participates in several sports teams, belongs to the chess club and serves as an altar server at church and school Masses. Mulholland hopes to attend Mater Dei High School next year, following in the footsteps of his siblings. His father also teaches there. At Mater Dei, he hopes to participate in band and choir and take as many Advanced Placement classes as possible. Looking ahead to college, he is considering UCLA or UC Irvine, both of which have medical schools. When asked how students can be “everyday leaders” on campus, Mulholland offered a simple answer: “Pay it forward.” He explained that when a teacher or staff member helps a student overcome a challenge, that student can extend the same kindness to someone else. Mulholland has put that philosophy into practice by volunteering at the La Purísima Fish Fry, the City of Orange library and the street fair. He has also been an active member of the Boy Scouts since third grade. Reflecting on that experience, he said, “It has taught me how to stay on task and complete assigned duties. Don’t be swayed away from your goal.” When asked what he would most like to be remembered for after leaving La Purísima, Mulholland offered a humble
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
OWEN MULHOLLAND IS AN EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL. PHOTO COURTESY OF LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC SCHOOL
response: “I am just another kid.” Despite his modest outlook, he has made a lasting impression on teachers,
staff and fellow students through his quiet leadership, strong presence and commitment to helping others. C
DIOCESAN PAGE HEADING NEWS
ROSARY STUDENT’S CALL TO SERVICE BY MEG WATERS
A
T ROSARY ACADEMY IN Fullerton, service is more than a graduation requirement —it’s a way of life. The school’s philosophy, rooted in the charism of “service to the dear neighbor without distinction,” encourages every student to look beyond themselves and make a meaningful impact. For junior Sofia Lombardi, this commitment has become a personal calling, propelling her into a remarkable journey of advocacy and compassion. Sofia’s dedication to service isn’t her
ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENT SOFIA LOMBARDI WAS CROWNED MISS TEEN PLACENTIA IN FEBRUARY 2026.
only distinction. After being crowned Miss Teen Placentia in February 2026, she represented her city at the state Miss Teen competition, balancing pageant commitments with a demanding academic and service schedule. Yet, it’s her quiet work behind the scenes—particularly with the deaf community—that truly distinguishes her. Sofia’s interest in the deaf community began long before her junior year service project. Inspired by a desire to connect, she studied American Sign Language (ASL) for three years at Rosary Academy, immersing herself in both the language and the culture. “Learning ASL opened my eyes to a whole new way of communicating,” she reflected. “It made me want to help bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf worlds.” That drive led her to volunteer at several nonprofits that support deaf and hardof-hearing youth. She often volunteered for a workshop through the Fullerton YMCA and helped bring the workshop to several elementary schools. No Limits for Deaf Children and Families in Culver City is an organization dedicated to empowering deaf and hardof-hearing youth. Here, Sofia found her niche at the No Limits Culinary Academy, where she helped children use cooking as a gateway to learning. Through chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients and following recipes, the young participants practiced not only their functional vocabulary but also essential math, sequencing and literacy skills. Sofia's presence provided more than just an extra set of hands; she was a mentor, a role model and a friend. Her favorite moments often came in the simplest activities: teaching the kids to sign the alphabet or celebrating small victories as they mastered new words and
ROSARY ACADEMY STUDENT SOFIA LOMBARDI VOLUNTEERS WITH NO LIMITS FOR DEAF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BASED IN CULVER CITY. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOFIA LOMBARDI
concepts. “It’s amazing to see their confidence grow,” Sofia said. “Every time a child learns something new, it feels like we’re breaking down another barrier.” Though she is still undecided about her college plans, Sofia is firm about her future direction. She hopes to major in business while continuing to use her ASL skills to serve deaf children and adults.
“I want to make a difference, no matter where I go,” she said. For Sofia Lombardi, service isn’t about fulfilling a requirement; it’s a lifelong mission. As she continues to embody Rosary Academy's values, her story testifies to the power of empathy, dedication and the belief that one person can truly bridge worlds. C
N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
9
DIOCESAN NEWS
SERVITE HIGH SCHOOL CONTINGENT ATTENDS AI SUMMIT IN ROME BY LOU PONSI
“Our baseline mission is formation-first,” Walswick said. “Whole-perCONTINGENT representson formation — spiritual, intellectual, ing Servite High School was emotional, physical, social — rather than among educators, Vatican solely academic attainment.” representatives and a broad Their visit came during the Vatican’s cross section of voices from media, first-year implementation of Magnifica creative arts and tech fields who gathered Humanitas, Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical on in Rome in September for a multiday the protection of the human person. summit convened by the Holy See’s In his 2026 message for World ComInter-Dicasterial Commission on Artifimunications Day, published by the Holy cial Intelligence. See Press Office, Pope Leo wrote, “I enIn response to the rapid acceleration courage everyone to commit themselves of artificial intelligence, an interdicasto promoting forms of communication terial commission established by Pope that always respect the truth of the huLeo XIV in May 2026 to coordinate the man person.” Catholic Church’s response to emerging The Rome convening included panels, technologies and their “potential effects steering-group discussions and written on human beings and humanity as a and spoken commitments from parSERVITE ALUM SEAN OLIU AND SERVITE PRESIDENT STEPHEN WALSWICK VISITED ST. PETER'S BASILICA IN VATICAN CITY WHILE THEY WERE THERE FOR AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CONFERENCE. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRANK DICRISI whole,” according to the Holy See. ticipants, with urgency as a recurring Pope Leo’s first encyclical, Magnifica theme, DiCrisi said. Humanitas, addresses artificial intel“The pace of change is rapid,” said ligence and the future of humanity. It DiCrisi, a parent of Servite and Rosary argues that technology is not “a force an- Academy students and a board member tagonistic to humanity,” nor is it “inherof faith-based organizations. “Past delays ently evil.” However, the encyclical states, addressing social media harms created “In practice, however, technology is never large-scale youth risks. Leaders view neutral, because it takes on the characaddressing this now as time-critical to teristics of those who devise, finance, avoid repeating that cycle.” regulate and use it.” One proposal discussed in Rome Attending the summit were the involved a partnership with the Interschool's president Stephen Walswick, national Baccalaureate and the OrganiFrank DiCrisi, a Servite graduate and zation for Economic Cooperation and prominent member of the Southern Cal- Development to pilot a student-focused ifornia Catholic school community, and framework called SenseMaker, designed Sean Oliu, also a former Friar and now a to measure aspects of human flourishing. rising star in the country music scene. “The IB expressed interest in partThe all-boys Catholic school in Ananering through Servite to deploy this heim is known for its formation-centered instrument nationally,” Walswick said. educational model, which resonates with “Vatican leaders endorsed Servite’s forthe commission’s vision of guiding young mation approach, elevating the school as people in a time of rapid technological a potential model for Catholic secondSERVITE PRESIDENT STEPHEN WALSWICK SITS ON A PANEL DURING THE FOUR-DAY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE change, Walswick said. CONTINUES ON PAGE 11 CONFERENCE IN ROME.
A
10
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
ary education worldwide.” After returning to Orange County, the delegation followed up with a parent webinar to help families understand Servite’s formation goals. By the end of 2026, the school plans to publish a Catholic charter outlining principles for responsible technology use, Walswick said. Looking ahead, Servite aims to present its findings and materials at the
National Catholic Education Conference in Anaheim in spring 2028. The school is also coordinating with diocesan leaders and local Catholic high schools to pilot formation-centered approaches and report back to Vatican partners. “We intend to be a demonstrator for formation-led education that other Catholic schools can adopt,” Walswick said. “This is about preserving and enhancing human flourishing.” C
Calling all Holiday Cooks!
OC Catholic wants your family’s favorite, tried and true recipes that find their way to your holiday tables year after year! Please include the ingredients, directions and what makes the recipe special to you. Please include a photo of the recipe or if you don’t have one, please share a special holiday photo of your choice. Also include your name and parish. Send to: editor@occatholic.com
EDUCATORS, VATICAN REPRESENTATIVES AND A BROAD CROSS SECTION OF VOICES FROM MEDIA, CREATIVE ARTS AND TECH FIELDS WHO GATHERED IN ROME IN SEPTEMBER FOR A MULTIDAY SUMMIT CONVENED BY THE HOLY SEE’S INTERDICASTERIAL COMMISSION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. PICTURED IS ST PETER'S BASILICA IN VATICAN CITY. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK DICRISI N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
11
DIOCESAN NEWS
CELEBRATING ITALIAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE IN IRVINE BY RON KUZLIK
T
HE SOUNDS AND smells of Italy pervaded Conlon Hall at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine during La Festa Italiana. The Oct. 17 festival included live music, dancing, a small auction and raffles sponsored by Knights of Columbus Centennial Council 7985 and the St. John Neumann Women’s Ministry. The highlight of La Festa Italiana was, of course, the Italian dinner prepared by Brother Knights, featuring penne pasta with meat sauce (a meatless sauce was also available), Italian sausage with bell peppers, authentic Italian meatballs, vegetables, rustic bread and salad. Dessert was a special treat of cannoli with tiramisu. La Festa Italiana is the annual fall fundraiser for the Knights of Columbus Centennial Council. “Originally, our big event in the fall used to be Oktoberfest,” Grand Knight Adrian Marrujo explained. “However, after many years, tastes changed and we stopped doing a fall event for some time.” But the Knights decided to start a new tradition and hold an Italian dinner. The event is made possible by the work and dedication of teams of volunteers from the Knights of Columbus and Women’s Ministry. Tickets were sold after Masses for three weekends before the festival. One of the Knights and the Grand Knight solicit local businesses for donations of food items, including Prego Restaurant in Tustin which donated sauces for the pasta; Ingardia Bros.
12
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS VOLUNTEER PATRICK BROWN SMILES AS HE SERVES PASTA DINNERS DURING AN OCT. 17 BENEFIT DINNER AT ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRVINE. PHOTO BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Produce Inc. which sourced authentic Italian sausage and vegetables; Alessa Restaurant in Laguna Beach which pro-
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
vided authentic Italian meatballs; Barolo Café in Tustin for donating garlic bread and tiramisu; and Sole Toscano
Italian Café in Irvine for its contribution of the cannoli dessert. CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
According to Grand Knight Marrujo, “The cannoli with tiramisu was a hit! People couldn’t stop talking about how much they enjoyed this treat!” Volunteers decorated and worked to transform the hall into an elegant and inviting Italian dining room. Then there’s the food preparation and a team of about a dozen people to serve dinner. “We were blessed that teens from the Youth Group joined us this year to help out with this task,” Marrujo said. “The night included live music by the Dan Olivo Quartet, specializing in music by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and other classics of that era,” he added. St. John Neumann’s pastor, Fr. Quyen Van Truong, noted the significance of the event. “La Festa Italiana was more than just a celebration of rich cultural heritage and culinary artistry,” he said. “It was a vibrant bridge connecting our entire community. Seeing parishioners, neighbors, Catholics and non-Catholics gather around the same table reminded us that fellowship and hospitality are at the very heart of who we are.” He added, “Our Brother Knights are truly the backbone of so many aspects of our parish life. Their unwavering dedication and selfless spirit of service shine through everything they do. La Festa Italiana was just one more reflection of how deeply committed they are to nourishing both the faith and the fellowship of our parish family.” Grand Knight Marrujo shared that proceeds from the event benefit various Knights of Columbus charities including programs supporting parish life, youth programs and scholarships for seminarians in the Diocese of Orange. According to U.S. Census estimates, the Italian-ancestry population in Orange County totals approximately 115,000 residents, with most living in Huntington Beach, Anaheim and Irvine. For more information, visit sjnirvine.org C
FROM LEFT, MARY HELEN FRAKE-MINAR, JOHN MINAR, RAY ROSCHMANN AND JANE ROSCHMANN ENJOY A KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS BENEFIT DINNER BENEFITING CHARITIES AT ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN IRVINE. PHOTOS BY STEVEN GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ST. JOHN NEUMANN'S PASTOR, FR. QUYEN VAN TRUONG, WELCOMES GUESTS TO THE PARISH’S BENEFIT DINNER.
FELIPE DELGADO, CENTER, DANCES WITH HIS WIFE, AN MIA, DURING THE OCT. 17 LA FESTA ITALIANA. N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
13
CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
CALLED AND SENT E BY JOAN PATTEN, AO
ACH YEAR, ON Nov. 1, the Solemnity of All Saints, the Church gives thanks for the countless saints who allowed Christ to live His life through them in the unique circumstances of their lives. It is also a reminder that all the baptized are called to holiness and sent into the world as Christ’s witnesses. The Second Vatican Council in Lumen Gentium teaches that the universal call to holiness is the vocation and mission of every member of the Church. Holiness is possible, with God’s grace, at all stages and in all states of life. For most Catholics, the call to holiness is lived directly in the world. By entering our human realities, Jesus assured us that He is present and waiting to meet us in all of our human experiences. Therefore, family life, work, friendships, leisure, suffering and service are equally conducive to sanctifying ourselves and the world. However, holiness cannot remain in the vertical dimension of one’s personal relationship with God. Personal holiness is a total response of love to God's infinite love. Every saint grew in holiness as they came to understand how God loved them. The love of God overflowed in the saints’ lives and bore fruit in their relationships with others. The horizontal relationship with our brothers and sisters in the world is the testing ground of holiness. The call to communion with Christ cannot be separated from our call to be in communion with others. The missionary dimension of holiness finds its source in the Eucharist, where we receive God’s
14
our lives as we wish the rest of the week. Instead, we are called to let the Eucharist be the source and summit of our daily activity as we strive to live holy lives, thereby sanctifying the world. Our worship on Sunday is meant to send us out into the world as Christ’s witnesses every day of the week until we are called back again the following Sunday to offer the fruits of our labor and return to the Father all that has been lived, suffered, and received. We can be confident that the saints are interceding for us as we go on mission this new week, encouraging us to embrace our call to holiness and live Christ’s life in the world. C
A STAINED-GLASS WINDOW DEPICTING FOUR WOMEN SAINTS: ST. TERESA BENEDICTA, ST. TERESA OF AVILA, ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX AND ST. CATHERINE OF SIENNA AT ST. THERESE OF LISIEUX R.C. CHURCH IN MONTAUK, NY. PHOTO BY NICK CASTELLI ON UNSPLASH
love. At every Mass, Christ calls us to be united with Him and to offer ourselves to the Father, with our weaknesses, burdens, desires and offerings of love. We are nourished by the Word of God and the Body of Christ, drawn into deeper communion with God, and equipped for the mission of being His witnesses in the world. At the end of each Mass, we are commissioned. “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” This is not simply a dismissal. Instead, it is meant to light a fire in our hearts so that we burn with the love of God. Having received Christ, we are sent to sanctify the world with our lives and to make Him present especially for our brothers and sisters who have yet to meet Him. As Catholics, we are called to integrate the beliefs we profess in the Creed and the offering of our hearts in the Offerto-
O C C A T H O L I C ■ N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6
ry at the Sunday Mass into every aspect of our daily lives. “Ordinary life” is the mission field of the laity and where we are called to be available to be sent in Christ’s name. As important as parish ministry is for building the Kingdom of God, we, the laity, must first respond to our call to be faithful where we are sent and to bring Christ’s light into daily circumstances. Parents are sent home to raise children who know and love God. Teachers are sent to their schools to be God’s patient presence to students. Doctors are sent to be the healing hands of Christ. Civic leaders are sent to make choices that protect the dignity of the human person and the common good. Business professionals are sent to serve society by offering just wages and making ethical decisions. In a sense, we are not called to be Catholics only on Sunday and then live
CLASSIFIED ADS
Garage Sales Garage Sales Irvine HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW AND FRENCH ARTISAN MARKET Sat. Nov. 14th 9am-3pm Woodbridge Village Association 31 Creek Road (Alton/Creek) More than 60 booths! FREE Admission Rain or Shine www.wva.org
Merchandise Fitness-Weight Loss LOSE 15 –30 LBS IN JUST 30 DAYS! GUARANTEED CALL GIL YURLY 714–206–0443
OC Catholic Afar
I would like to share a photo taken during a recent visit to the Vatican featuring three generations of our family: my daughter, Leah; my mother, Mercedes; and me. The visit was a meaningful faith experience for our family; the photo was taken after a papal audience where we went searching for healing for me as I’m battling cancer. We thought your readers might enjoy seeing this special moment.
—Patricia Castillo, San Francisco Solano Catholic Church in Rancho Santa Margarita.
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. N O V E M B E R 1, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
15
All Souls’ Day Mass of Remembrance N O V E M B E R 2, 2026
Join us as we gather in prayer and remembrance to honor those who have gone before us.
Holy Sepulcher Cemetery
Cathedral Memorial Gardens
Monday, November 2, 2026 10:00 A.M. Fr. Francis Gloudeman
Monday, November 2, 2026 11:00 A.M. Most Reverend Bishop Kevin Vann
Ascension Cemetery
Good Shepherd Cemetery
Monday, November 2, 2026 10:00 A.M. Reverend George Blais
Monday, November 2, 2026 English/Spanish Mass • 10:00 A.M. Vietnamese Mass • 1:00 P.M. Most Reverend Bishop Thanh Nguyen
OCCEM.org
(888) 543-5020 info@occem.org