NOVEMBER 8, 2026
MATER DEI BEGINS MAJOR CAMPUS EXPANSION
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
A DEEPER LOOK AT THE CATHEDRAL’S NEW 24-HOUR ADORATION CHAPEL PAGE 5 FR. BAO THAI, RECTOR OF CHRIST CATHEDRAL, KNEELS BEFORE THE MONSTRANCE INSIDE THE NEW PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. THE SPACE WAS DEDICATED AND BLESSED ON OCT. 14. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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
NOVEMBER 8, 2026
HOLY SEPULCHER Cremation Garden
CONTENTS
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ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65 YEARS
The Tustin school has grown from portable trailers and dirt fields.
PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES' ORGANIC FARM
The new outdoor classroom program teaches science, nutrition, sustainability and conservation.
WORLD MISSION ROSARY AND HOLY HOUR AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL
On Oct. 27, the diocese hosted more than 200 people praying the rosary in five languages.
NOCHE DE ALTARES
The Día de los Muertos celebration at Christ Cathedral on Oct. 24 was a vibrant night of art and music.
MEETING NEW SAINTS
Who are your favorite saints to keep on your own personal team?
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.
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WISHES
FAITH
Beautiful, sacred spaces for prayer, reflection and the lasting memory of your loved ones. FAMILY ESTATES
CREMATION NICHES
GROUND CREMATION
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
The Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center, 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove 92840 Publisher: The Most Reverend Kevin W. Vann, Bishop of Orange Executive Editor: Jarryd Gonzales Managing Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: editor@occatholic.com Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com
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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.
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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
SACRAMENTS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ARMIDA M. LORENTE
READER CALL-OUT
I received my First Holy Communion on May 13, 1945, in St. Mary's Church, in Los Angeles, California. The first photo shows one half of the class, I am in the third row, second girl. In the first row is Rev. Msgr T.O. Dryers. Beautiful memories of receiving my First Holy Communion. My grandmother made my dress and veil, and my mother and two sisters attended. The second photo shows a picture of Jesus Christ giving us Communion and his angels singing.
“
SAINT PROFILE
— Pope Leo XIV
BLESSED JOHN DUNS SCOTUS
1265-1308
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ORN IN DUNS, SCOTLAND, John was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1291. He studied in Paris, Oxford and Cambridge, and through his writings and teaching at the University of Paris became the preeminent English-speaking philosopher-theologian of his age. His Franciscan minister-general wrote of his “most subtle genius,” which led to the later title “doctor subtilis.” In 1307, following his disagreement with the French king in a dispute with the pope and his espousal of the then-controversial doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, he was sent to the University of Cologne for his own safety. The cause of his death a year later is unknown. This great medieval scholastic and doctor of the church was beatified in 1993. C
—Armida M. Lorente, St. Kilian Parish in Mission Viejo. OC Catholic is looking for photos of our readers receiving their Holy Sacraments. Baptisms, First Communions, Weddings — we want to see your special day! Please include a brief description of the photo and why it is special to you. Include your name and home parish, and send to: editor@occatholic.com
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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”
Jesus walks with us…
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
EZEKIEL 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; PSALM 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 COR 3:9C-11; 16-17 AND JOHN 2:13-22
TITUS 2:1-8, 1114; PSALM 37:34, 18, 23, 27, 29; LUKE 17:7-10
TITUS 3:1-7; PSALM 23:1B-3A, 3BC-4, 5, 6; LUKE 17:11-19
PHILEMON 7-20; PSALM 146:7, 8-9A, 9BC-10; LUKE 17:20-25
2 JOHN 4-9; PSALM 119:1, 2, 10, 11, 17, 18; LUKE 17:26-37
3 JOHN 5-8; PSALM 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; LUKE 18:1-8
PROVERBS 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; PSALM 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6; MATTHEW 25:14-30
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FEATURE
A DEEPER LOOK AT THE CATHEDRAL’S NEW 24-HOUR ADORATION CHAPEL BY MEG WATERS
the Liturgy of the Hours in collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Fr. Bao also suggested bringing a Bible to adoration to meditate on Scripture, reflect on the daily Mass readings or explore their broader context. He encouraged worshippers to let the Word draw them into prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to lead. Those seeking guidance about a particular concern can bring it directly to Jesus, ask for clarity and invite Him into their prayer. “Of course, personal prayer is very important,” said Fr. Bao. “In the silence something new may spring to your heart or another idea or way of looking at a situation.”
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ECENTLY, THE ORANGE Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (ODCCW) enjoyed a lively presentation by Fr. Bao Thai, the rector of Christ Cathedral, on the campus's new 24-hour Adoration Chapel. About 50 women learned how to sign up for a one-hour time slot at the chapel and, more importantly, how to get the most out of a weekly appointment with Jesus. Fr. Bao explained that the newly blessed chapel sits at the base of the Cathedral Bell Tower, an intimate space with seating for 12 people before Jesus in the monstrance. To support its around-theclock operation and ensure Jesus is never left alone, he asked visitors to register in advance, especially at night, so security knows the chapel is occupied. Fr. Bao encouraged everyone to experience the chapel and its powerful opportunity for one-on-one time with our Lord. For those unfamiliar with this ancient Catholic practice, he offered several ways to begin. “Unlike the formal liturgy of the Mass, adoration allows for a more individual approach to prayer,” he explained. “Familiar devotions can help ease worshippers into that conversation. One option is to begin with the rosary, meditating on its mysteries while offering petitions to God.” Another option Fr. Bao discussed is praying the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. Rooted in the ancient Jewish tradition of praying the Psalms at designated times throughout the day, this daily cycle of prayer includes readings and prayers that change according to the liturgical calendar and complement the Church’s worship. Resources include the Laudate app
PATIENCE IS KEY
BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER BLESSES THE NEW PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL, LOCATED AT THE BASE OF THE CREAN TOWER ON CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
and websites such as DivineOffice.org and Universalis.com. Bishop Robert
Barron’s Word on Fire ministry is preparing to publish a second edition of its
Intentional listening takes patience. Contemplative prayer requires practice, and an answer may not come immediately, even when prayer brings peace. Insight may arrive later through another person or an experience connected to the question. Fr. Bao related this quiet attentiveness to Elijah’s encounter with the Lord on Mount Horeb, where God’s presence was revealed in a light, silent sound (1 Kings 19:11–12). He also emphasized the importance of discerning what arises in prayer. “God," Fr. Bao reminded his listeners, “will never ask someone to do something sinful or contrary to Church teaching.” To see how prayer deepens, look to St. Teresa of Avila’s sixteenth-century foundational book, The Interior Castle. She described the process in a series of steps that progress to total surrender to God. At first, meditative prayer is like drawing water from a well: it demands considerable effort. The next stage resembles CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
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using a waterwheel—the work becomes easier as God begins to intervene. Prayer then becomes like a flowing stream and, finally, like heavenly rain. In that final stage, the soul surrenders entirely to God and is transformed. Fr. Bao made the discussion personal by describing how he discerned his priestly vocation through adoration. A few years after immigrating to the United States with his family in 1993, he began to sense a call to the priesthood. However, his family had limited financial resources, and entering seminary would mean one less income to support them. He brought that concern to adoration at Holy Spirit Parish in Fountain Valley. During one visit, he recalled praying with his eyes closed and seeing a Bible open before him to Matthew 19:28–29: “…Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the
sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.” For Fr. Bao, that passage was the sign he needed. He recalled that his parents were very happy for him, and soon afterward he entered Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon. He also became a committed advocate for Eucharistic Adoration, and he hopes the new 24-hour chapel will become a center for spiritual transformation for Orange County Catholics. Registration forms are available at www.christcathedralcalifornia.org; at the campus guard house; through a QR code in the chapel; and in the cathedral and Pastoral Center. Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., visitors can enter through Gate 4 off Chapman Ave. and register before heading to the chapel. The campus has robust security measures, including at least two guards walking ON OCT. 14, BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSED THE NEW PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL. THE the grounds at night. C NEARLY 350-SQUARE-FOOT CHAPEL NOW OFFERS 24/7 ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT THROUGH A NEW MINISTRY LED BY THE CATHEDRAL PARISH. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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A LARGE GROUP OF THE FAITHFUL GATHERED FOR THE BLESSING AND DEDICATION OF THE NEW PERPETUAL ADORATION CHAPEL.
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FEATURE
ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65 YEARS BY LOU PONSI
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HEN ORANGE County experienced a dramatic population growth during the 1950s and 1960s, the number of Catholic parishes and schools in the county expanded as well. Realizing the need to provide a Catholic education to the surrounding community, Msgr. John Sammon, the second pastor at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Tustin, established St. Cecilia Catholic School in 1961. In those early days, the school consisted of a few portable trailers where classes were taught and not much else. As the population grew, buildings were added, along with new programming to keep up with the times. Now, six and a half decades after Msgr. Sammon first opened the doors, St. Cecilia Catholic School celebrates its 65th anniversary. St. Cecilia, which embraces the motto, “More than School,” marked the milestone with a day-long celebration on Oct. 10. Alumni dating back to the early 1980s, along with current students and families, turned out for the festivities, which featured food, games, activities, entertainment, alumni engagement and historical displays. A talent show featuring students’ performances was a highlight. “From time to time I see parishioners, they say, ‘Oh, I went to St. Cecilia School,’” St. Cecilia’s pastor, Fr. Michael Khong, said. “I'm happy to hear about that. There is no such thing as a Catholic education in Vietnam, so I never had a Catholic education until I went into formation.” Tim Kovacs, a 1982 St. Cecilia graduate, grew up next door to the church
FROM LEFT, ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL VICE PRINCIPAL, JESSICA DEUTSCHEL; FR. MICHAEL KHONG, PASTOR OF ST. CECILIA; PRINCIPAL MARY ALVARADO; FR. BRANDON LOPEZ. PHOTOS BY LOU PONSI/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TAKE SELFIES DURING THE SCHOOL'S ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION HELD ON OCT. 10.
and recalled attending school when the campus consisted of a patch of dirt and trailers. “The only thing that was here was the
church,” Kovacs said. “There were no parking lots here. It was all dirt fields out here. I used to just go out over the backyard fence to come into school.”
Two orders of sisters staffed the school for years: the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of St. Joseph, said St. Cecilia’s principal, Mary Alvarado, who has served as principal for 21 years. Today, the church and school draw a diverse group of families, who readily volunteer and support the needs of the school, Alvarado said. “We’re so pleased,” Alvarado said of the anniversary celebration, which began outside but moved inside midafternoon when it began raining. “It just speaks to the beauty of this community and how flexible they are,” the principal said. “They just pivoted.” Fr. Brandon Lopez, parochial vicar at St. Cecilia, has been at the parish for four months and said it was uplifting to serve in a parish with a school that celebrates its history. “It’s great to be able to walk through the hallways and see the legacy of the inaugural class,” Fr. Lopez said. “And then to be able to walk the hallways and see all the families that came afterwards.” Several former St. Cecilia students now have children attending the school and a few even have grandchildren attending. “I definitely remember playing sports in this gym,” said Melissa Pajarito, a 2001 St. Cecilia graduate who now has three children attending the school. “So, I tell my kids I played on this same floor. They are amazed that it is the same school from that long ago.” Pajarito said providing a Catholic education for their children was important and the couple looked at other Catholic schools before circling back to St. Cecilia. “There was just something that felt different,” she said. "It felt like home. It is so welcoming, like a community.” C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES’ ORGANIC FARM BY BRITNEY ZINT
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WO PAX CHRISTI Academies schools started the school year with another way for student learning: being outside, surrounded by plants and flowers, with the opportunity to get their hands in the dirt. St. Joseph in Santa Ana and La Purísima in Orange now have their own mini- farm and outdoor classroom under a new organic farm program that teaches science, nutrition, sustainability and conservation. The lessons provide students with experiential education through hands-on learning, explained Pax Christi Academies President Dr. Christina Arellano. “Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to learn beyond the traditional classroom, develop a deeper appreciation for nature, and cultivate important values such as patience, responsibility and stewardship,” Arellano said. “The garden program reflects Pax Christi’s commitment to nurturing the whole child and creating meaningful ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL’S (PAX CHRISTI ACADEMIES) SEVENTH-GRADE AND KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS POSE FOR A PHOTO AT THE SCHOOL'S ORGANIC FARM. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE learning experiences that help students grow academically, socially and spiritually.” ed food, such as strawberry tops, into for composting, peel off the white layer parents visited the garden and took home The students get time in the garden on something edible. For the eighth grade, to ferment like kimchi, and then eat the some cilantro that their children were a six-week rotating schedule. Ranger Lynne is challenging them to juicy red fruit. planting. Some expressed an interest in St. Joseph’s middle-school students locate food waste at St. Joseph and create The lessons on not being wasteful are trying to grow their own food at home, started their first lesson on Oct. 21. a composting system that could be imalready bearing fruit, with students being said Claudia Garcia, Pax Christi AcadThrough a partnership with Enrichplemented on campus. more conscious about what they throw emies vice president of academic excelLA, volunteer Lynne Tien, aka “Ranger “They need to communicate an idea of away and save at lunchtime, said Princilence and leadership. Lynne,” led the students through their a structure of how we can keep compost- pal Erica Avina. The lessons help teach “It was nice to see that they’re being first formal lesson. She is using a projing here in the garden, consecutively and them that God gave them everything and inspired by our kids having those handsect-based Learning curriculum around continuously,” she said. “I can’t wait to it’s their job to take care of it, she said. on experiences, which we don’t always composting for each of the middle hear what they come up with.” “We, as stewards of God’s creations, necessarily have,” Garcia said. “Not school grades. By the end of the rotaTo kick it off, the seventh graders led remind students that we are granted that everyone gets to feel what it feels like to tion, the sixth-graders will be utilizing their kinder buddies through the farm authority of plants and animals,” Avina get your carrots out of the ground or see their creativity to create a flyer or zine to to identify any plants, flowers, fruits or said. “And we, as the stewards of God’s the squash grow.” teach others about different composting vegetables they recognized. Then they got creations, for whatever is grown or whatWith the two gardens already showing methods. down to business, trying some watermel- ever God gave us, it is our duty to take signs of success, Pax Christi Academies’ Specifically, the seventh-graders will on grown on the farm. But Ranger Lynne care of that, including our garden.” goal is to expand the organic farm procreate recipes designed to generate less made sure that nothing went to waste, The children’s families are getting gram to the remaining three schools in waste by using commonly compostshowing the students how to cut the rind inspired, too. At back-to-school night, the future, Garcia added. C
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GUEST PAGE HEADING COLUMN
WORLD MISSION ROSARY AND HOLY HOUR AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL BY FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH, DIRECTOR OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES AND DIRECTOR OF MISSION OFFICE
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N OCT. 27, THE DIOCESE of Orange hosted a World Mission Rosary Holy Hour at Christ Cathedral. Presided by Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, we prayed the mission rosary during a Holy Hour with the Blessed Sacrament. The rosary was prayed with over 200 people in five languages as we meditated on the sorrowful mysteries and prayed for missionaries and the people they serve on every continent. This was done with the national mission office, The Pontifical Mission Societies (TPMS), which took our YouTube feed and broadcast it live nationwide so other mission-minded people could join our prayer. October is Mission Month in observance of World Mission Sunday, which we recently observed on Oct. 18. Every day in October was hosted by different diocesan mission offices, and our Diocese had an excellent prayer experience! Supporting the missions is not only a financial effort, but as Bishop Nguyen taught us, it’s “never been a lack of funds,” but rather “parochialism, the closed heart that says, ‘as long as my parish is doing well, as long as my family is fed, the rest
of the world can wait.’” “Mission is, first and foremost, a spiritual reality… When we pray for the evangelization of the world, we are stretching our hearts to match God’s heart. We cease to be passive observers and become frontline missionaries on our knees.” And so, we gathered for prayer for the Mission Church in Africa, Oceania, Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Mission Rosary, developed by Blessed Fulton Sheen, is color-coded to represent these world regions so we can pray with more intentionality for the missions around the world. Thank you for your gifts to the Mission Church this year: the missionary who made an appeal in your parish this summer, and the World Mission Sunday second collection on Oct. 18. If you have not yet made an offering to the missions, please go to www.rcbo.org/payment/donate/ to make your donation. And please pray regularly for the missions: use Blessed Fulton’s Mission Rosary at least once a week to focus your prayers for missionaries and those they serve around the world. You can buy a Mission Rosary from any Catholic gift shop or find one online. Blessed Fulton, pray for us! Pray for the missions! C
AN UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN CLASPS A MULTICOLORED WORLD MISSION ROSARY AT THE ALTAR RAIL DURING PUBLIC VENERATION OF A FIRST-CLASS RELIC OF BLESSED FULTON J. SHEEN OCT. 1, 2026, AT ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL IN NEW YORK CITY. OSV NEWS PHOTO/JEFFREY BRUNO N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN, PICTURED IN AN UNDATED PHOTO, IS REMEMBERED AS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND INNOVATIVE EVANGELISTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY. OSV NEWS FILE PHOTO
DIOCESAN NEWS
NOCHE DE ALTARES
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BY BRADLEY ZINT
AMILIES GATHERED TO the Christ Cathedral campus on Oct. 24 for “Noche de Altares” (Night of Altars), of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) featuring elaborate altars honoring loved ones who have died, cultural performances, live music, art
installations, pop-up vendors, children’s activities and more. Hosted by the Office of Hispanic Ministry, OC Catholic Cemeteries and the Office of Youth and Young Adults, this annual event invited families to share stories, traditions and memories through a vibrant celebration of art and culture. C
PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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DIOCESAN NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
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NOCHE DE ALTARES PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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DIOCESAN NEWS
ON OCT. 16, BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSED THE CONSTRUCTION SITE AT THE MATER DEI CAMPUS. THE MAJOR EXPANSION INCLUDES A 32,000-SQUARE-FOOT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AND NEW ON-CAMPUS TENNIS COURTS. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MATER DEI BEGINS MAJOR CAMPUS EXPANSION On Oct. 16, Mater Dei officially entered the construction phase of a OR DECADES, MATER DEI High major campus expansion that includes a School’s theater, dance, choir 32,000-square-foot performing arts cenand instrumental music students ter and new on-campus tennis courts. along with Monarch tennis Consistent with Catholic tradition, teams have had to use multiple venues Mater Dei held a blessing and dedication for performances and competitions. ceremony to mark the beginning of the These groups will soon have a place to project, expected to be completed in call home. 2028. BY LOU PONSI
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Mater Dei administrators, teachers, alumni, benefactors and elected officials turned out as Bishop Kevin Vann blessed the site and asked God to watch over the project. Bishop Vann referenced Psalm 127:1 as the foundation for the blessing: “If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor.” The performing arts center will have
at least 560 seats and be the home for the school’s theater, choir, dance and instrumental music programs. The state-of-the-art venue will feature a scene shop, green rooms, dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, lobby and concessions spaces. “As a skinny high school kid back in the Midwest, music became really CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
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important to me,” Bishop Vann said. “I didn’t really find a way to express myself at the given time, but the gift was given to me. So, I'm grateful that we have this possibility now, especially because we have a place where we can perform and sing, and God can embrace it.” The new tennis complex is situated directly adjacent to the Meruelo Athletic Center. No longer will Monarch tennis teams have to move from one facility to another, Mater Dei president Michael Brennan said. “Over the years, modern-day students have shown incredible resilience, turning every makeshift stage into a sanctuary of creativity and every tennis match into their home away from home,” Brennan said. “The performing arts and athletics are not an afterthought; they are a profound expression of the human soul and a reflection of the gifts that God provides.” Mater Dei alum Bob Demmond and his team at TBP Architecture led the design of the project, which also includes a new security center, landscaping and infrastructure upgrades. “I was in the instrumental music program when I was here at Mater Dei and was blessed to have opportunities to explore music and grow as an adult while I was here,” Demmond said. “Everything I’ve learned in my life in the last 40 years has come from this foundation of a Mater Dei education.” Slater Builders serves as the general contractor and manages the full construction of the project. The roots of the new facilities can be traced back to the implementation of the Mater Dei 2000 Campaign, a multiphase capital improvement fundraising initiative that started in 2000 and helped fund the campus chapel, library, outdoor athletic facilities, the Meruelo Athletic Center and William Lyon Homes Aquatic Center. “After the performing arts building and tennis courts are complete, gener-
MATER DEI PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS SING DURING THE OCT. 16 EVENT. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ations of Monarchs will continue to develop their God-given talents and skills in the arts and athletics on the corner of Bristol and Edinger,” Principal Frances Clare said. “In these new facilities, our faculty and staff will continue to promote and generate the spirit of Mater Dei by challenging, encouraging and guiding students.” C
ON OCT. 16, BISHOP KEVIN VANN BLESSED A MAJOR EXPANSION SITE ON MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL’S SANTA ANA CAMPUS. N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
MEETING NEW SAINTS A BY REBEKAH VALDERRAMA
odds, and then pray for his intercession. • Finally, the one saint you should be invoking on a daily basis, but whom you might never think about: your own guardian angel! Your angel has been watching out for your physical and spiritual health relentlessly for your entire life. Thank him or her every day and never forget to invoke his or her help! Learning about the lives of our favorite saints, old and new, can teach us so much about how to live saintly lives ourselves. We should constantly strive to get to know our heavenly friends better. All you holy men and women, saints of God, pray for us! Amen! C
S ANY GOOD CRADLE Catholic, I've assembled quite the team of patron saints over the years. Maybe you have
too. There are the saint or saints you were named after, the saint you chose at Confirmation, the patron of your current and past parishes, of course. Mama Mary, perhaps under a handful of different titles. There are saints for jobs and life situations, saints for hobbies, saints for illnesses or difficulties you're struggling with or have overcome in the past. Then add your spouse's and children's patron saints and favorite saints. The litany can go on and on. But I've discovered a mistaken attitude in myself that I'm trying to rewire. Sometimes I feel like I should limit my list. As if I were bothering my patron saints! But God gave us these saints as our big brothers and sisters in faith. You just can't have too many friendships of that kind! The saints in heaven love to intercede for us. They want to be asked for their prayers! In this month of all saints, here are some ideas to grow your relationship with your own patron saints, or to get to know a few more friends in Christ. • Read about the lives of your current patrons and favorite saints. Maybe you pray to St. Anthony every day, but you barely know anything about him? Rectify that one-sided friendship right away. • Meet a brandnew saint. St. Carlo Acutis, who's only been canonized one year, is a new favorite of mine. His proximity to my
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CLASSIFIED ADS
STS. MARIE-AZÉLIE GUÉRIN AND LOUIS MARTIN, THE PARENTS OF ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX, ARE DEPICTED WITH THEIR DAUGHTER IN A STAINED-GLASS WINDOW AT ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX CHURCH IN MONTAUK, N.Y. OSV NEWS PHOTO/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ
own life (he was born the same year as my little sister) has given me a refreshing view of sainthood. I pray to him to help me with my smartphone addiction. • Sts. Louis and Zélie are another pair I've gotten to know this year. They're more removed from me in time, but much closer in vocation. I ask St. Zélie to help me be a better mom and help my children become saints. • Perhaps if your children are older than mine, you'd relate more to St. Monica, whose endless prayers brought her son, St. Augustine, out of a life in opposition to God. • Or if you relate more to St. Augustine's struggles, reach out to St. Mary of Egypt, who in many ways is the female counterpart to Augustine's story.
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• Get to know Sts. Benedict and Scholastica if you'd like a patron saint for your relationship with your siblings. There's a great story about how St. Scholastica prayed for a storm so that she could spend more time with her busy brother. • St. Peregrine is the saint to meet when you or a loved one is struggling with cancer. • St. Dymphna is the patron saint of mental health. Her story is pretty intense (and features adult sins) so tread carefully! • If you're a student, especially if you struggle with any learning disabilities, or if you're worried about an upcoming exam, find the story of how St. Joseph of Cupertino became a priest despite all
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OC Catholic Afar
The Archer Family visited the beautiful Basilica of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain, during a vacation throughout Europe this summer. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it is the longest-running active construction project of a church in modern history.
—The Archer Family attends Santa Clara de Asís 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. N O V E M B E R 8 , 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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