SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD
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THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE ■ OCCATHOLIC.COM
THERE’S MORE
DIOCESE CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRAND EVENT AT HONDA CENTER PAGE 5 THE CROWD CHEERS DURING THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE "THERE’S MORE" EVENT HELD ON AUG. 22 AT THE HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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CONTENTS LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST NO PLACE LIKE TOME
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THE DIOCESE HAS TALENT!
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ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC
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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS
SACRAMENTS
PHOTO COURTESY OF SGT. ROBERT KOHLER
READER CALL-OUT
The Nuptial Mass for the marriage of Trinh Thi Huong and Robert L. Kohler took place on July 26, 1969, at the Regina Pacis Chapel in Saigon, Vietnam.
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A cry is never pointless if it is born of love. — Pope Leo XIV
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SAINT PROFILE
MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL
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C. 3RD CENTURY
HESE ARCHANGELS, MESSENGERS sent by God, are the only ones named in the Bible. In the Book of Daniel, Michael is called “the great prince”; in the Letter of Jude, he argues with the devil over Moses' body; and in the Book of Revelation, he leads the battle against Satan. He is patron of the sick, radiologists and mariners. Gabriel explains Daniel's visions to him in the Book of Daniel, and in the Gospel of Luke announces to Zechariah and Mary the births of their respective sons. He is the patron of messengers and telecommunications and postal workers. Raphael guides Tobiah in the Book of Tobit; he is patron of the blind, physicians and travelers. The church created their joint feast after the Second Vatican Council. C
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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”
PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
JOB 1:6-22; PSALM 17:1BCD, 2-3, 6-7; LUKE 9:46-50
DANIEL 7:9-10, 1314; PSALM 138:12AB, 2CDE-3, 4-5; JOHN 1:47-51
JOB 9:1-12, 14-16; PSALM 88:10BC-11, 12-13, 14-15; LUKE 9:57-62
JOB 19:21-27; PSALM 27:7-8A, 8B-9ABC, 13-14; LUKE 10:1-12
JOB 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; PSALM 91:1-2, 3-4AB, 4C-6, 10-11; MATTHEW 18:1-5, 10
JOB 42:1-3, 5-6, 1217; PSALM 119:66, 71, 75, 91, 125, 130; LUKE 10:17-24
ISAIAH 5:1-7; PSALM 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20; PHILIPPIANS 4:69; MATTHEW 21:33-43
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FEATURE
THERE’S MORE
DIOCESE CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GRAND EVENT AT HONDA CENTER BY LOU PONSI
Bishop Vann. “That is what He wants us to know, to do and to move forward PEAKING TO A gathering of close with.” to 10,000 at the Honda Center in Lasting roughly four hours, There’s Anaheim, Bishop Timothy Freyer More featured guest speakers, worship urged each attendee to embrace music and fellowship among dozens of a renewed spirit of welcome in their diocesan priests and attendees. parishes and ministries. Many attendees came as groups Bishop Freyer delivered these words donning matching T-shirts, designed of encouragement as part of “There’s specifically for the event as a show of More,” a celebration of the diocese's representation of their parishes. 50th anniversary as well as a kick-off Darryl Empalmado was among about campaign designed to inspire the faith30 parishioners in attendance from ful to welcome anyone to the Catholic St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Church. Irvine. The phrase — There’s More — cen“We’re proud to be a part of this parters around the theme that with Christ, ish,” Empalmado said. “Our community there is always more. is 50 years old and that is a big, big thing The Aug. 22 celebration was one of for us and for our church. We're actually the largest diocesan-wide events ever 30 years in our parish this year so it's a organized by the Diocese of Orange, and big celebration for us to be part of this the first to utilize a major offsite location community and proud to be Cathosuch as the Honda Center, officials said. lic and to be amongst all these fellow “‘Radical hospitality’ is an integral Catholics here. The Holy Spirit brings us part of There’s More,” said Bishop Frey- all together and we want to evangelize er, who framed the diocesan initiative our faith to those who don't have a home as an invitation for people at every stage because this is our home.” of faith. Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, director of the “It doesn't matter whether a person Office of Vocations for the diocese, and has never stepped foot into a church, or Sr. Mari Josephine Chun of the order of maybe they're a person who was raised Our Lady of Perpetual Help, served as in the faith, got busy, but now realizes masters of ceremony. it's time to come home,” the bishop said. Fr. Cheeyoon and Sr. Mari are “As you see a person who looks new, real-life brother and sister. who looks nervous, who looks confused, Headline speakers included Fr. go up to them. Welcome them.” John Riccardo from the Archdiocese Bishop Kevin Vann reflected on how of Detroit and Msgr. James Shea of the each person has a vocation to which Diocese of Bismarck. God has called them and encouraged A third headliner was Tony Meléndez, the faithful to recognize that calling, endearingly known as the “toe picking” follow it and keep moving forward. guitarist. BISHOP TIMOTHY FREYER PRESENTS THE MONSTRANCE DURING THE "THERE'S MORE" EVENT. MORE THAN 11,000 “Each of us has a vocation to which Born with no arms, Meléndez has CAME TO THE HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM, AS PART OF THE DIOCESAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. PHOTO BY God—the Lord—has called us,” said CONTINUES ON PAGE 6 IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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FEATURE
BISHOP KEVIN VANN ADDRESSES ATTENDEES OF THE "THERE’S MORE" EVENT HELD ON AUG. 22 AT THE HONDA CENTER IN ANAHEIM. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
shared the stage with Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis and has played at 11 World Youth Days. “I live my whole life not worrying, trying to be happy,” Meléndez said. “People ask me, ‘well, Tony, why are you so happy inside?’ Because I have the Lord in my heart. Because Jesus loves me and I love him. Love is something, and it's the answer.”
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Having attended the Harvest Crusade, Michele Santos, a parishioner at Christ Our Savior in Santa Ana, is familiar with the uplifting experience of worshiping as part of a large crowd. “It's wonderful,” said Santos, who also works as an administrator at JSerra Catholic High School. “But this is even better because Jesus was here in the Eucharist. And it was wonderful to see all our priests that I've known throughout
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the years because I've grown up going to Catholic school all my life and I know all these priests.” The bishops also used the event to challenge parishioners to collectively give 500,000 hours of service, do 500,000 hours of Adoration and pray 500,000 rosaries. They were encouraged to log their efforts using the “PrayServe” app., which was also introduced at the event.
Attendees were encouraged to share the website, theresmore.us, which will lead the user to parishes, events and ministries where hopefully they'll be embraced and welcomed, Bishop Freyer said. “Because the website can't do that,” he said. “You can do that. You, through your welcome, through your friendliness, through your hospitality, will make that journey all the more easier.” C
DIOCESAN NEWS
LIVING LIFE TO ITS FULLEST SPOTLIGHT ON: MARIA ABELLO, CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH BY MIKE ZINN
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R. MARIA ABELLO, DMD, a parishioner at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, once recalled former pastor, Fr. Tim Ramaekers, introducing her as “This is Maria; Corpus Christi is her full-time job; dentistry is her hobby.” This introduction, said in jest, illustrates how committed Maria is to her beloved parish, having led various ministries along the way while working as a respected and accomplished dentist at her Aliso Viejo practice. Abello was born and raised in Bacolod, Philippines. She lived in her home country until the age of 23, coming to the U.S. after graduating from dental school. Abello was raised in a strong Catholic family with her three brothers and attended Catholic schools through college. She has fond memories of spending two of her early years living with her lola (maternal grandmother). This living arrangement was set up so that Abello could live in Bacolod to attend school. “I would attend 6 a.m. Mass every weekday at the San Sebastian Cathedral with my Lola,” she shared. She would return home to her parents on weekends. Abello calls her Lola a mentor, because not only did she teach and reinforce the faith to her, but also taught her how to cook. “Food and cooking are my love languages,” Abello said. Upon graduating from dental school, Abello moved to Lynnwood, Washington, where she joined her parents and lived for several years. She married her husband Bing in Washington in 1987. All of this occurred while taking four parts of the dental licensure exams in California. As soon as Abello earned her licensure, the
DR. MARIA ABELLO, DMD, IS AN ACTIVE AND VITAL MEMBER OF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH IN ALISO VIEJO. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIA ABELLO
MARIA ABELLO AT AGE 7, WITH HER LOLA (GRANDMOTHER), AT HER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION.
couple moved to Orange County on Oct. 1, 1991. Abello began as an associate at a dental practice in Orange before opening her own private practice in Aliso Viejo 20 years ago. In her early days in Orange County, Abello attended various churches until Corpus Christi was founded. Corpus Christi started out as a pastoral outreach of St. Timothy Catholic Church in 1998. During these early years, Mass was held at local schools and finally at a nearby warehouse. It was in this warehouse location that Abello’s years of service began. She was asked to assist with the altar ministry. The ministry head left soon after, and, in Abello's words, “my experience was ‘baptism under fire.’” She was head of this ministry for 10 years and is still involved. Since that time, Abello has been involved in many ministries, including the donut ministry, Loaves and Bread, and currently serves on the parish leadership team. She is also leading the events committee with the help of a team of parishioners. This group organizes and cooks for events
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such as a recent 500-person lunch for the installation of Fr. Brandon Dang. “This ministry involves much work, sleepless nights and joy,” she said. “I have an amazing team to work with.” Throughout her service journey at Corpus Christi, her husband, Bing, has been actively by her side. “Bing is very supportive in all my efforts,” she shared. Abello’s service does not go unnoticed by the clergy and staff at Corpus Christi. “We often use the term ‘pillar’ for those who have been foundational to any sort of community or family,” said Fr. Brandon. “Maria has been that for our Corpus Christi parish. She also does it with so much heart and passion that it is inspirational, to say the least. Without her, we wouldn’t have the events and community that we have (especially the amazing food).” He added, “In my two years of being here, she has been a huge confidant for me in my growth as a priest and pastor. She is incredible!” C
FEATURE
NO PLACE LIKE TOME
FR. ROBERT SPITZER’S NEW CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE DISCUSSES SCIENCE, REASON & FAITH BY GREG HARDESTY
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OMING IN AT 4 POUNDS and 2,059 pages, Fr. Robert Spitzer’s latest book is far from your average paperback. He probably could use even more space considering his work addresses scientific, historical, philosophical and theological questions such as Why am I here? What do science and the Bible say? Can they be reconciled? Is Jesus historical and the Son of God? What Can Jesus tell me about where I am going? Why is there evil in the world? And What is the meaning of life? Fr. Spitzer, founder and president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, the nonprofit on the Christ Cathedral campus that is dedicated to developing educational materials on the complementarity of science, philosophy and faith, has been fascinated by that theme during his 43 years as a Jesuit priest. The latest work by the philosopher, educator, author, speaker and former president of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., is believed to be the first study Bible of its kind to focus on that theme.
TACKLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS
“Science, Reason, and Faith Catholic Study Bible,” published in July, follows on the heels of Fr. Spitzer’s 2023 book, “Science, Reason, and Faith: Discovering the Bible.” His new study Bible contains five introductory chapters to the Old Testament and four to the New Testament, with extensive notes in the margins of the Bible that expound on the seeming conflicts between science, reason and Catholic teaching. By tackling difficult questions, Fr.
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Spitzer said, it is precisely through the integration of science, reason and faith that we can truly discover ourselves, our world and our God. “If people get bored reading this study Bible,” he joked, “they can always use it for weightlifting.”
THE OLD TESTAMENT
In the five chapters leading up to the Old Testament, Fr. Spitzer addresses such topics as what the Catholic Church says about science and faith, whether the Old Testament is historical, what scientists and physicians say about God and religion, and the mainstream Catholic view of evolution. “Catholics can believe in the theory of evolution so long as they do not deny the creation of a unique, trans-physical soul by God in every human being,” he wrote. “Our rational, self-conscious, transphysical soul is precisely what distinguishes us from all other animals…We are animals capable of knowing and loving God. Only human beings are capable of religion.” Fr. Spitzer noted that “Let there be light” in Genesis 1:3, which signals the first moment of creation, coincides remarkably well with the scientific account of creation. God is moral, just, charitable and loving, Fr. Spitzer said. So how do we square that with such stories in the Old Testament as Lot sleeping with his own daughters, Abraham trying to kill his son, even Jonah and the whale? "We must consider historicity amid the development of moral doctrine in the Bible. Jonah and the Whale is a prophetic story, not history, and the story of Lot FR. SPITZER IS THE FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE MAGIS CENTER OF REASON AND FAITH, THE NONPROFIT and his daughters and Abraham's sac-
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CONTINUES ON PAGE 9
ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS THAT IS DEDICATED TO DEVELOPING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ON THE COMPLEMENTARITY OF SCIENCE, PHILOSOPHY AND FAITH. PHOTO BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
PAGE FEATURE HEADING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
FR. ROBERT SPITZER’S LATEST BOOK IS TITLED, “SCIENCE, REASON, AND FAITH CATHOLIC STUDY BIBLE,” WAS PUBLISHED IN JULY. PHOTOS COURTESY OF FR. ROBERT SPITZER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
rifice, which are historical, must be understood in their cultural and historical context — the moral development of the patriarchal period which was a nomadic-warrior culture without the benefit of Mosaic and Christian revelation. ”
THE NEW TESTAMENT
The four chapters prior to the New Testament include such topics as how we can validate Jesus’ miracles, the histori-
cal evidence for Jesus’ passion and crucifixion and resurrection, what the Shroud of Turin tells us about the Passion of Jesus, and why we need a Church. “The point of sacred Scripture is not to give an empirical-mathematical explanation of the physical universe (as science does) but rather to give sacred truths necessary for salvation,” Fr. Spitzer wrote. “If we respect the limits of each method and do not force Scripture to give scientific conclusions,
or force science to give truths necessary for salvation, then contradictions fade away.” God knows the longings of the human heart, Fr. Spitzer wrote, and he reveals himself to us through creation, through Scripture, and ultimately through the Incarnation. “Christ helps us see that truth is not just the object of science and reason, but what animates the mysterious and loving power of faith,” he said.
Fr. Spitzer worked on “Science, Reason, and Faith Catholic Study Bible” for a year and a half. In addition to running the Magis Center, he is president of the Spitzer Center of Ethical Leadership, dedicated to helping Catholic and for-profit organizations develop leadership, constructive cultures and virtue ethics. To purchase the “Science, Reason, and Faith Catholic Study Bible,” visit Store.magiscenter.com C
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FEATURE
THE DIOCESE HAS TALENT! BY GREG MELLEN
mer Sisters of St. Joseph convent in Santa Ana into a house of discernment. HO KNEW THAT Lovers The funds will “refurbish and breathe of the Holy Cross Sr. Van new life” into the former convent accordYen Nguyen and Sr. Chris- ing to Vultaggio. ten Nguyen were closet Discernment, overseen by the Diomagicians? Or Seminarian Alan Hoetker cese of Orange Office of Vocations, is had been a rock musician for 20 years? Or the process men who are considering the Fr. William Goldin, a professional opera priesthood or other holy paths undertake. singer? Or that Bishop Kevin Vann has Dedicated houses for discernment are played the piano for 65 years and has a somewhat rare, although they exist in particular love for the old-school MGM some parishes, and can serve as a kind of musicals? pre-seminary. These and other hidden stories and According to the diocese, the house of skills were unearthed this summer at the discernment will be “a place where young inaugural Habit and Collar Talent Show- men can continue their studies and cacase held at the Arboretum on the Christ reers, while intentionally exploring what Cathedral Campus. a life devoted to Christ, supported by the Priests, seminarians, sisters and Church and lived in community, might members of the Diocese of Orange family look like.” unveiled their talents for a crowd of more The house will be staffed by clergy and than 500 parishioners and fans. include dorm-style rooms where potential “We’re not professionals,” event emcee applicants can stay for whatever time they Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, joked before the need before deciding whether to commit show. “Which is good, because if we were to the seminary. too good maybe that’s not good. Maybe Going into the seminary is no small you’d say, ‘Father needs to work more on feat and, depending on the scholastic his homilies.’” route, can easily extend from six to 10 The showcase featured a variety of years, or more, so it makes sense to allow musical genres from religious to rock the young men any extra time they may to opera to show tunes. There was also need to decide and understand God’s SR. CHRISTIAN NGUYEN PERFORMS A MAGIC ACT DURING THE DIOCESAN HABIT AND COLLAR TALENT SHOWCASE magic of the Sisters Nguyen, producing plan. HELD ON JULY 25 AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS. PHOTO BY SCOTT SMELTZER/DIOCESE OF ORANGE live doves from books and other sleights of hand, an unadvertised comedy/magic VATICAN INSPIRED sketch by Anthony Vultaggio, a strategist The Habit and Collar event was the supportive of her idea and all she needed out and began the process of recruiting for the Orange Catholic Foundation, and brainchild of Susan Strader, who cowas a deserving partner and cause. and cajoling performers to participate. a unique demonstration of yo-yo prowess chaired the event with Lynh Nguyen. When the House of Discernment The showcase ended up with a talented from Fr. Daniel Seo. The show led into the Strader, a long-time philanthropist in project came along “we latched onto that,” roster, including some formerly profesBishop Vann's playing “Somewhere Over local Catholic circles, said she first came she said. sional entertainers and serious hobbyists. the Rainbow” on piano and a rollicking across the idea seven years ago in Rome In addition to the entertainment, Habversion of “Chopsticks.” while attending an event at the Pontifical CALLING ALL ENTERTAINERS it and Collar included an art showcase, in North American College, which included The first challenge, she said, was findwhich a whole other group of undiscovFOR THE DISCERNING a talent show segment. ing participants. ered gems were unearthed. Artists ranged In addition to delighting parishioners She said the idea seemed like someWhen organizers announced audifrom retired Msgr. Mike Heher to semwith the hidden talents within the diothing that would be good for the home tions, she said, “no one came.” inarians, who placed works for exhibit cese, the event raised funds for a planned diocese. Apparently for all the latent talents in and sale. The exhibition also included one house of discernment for young men “Then along came COVID,” she said, the Catholic community, extroversion is artist, Seminarian Michael Jeong, who considering priestly vocations. which derailed the plan. not among them. live-painted his latest work “The Divine The project involved converting a forHowever, she said the bishops were So Strader and her crew put the word CONTINUES ON PAGE 11
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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10
THE HABIT AND COLLAR EVENT WAS THE BRAINCHILD OF CO-CHAIR SUSAN STRADER (PICTURED WITH FR. CHEEYOON CHUN, DIRECTOR OF PRIESTLY VOCATIONS IN THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE. PHOTOS BY SCOTT SMELTZER/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Essence," at the exhibit. Showcase Performers included: ■ Fr. Ben Tran, singer/guitarist performing “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake. ■ Fr. Christopher Pham singing hymns in Vietnamese. ■ String Ensemble: Fr. Cheeyoon Chun, cello; Sr. Mari Josephine Chun, violin; Sr. Clara Choi, piano; and Seminarians Matthew Wong, Stephen Pham, violin, performing from “O Magnum Mysterium.” ■ Fr. William Goldin, opera singer, accompanied by Dr. Julia Oh, piano, singing selections from “The Magic Flute” and “La Boheme.” ■ Seminarian singer and bassist Alan Hoetker and Orange Blossom Special Band, performing rock cover tunes. The event concluded with Fr. William Goldin leading the cast of performers and the congregation in the Marian hymn “Salve Regina.” C
BISHOP KEVIN VANN PERFORMS AT THE PIANO DURING A SUMMER TALENT SHOWCASE HELD ON THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS.
SEMINARIAN ALAN HOETKER AND THE ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL BAND PERFORM DURING THE JULY 25 TALENT SHOWCASE.
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DIOCESAN NEWS
OC CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ALUM PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK BY BRITNEY ZINT
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14-YEAR-OLD ORANGE County Catholic school alum recently released his first book. St. Angela Merici Parish School graduate Evan Vargas published “Penny & Six” this past May after years of working on the story while attending the Brea-based school. The book follows the shenanigans of a cat named Penny and a hamster with human sentience named Six as they navigate the world with their caretaker Evan, who helps them learn important lessons about life. Vargas drew inspiration from his own cat and hamster, also named Penny and Six. “I like writing for kids, as it creates a sense of teaching — being able to educate the youth, the kids out there on morals,” Vargas said. When he finds out a child has learned even the tiniest thing from “Penny & Six,” it makes him extremely happy. “In a way, ‘Penny & Six’ has changed something, even just a tiny little speck in the world,” he shared. Vargas, who is currently studying in the writing conservatory at the California School of the Arts in Duarte, is in the planning stages of a sequel to “Penny & Six.” He sees the book becoming a series that follows Penny and Six as they grow. The first one shows young readers the importance of having good behavior no matter where they are or what they are doing. Vargas said teaching children morality is important to him. “I think setting morals for kids in the future will help to create a better society,” he said. Vargas credits his parents and St. Angela Merici Parish School for giving him
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ST. ANGELA MERICI PARISH SCHOOL GRADUATE EVAN VARGAS HOLDS A COPY OF HIS BOOK, “PENNY & SIX” DURING A RECENT BOOK SIGNING EVENT AT A LOCAL BARNES & NOBLE. PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN VARGAS
a strong moral foundation that shaped him into the person he is today. Vargas started at St. Angela Merici in first grade. He said he grew up loving books like “Dog Man,” “Captain Underpants” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” and soon started writing his own comics based on the characters from those series. It was during the summer before he started sixth grade that the idea of writing about his own pets came to him. “I realized that they could make a good duo, kind of like a Tom and Jerry thing, so over the summer I started
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writing the first manuscript of ‘Penny & Six,’” he said. “It was way shorter than what it is now, but mainly just because I was getting some ideas out.” Throughout the three-year process of editing, copy editing, finding an illustrator and publishing the picture book, Vargas said his family supported him every step of the way. His classmates at St. Angela Merici also encouraged him. Principal JoAnn Telles announced the book’s publishing to the entire school and even bought two copies at his Barnes & Noble book signing. “Penny &
Six” is now available in the library at St. Angela. Telles said she hopes the book inspires other students to read, dream and even write their own books. “‘Penny & Six’ is a fun adventure with an important message about making good choices, taking responsibility and learning from our actions,” Telles said. “I thought it was especially fitting for today’s students, as it encourages them to understand that their choices have consequences and that there is always an opportunity to learn and grow from our mistakes.” C
GUEST COLUMN
THE ROAD TO SAINTHOOD BY FR. AL BACA
gathered for the cause of someone being N 1989, I WAS ordained a priest for considered for saintthe Diocese of Orange. After serving as hood. It can even parochial vicar in a number of parishbe thousands of es of the diocese, I was appointed the pages long, functiondirector for the Office of Ecumenical and ing almost like a court VENERABLE FULTON J. SHEEN, case for the candiInter-religion Affairs, located at MaryPICTURED IN AN UNDATED wood Pastoral Center in Orange. There are date. I remember being PHOTO, IS REMEMBERED great memories of work on “the hill,” howamazed at how thick and AS ONE OF THE MOST ever, one memory especially stands out and INFLUENTIAL AND heavy the file was. INNOVATIVE EVANGELISTS that is the day I interviewed Miss Edythe Prepared by the IN AMERICAN HISTORY. Brownett. Vatican appointed posON MARCH 25, 2026, THE DICASTERY FOR THE CAUSES tulator, the dossier conEdythe had spent most of her OF SAINTS ANNOUNCED life back east. Her sister entered the Sotains the candidate’s life THE BEATIFICATION OF ciety of the Holy Child Jesus taking the ARCHBISHOP SHEEN WOULD story, spiritual life, aposTAKE PLACE ON SEPT. name, Sr. Mary Magdalen. In later years, tolate and work, witness 24 IN ST. LOUIS. OSV she went back to her given name, Sr. of virtue, witness of vice NEWS PHOTO/COURTESY Marlene Ann Brownett. It was Archbishop ARCHBISHOP FULTON SHEEN and anything that FOUNDATION Sheen who had introduced her to the Holy might stop the candiChild Sisters. After the death of Archbishop date’s process. Persons Sheen, she became a great supporter of his interviewed are those that knew the candidate, cause for canonization and was a member worked for him, family members and others. All of the Board of Directors of the Archbishop letters, books, diaries, homilies and private correFulton J. Sheen Foundation. spondence are examined. If anything problematic It was her sister, Edythe, though, that this comes up it could derail the whole process. story is really about. Edythe not only knew The process is ponderous but necessarily Archbishop Sheen but became his lifelong so. Fortunately, with Archbishop Sheen, so many personal secretary. She relocated for a time who knew him personally were still alive and able to Orange County, California, and that was to give testimony. how I met her. The process for the canonPart of the process is that the interviewer must ization of Archbishop Sheen had begun and not divulge names and details of the interview. I they needed testimony from Edythe. Then can say that what did come through all those Fr. Tim Freyer, Vicar for Priests, asked me if hours of interviewing was that Archbishop Sheen I would meet with Edythe and conduct the was a good priest. He loved Christ, the Church “positio” or investigation for the first step in and the priesthood. He was a man of prayer and the process, Servant of God. hope. Perhaps his greatest gift was communicatI had never been involved in a proing the Catholic faith. There are countless stories cess of canonization and the opportunity to of people coming to God and Catholic faith be a part of Archbishop Sheen’s was too exthrough him. His show, “Life is Worth Living,” citing to pass up. I was given an unopened, was how the nation got to know him. We knew large and heavy dossier from the Vatican, him best as a bishop in love with his vocation and the contents of which were page after page of on fire for God and truth. questions regarding the Edythe passed on to God in 2007. Sr. Marlene person and ministry of Ann Brownett, SHCJ, died at the age of 90 in Archbishop Sheen. 2024. Each sister, in her own way, was a part of A word about the the process that has brought the great Archbishpositio. The dossier is a op Sheen to this rare place of Blessed among the compilation of evidence saints. C
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HOW MISSION SUPPORT IS ORGANIZED IN THE UNITED STATES BY FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH, DIRECTOR OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES, DIRECTOR OF MISSION OFFICE
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N A PREVIOUS ARTICLE I described briefly how the mission work of the Church is managed from the Pope to the Roman Dicastery for Evangelization, to a national mission office in every country, to a mission office in every diocese. But there’s a lot more to it than that. The Roman Dicastery under Pope Leo is organized into four distinct societies: ■ Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith ■ Pontifical Society of the Missionary Childhood Association ■ Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle ■ Pontifical Missionary Union Propagation of the Faith: founded in 1822 by Blessed Pauline Jaricot, it looks to form Catholics to be aware of their mission vocation and to pray and give material support to the Mission Church. St. Peter the Apostle: founded in 1889 by Stephanie and Jeanne Bigard (mother and daughter), they responded to a plea from the Bishop of Nagasaki, Japan, to help train native priests in mission territories. Missionary Childhood Association: formerly known as Holy Childhood Association, it was founded in 1843 as a response to news that children in mission lands were dying without Baptism. Its motto is “children helping children,” by means of children praying and offering small sacrifices to help children in the missions. Missionary Union: founded in 1922, it does not ask for funds as the other Societies do but rather offers support and education for priests and religious so they may be more mission minded.
FR. CHRISTOPHER HEATH IS THE DIRECTOR OF DIOCESAN ARCHIVES, DIRECTOR OF MISSION OFFICE. PHOTO BY THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE
In the United States, The Pontifical Mission Society (TPMS) gets its orders from Rome and organizes the diocesan mission offices to help support all four of the Pontifical Societies. There is a National Director, and a national board of directors of which our Bishop Kevin Vann is a member. Blessed Fulton Sheen was the national director 1950-1966. Here in the Diocese of Orange, I was assigned by Bishop Vann as the director of the Mission Office. Together with the Associate Director Lourdes Leon and our Administrative Assistant Gabriela Vazquez, we work to increase awareness of the Mission Church. As our 50th anniversary event motto suggests, “There’s More!” there is more to the Church than what we experience in our local parishes, Catholic schools and diocesan institutions and ministries! We can hardly imagine what life is like in most of the world — the poverty, lack of education, poor access to healthcare, cultural marginalization or downright persecution. We take so much for granted in the Church in the U.S. while many of our brothers and sisters struggle for daily existence. And 5.5 out of 8 billion people do not know that Jesus CONTINUES ON PAGE 14
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is the Good Shepherd and Savior of the World! These two realities alone — physical and spiritual poverty — surely must motivate each Catholic Christian to some form of action, some missionary response! Our faith only spreads because people who believe pass it on to people who don’t yet know the Truth! Our diocese even has a place we call a “mission”: San Juan Capistrano, where folks from Spain brought the Good News to the native peoples here 250 years ago! We were mission territory back then! Now it’s our turn to support other missions, now that we are established and thriving as a Catholic community! The Mission Office strives to increase this mission awareness and invites all to pray and support missionary activities around the world, in 1,130 territories overseen by Rome. We do this by assigning missionaries to your parishes, called the Mission Cooperation Plan (MCP), who come during the summer months to make an appeal to a specific project in their mission. And we do this by encouraging you
to be generous with the upcoming World Mission Sunday (WMS) collection Oct. 17-18. That weekend a second collection will be taken up in every parish — not only in the Diocese of Orange, not only in the United States, but in every parish around the world including the mission parishes that will benefit from this collection! And we do this by teaching children about how children, through the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA), in other countries experience life and faith with age-specific curricula including prayer and activities so that they can see a larger picture of the Church as well. As our diocese celebrates 50 years of life and growth, I pray we will all respond to the Mission Church with a grateful and sacrificial gift through the World Mission Sunday collection Oct. 17-18 to The Pontifical Mission Society. Our support will bless the missionaries serving the Church with the resources they need to show Jesus to those who do not know Him. Blessed Fulton, pray for us! Pray for the missions! C
CLOW TEACHES CHILDREN THE PROCESS OF MASS IN AN ENGAGING WAY BY BRITNEY ZINT
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HE CHILDREN STOOD IN a line waiting for their chance at sinking the ball into the basket. Of the 20 who tried, only two made the shot. “That basket is something you pray for and sometimes we pray, but we don’t get it right away,” explained Marlene Zambrano, the children’s faith formation coordinator at La Purísima Catholic Church. “If you keep trying and we have enough time, then maybe one of your balls would have gone in. That’s how prayer works.” Zambrano led the 20 children in a revived program called Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) at La Purísima in Orange. The class, which is open to children in first through sixth grade, read “the Faith of the Canaanite Woman” from the Gospel of Matthew
— the same reading happening in the main assembly. The class brought the reading to the children’s level and gave them a chance to discuss its meaning. The children then returned to the main assembly for the Liturgy of the Eucharist with their families. “We do everything the same as they’re doing it over there, but for the little kids,” said Zambrano. CLOW teaches children the process of Mass through visuals, echo reading, songs and movement. Children are given opportunities to lead readings and songs, while also getting to share with the group their takeaway from the Liturgy. CLOW takes place during the parish’s 10 a.m. Sunday Mass each week. The offering began this summer, but this isn’t the first time La Purísima has offered the program. It was a staple of the church before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. CONTINUES ON PAGE 15
CHILDREN GATHER AT THE ALTAR DURING MASS AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH BEFORE BEING DISMISSED FOR THE CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW). PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
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“We wanted to bring it back because we saw there was a need for our parish, for the kids, for them to have something in particular for their age,” Zambrano said. One of the favorite parts of the class is the prayer of the faithful, said CLOW volunteer Erika Abao. Hearing the children say their prayers and intentions out loud and then listening to other children close with “Lord, hear our prayer,” is very moving, Abao said. “It’s touching,” she said. “To be a part of that, you can feel the Holy Spirit surrounding our group.” Fifth-grader Delilah Arcos, 10, said she looks forward to the new class be-
cause it helps her understand more of the liturgy and deepen her faith. “I think it’s really good for children, and it helps us learn more and it just helps a lot,” said Arcos, “because it’s more in a children’s way and children understand more.” Parents Jesse and Sear Ly Montanez, who also volunteer with CLOW, said they like that the children have the opportunity to come together to talk and express themselves. Jesse Montanez said now that his son attends the class, he is better able to talk about the liturgy after Mass. “He’s more adaptive and more soaking in the Word,” he said, “and because they bring it down to his level, he understands it.” C
FROM LEFT, SEAR LY MONTANEZ, JESSE MONTANEZ, MARLENE ZAMBRANO AND ERIKA ABAO POSE AFTER LEADING THE CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW) AT LA PURÍSIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/ DIOCESE OF ORANGE
MARLENE ZAMBRANO ADDRESSES THE GROUP AS ELIZABETH VADKERTI AND ERIKA ABAO PRESENT A SONG POSTER DURING THE CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD (CLOW). S E P T E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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DIOCESAN NEWS
A LEGACY OF FAITH AND COMMUNITY BY CECILIA VITUG, ST. IRENAEUS PARISHIONER
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BOUT 63 YEARS AGO, St. Irenaeus Catholic Church was established in Cypress, a city barely five years old. Local lore has long held that the parish was founded when there were “more cows than Catholics.” Two years later, founding pastor Fr. Peter Caslin established the school with help from the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM) from Ireland. Under Sr. Anne Broderick’s leadership, the sisters laid a strong foundation for Catholic education, guiding generations of students in a Christ-centered environment. For decades, the Presentation Sisters were at the heart of the campus, living in the convent next to the church and teaching in the school before eventually transitioning out of full-time teaching and administrative roles. In December 2024, declining vocations led the sisters to consolidate their community houses and discern the closure of their Cypress convent, marking the bittersweet end of continuous service that began in 1963.
A BOLD NEW DOOR OPENS
Closing this chapter opened a promising new door. Through collaboration between the diocese and parish, the diocese purchased the convent from the Presentation Sisters in June 2025 and gave St. Irenaeus the opportunity to acquire the property and transform it into a new Parish Life Center. Guided by faith, we launched a $2 million capital campaign to fund the purchase and transformation of the property. Our vision is to provide a permanent home for our 30-plus active ministries and expand our ability to serve the parish and wider community. Currently, these ministries share elementary school classrooms and compete for limited space, restricting opportunities for adult and youth faith formation.
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The new facility will offer dedicated spaces for youth and Young Adult Ministry, marriage enrichment, Bible studies and evangelization, as well as parish retreats and educational programs that deepen our relationship with Christ. Ultimately, it will create a vibrant, multigenerational gathering space where parishioners of all ages can build community.
HONORING OUR ROOTS
With this acquisition, we honor the legacy of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM), founded by Venerable Nano Nagle. Inspired by her belief that “By degrees with the assistance of God we may do a great deal,” we are transforming their former home into our new Parish Life Center. Rooted in their mission of faith, service and community, the facility will serve as a living tribute to their history and spiritual legacy for generations to come.
ALIVE WITH ACTIVITY
Our growing Young Adult Ministry (YAM) now meets every Tuesday in the newly available Parish Life Center, providing a dedicated space for young adults ages 18 to 35 to connect, grow in faith and build community. The ministry is facilitated by Sr. Krystle Balancio of the Salesian congregation, co-founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello. She aims to build a vibrant, Christ-centered community and recently invited young adults across the diocese to join YAM through the RCBO website. Through prayer, theology discussions, shared meals and social outings, YAM brings young adults together in faith, friendship and fellowship, living out St. Irenaeus’ vision: “The Glory of God is Man fully Alive.” The Knights of Columbus Council 8599, which supports numerous parish and community initiatives at St. Irenaeus, also benefits from the new space. The council previously met in elementary school class-
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THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (PBVM) HELPED FOUND ST. IRENAEUS PARISH IN CYPRESS AND REMAINED A PROMINENT PART OF ITS CAMPUS. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. IRENAEUS PARISH
ST. IRENAEUS PARISH IN CYPRESS IS TRANSFORMING THE FORMER CONVENT OF THE SISTERS OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY INTO A NEW PARISH LIFE CENTER.
rooms using child-sized chairs but can now gather in the modern, comfortable Parish Life Center. These groups represent only a fraction of the parish communities benefiting from the new facility. St. Irenaeus is home to more than 30 active ministries, including support and prayer groups, the Filipino Catholic Federation, Hispanic Ministries, Jóvenes y Adultos Para Cristo and the
Catholic Charities Auxiliary.
LEAVE YOUR MARK: WAYS TO GIVE
The capital campaign includes Commemorative Giving opportunities for major donors, as well as a Commemorative Brick Campaign that allows the community to leave a lasting mark on the new center. To learn more, visit sticypress.org/donate C
Rosary Beads 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
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CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE
INTO THE VINEYARD: BRING THE BODY, & MAY THE HEART FOLLOW are there. We can spoil a good deed through resentment, self-righteousness or a lack of graciousness. God wants more than our compliance; He wants our fidelity, our hearts. As the AA 12step saying goes: “Bring the body, the heart will follow.” Although our labor often begins by struggling to do what is right, especially when difficult or when we don’t feel like it, it provides an opportunity for our hearts to eventually catch up. Only Jesus is the perfect Son who says “yes” to the Father and fulfills that “yes” completely. So, can we imitate Jesus by conforming our free will to God’s will? Can we move from holy words and thoughts to true obedience through action? When God calls us into the vineyard, may we do more than simply show up. May we bring changed hearts. And Daniel, wherever you are: I apologize. C
BY DEACON KEVIN DUTHOY
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HE PARABLE OF THE two sons has been played out across the centuries, both before Jesus, and after, in your lives and mine. Have you ever been asked to do something, agreed, and then immediately regretted your “yes”? Or said “no,” then reconsidered, did what was asked, but remained angry while doing it? The truth is that we often respond imperfectly — even to God. There can be a mismatch between what we say and what we do. Years ago, when I was in sixth grade, my brother and I were invited to my classmate Daniel’s birthday party. Daniel was different, to say the least. He had a large frame and the voice of an old man; he wasn’t athletic or a good student; He was more like Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird; he was a target for many at school. Daniel’s mother called my mother and invited my brother and me to the party. My brother said “yes,” but I wanted nothing to do with it. I knew few, if any, other classmates would be going. My brother eventually backed out, while I, torn by guilt, begrudgingly went with Daniel, his sister Margaret, and his mother to play miniature golf. Game over, party over, obligation completed. But the truth is, I had done a good deed…badly. In Jesus’ parable, the father asked both sons to work in the vineyard. One says “no” but later goes. The other says “yes” but does not go. Jesus asked which son did his father’s will, and the disciples answer: “The first.” Jesus points to tax collectors and prostitutes — people who had initially said “no” to God, but, through repen-
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CLASSIFIED ADS
PHOTO BY ANNIE SPRATT ON UNSPLASH
tance and humility, changed direction and entered the Kingdom. Have we said “yes” to God but failed to follow through? Have we said “no” but later found ourselves drawn back to His will? Jesus reminds us that it’s never too late to change direction. No one is too far gone for God to call back. Obedience is proven not in what we promise, but in what we practice; promising less and doing the more; the difference between spoken piety and obedient action. What matters is how we finish, not simply where we start. Our words and intentions are seeds, but they must be watered by action. We can speak holy
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words and think pious thoughts yet fail to enter the vineyard and do the work God asks of us. And our inaction has consequences. When one son fails to show up, the other must carry more of the burden. We know this in our own families, friendships, workplace and communities. Relationships become strained when one person is always a “doer” and another a “taker.” There are real repercussions from inaction, and real rewards for conversion. There is another dimension: not simply whether we enter the vineyard, but how and why we work once we
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OC Catholic Afar
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basílica in Hagatna, Guam, stands on the site of the island's first Catholic church, which was built in 1669, under the guidance of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. The current structure was completed and dedicated in 1958. —Photos by William Mahoney
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. S E P T E M B E R 2 7, 2 0 2 6 ■ O C C A T H O L I C
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