OC CATHOLIC - January 16, 2022

RISING ABOVE

JANUARY 16, 2022

PAGE 12

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ORANGE n OCCATHOLIC.COM

A HISTORIC MILESTONE PAGE 8

BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN LEADS THE MASS AT HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

JANUARY 16, 2022

CONTENTS

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FAITHFUL LEADER

Fullerton-based attorney Gardenia Cordero credits her faith for her professional success.

INSPIRED TO IMPROVE

New Years Resolutions, compounded by faith, inspire personal improvement.

POPE: PRESERVE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY RECEIVED AT BAPTISM

Pope Francis baptized 16 babies on Jan. 9, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

PLUS

Guest Column, Weekly Readings, Moments In Our Journey

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: Tracey Kincaid, tkincaid@rcbo.org Editor: Patricia Mahoney, editor@occatholic.com News Ideas: storyideas@rcbo.org Delivery Problems: occatholicsupport@occatholic.com

ADVERTISING Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com

SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT Managing Editor: Caitlin AdamsArt Director: Fernando M. Donado 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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GUEST COLUMN

HONORING THE LIFE OF A BELOVED BLACK NUN, LEADER

BY SHANNEN DEE WILLIAMS CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

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N 2021 WE SAW THE PASSING of some of the nation’s most important leaders, thinkers, writers and freedom fighters of the modern era.

Among the Catholic Church’s moral and educational giants who died was 73-yearold Sister Mary Greta Jupiter.

Devastation caused by Hurricane Ida delayed her funeral Mass and burial. But on Sept. 15, the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans laid their former congregational leader to rest in historic St. Louis No. 2 Cemetery.

Sister Jupiter’s passing on Aug. 28 marked another irreplaceable loss in the church’s dwindling community of African American nuns. Like all who knew Sister Greta and experienced her quiet brilliance and gentle kindness, I was devastated by

her death.

Born Gwendolyn Mary Jupiter at Charity Hospital in New Orleans on Sept. 20, 1947, Sister Greta was a cradle Catholic and a proud daughter of the city’s Lower Ninth Ward, where she was raised in the historically Black St. David Catholic Church.

The fourth of eight children born to Ulysses Pere Jupiter, a Pullman porter turned gas station owner, and Imelda Oubre Jupiter, a homemaker and part-time rectory cook, Sister Greta was educated by her order at St. Mary’s Academy. After her high school graduation in 1965, she entered the Sisters of the Holy Family, professing her first vows in 1968 and final vows in 1973.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry education from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1972 and a master’s degree in education from the University of New OrleCONTINUES ON PAGE 13

SHANNEN DEE WILLIAMS IS A CRADLE CATHOLIC AND AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF “SUBVERSIVE HABITS: BLACK CATHOLIC NUNS IN THE LONG AFRICAN AMERICAN FREEDOM STRUGGLE,” WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED BY DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS ON MAY 27, 2022. FOLLOW HER ON TWITTER AT @ BLKNUNHISTORIAN. PHOTO: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

The Diocese of Orange, through OC Catholic newspaper, presents local, national and world news about the Catholic Church. Our intention is to give our readers access to a variety of perspectives in order to help them to process the information within the framework of our Catholic faith, but also to better understand the perspectives of those with opposing viewpoints.

We hope that ultimately our readers will be better equipped to have constructive conversations that further the growth of the Catholic Church.

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DAILY READINGS AND REFLECTIONS

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Indifference is an accomplice of war — Pope Francis

REVELATION OF GOD’S PRESENCE

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ODAY’S FIRST READING from Isaiah arises out of the ordeal of the people of Jerusalem and Judea as they anticipate the end of seventy years of exile in Babylon. Their sufferings and their oppression will end, and they are promised joy like that of a great wedding upon returning to their homeland.

Although this passage is probably set in the early sixth century B.C., it is free of historical particulars. Accordingly, the Church has understood its imagery universally, as it proclaims God’s promise of healing, hope, and happiness for all peoples, in this world and in the next. When read against this background, the story of Jesus’ turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana becomes a revelation of God’s presence in the person of Jesus, making these promises real for us in the here and now, in the transformation of our own lives.

Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co. C

SAINT PROFILE

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PAUL THE HERMIT 227-341

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OMETIMES CALLED PAUL OF THEBES, he is known as the first Christian hermit. St. Jerome’s Latin biography of Paul may be the translation of a Greek legend featuring centaurs and satyrs. Tradition has the young Paul going into the Egyptian desert to escape the persecution of Emperor Decius, who ruled 249-51. But he lived there in a cave for the rest of his long life. Nearing death, he was visited by the hermit St. Antony, who buried him in a cloak from St. Athanasius. Two lions were said to have helped dig Paul’s grave, and they stand with him in church art. C

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

PHOTOS: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE, SHUTTERSTOCK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

SM 15:16-23; PS 50:8-9, 16BC-17, 21, 23; MK 2:18-22

1 SM 16:1-13; PS 89:20-22, 2728; MK 2:23-28

1 SM 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; PS 144:1B, 2, 9-10; MK 3:1-6

1 SM 18:6-9; 19:1-7; PS 56:2-3, 9-13; MK 3:7-12

1 SM 24:3-21; PS 57:2-4, 6, 11; MK 3:13-19

2 SM 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; PS 80:2-3, 5-7; MK 3:20-21

NEH 8:2-4A, 5-6, 8-10; PS 19:8-10, 15; 1 COR 12:12-30 [12-14, 27]; LK 1:1-4; 4:14-21

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FEATURE

FAITHFUL LEADER GARDENIA MONTERO CREDITS HER CATHOLIC FAITH WITH HER EARLY SUCCESS IN LAW AND LIFE

Schell Nuelle, a firm that specializes in business law. She assists companies in S A YOUNG GIRL, Gardenia becoming labor compliant and relishMontero took for granted es her work assisting employees in the that her Catholic school workplace.

Monteria recently received the Rising friends knew how to pray.

After all, her parents Irma and Isidro Star Award from the Woman’s Club of Fullerton. The award notes that “Gardeintegrated their faith into everything nia aspires to impact other young Latinas the family did, from saying the Rosary together every week to helping with the from Fullerton to pursue higher education and become involved in their local parish fiesta, attending Sunday Mass, and everything in between. Didn’t other community.”

Mary Shaw, St. Mary’s youth coordiparochial school kids enjoy that same nator, has known Montero for eight years commitment to Catholicism at home? since the young woman began volunIt wasn’t until Montero began volteering to teach confirmation classes unteering as an altar server when she was 9 years-old that she began to notice to young parishioners. “Gardenia is a regular go-getter,” Shaw noted. “She is a that her classmates didn’t understand self-starter who has a stop-whining-youthe Mass, pray daily or know much can-do-it attitude.” about the sacraments.

As a Fullerton High School graduate It was a realization that has guided and an alumnus of both UCLA, where her life, both personally and professhe double majored in anthropology and sionally; she wants to ensure that the Catholic faith is instilled strongly in the international development studies, and youth she now teaches at Fullerton’s St. Western State College of Law in Irvine, Mary’s Church as a volunteer catechist. Montero remains committed to community service. She is motivated specially to “I was very blessed to have parents provide guidance to other first-generawho were very nurturing about the tion college students. faith and were good about exposing us “Being nominated for the award to our religion,” Montero says of her caught me off guard,” she admitted, and her twin brother, Max. “We got to know our faith and really grow in it be- adding that it has particular meaning because faith was a priority in our family. cause the Woman’s Club was founded by “I want to be part of that process for her former kindergarten teachers, Sharon Quirk Silva and Pam Keller. youth, to talk to them and teach them “I don’t think about the recognition,” about their faith and formation, and she noted. “I do what I do, and I’m make sure they receive the guidance and have the role model they need,” she involved in what I’m involved in because I’m truly interested in helping the comcontinued. “Church isn’t just for older munity. As a bilingual woman I’m part of adults. Being involved and present helps me inspire the new generation to both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities, and I know that I can help ensure new blood for the Church.”

Today, Montero, 29, is an attorney others succeed as well.”

GARDENIA MONTERO WAS RECENTLY HONORED WITH THE RISING STAR AWARD FROM THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF CONTINUES ON PAGE 7 FULLERTON. PHOTO COURTESY OF GARDENIA CORDERO. specializing in employment law at

BY CATHI DOUGLAS

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FEATURE / CATHOLIC FAMILY LIVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

The honor shocked Montero into recognizing that she is a leader.

“It made me reflect that leaders come in different shapes and sizes,” she explained, adding that her parents were the first leaders who influenced her. “My Dad can entertain a big crowd and my Mom is a soft-spoken organizer. I now realize that anyone can be a leader – and the award was a personal affirmation that I’m doing the right thing in the world.”

Her future plans include continuing to help low-income individuals and families with their legal needs.

She aims to one day create a program to mentor Latinas.

“I was part of a group like that and in Fullerton it’s crucial to see successful Latinas that can support others in higher education and beyond,” she said. “It makes them realize they can do it, too.”

Being Catholic is important to Montero, who declares that she would be lost without her faith.

“My faith has provided guidance and structure throughout my life and career,” she said. “Whenever traveling the world for school, work or pleasure, I always know that wherever I travel, I’m part of the Catholic community.”

“Anywhere in the world, if I stepped into a Catholic church, I was part of one body,” she added. “I have that same feeling of belonging, being one body with Christ. It’s a beautiful feeling knowing that we believe in one God and are united in His love.”

Love, in fact, is Montero’s guiding light.

“Do everything with love,” from the first book of Paul to the Corinthians, is her favorite Bible passage, she said. “That’s a big motivator for me. I try to do everything with love – community work, any project – I do it with love.

“It all comes down to love.” C

INSPIRED TO IMPROVE WITH GOD’S HELP, WE CAN KEEP OUR RESOLUTIONS ALL YEAR LONG

BY CATHI DOUGLAS

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EW YEARS INSPIRE us to change. Whether it’s a new fitness regimen or a healthier diet, we are motivated to

improve.

Still, many of us fail after our first few highly motivated days, weeks or months.

How can we sustain positive change in our lives?

The answer is straightforward: When it comes to making lasting and positive spiritual change, a resolution many Catholics and their families make each year, God wants to help us. He’s on our side.

While God calls us to lead spotless lives in which we worship Him without sin – as exemplified

by Jesus in His short time on Earth – He urges us to lean on Him for help in doing so.

JUST PRAY

It’s tough to stick to any resolution, whether it’s a new way of approaching food or consistently doing penance in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Even if we follow the most practical advice, we stumble because we’re human, and humans aren’t perfect.

Writing in acatholic.org, Dr. Analise D. Mello observes that the solution to keeping resolutions of any kind is to pray.

Quite simply, Dr. Mello says, taking our issues (and faults and failures) before

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

the Lord in prayer allows us to contemplate the reasons we wish to improve. He sees our mistakes and blesses us as we strive toward our goals. In contemplation, we commune with Him to seek holiness and peace He brings into our lives.

LEARNING TO OBEY

Many of us, myself included, try to maintain strict control of our lives, including addressing our resolutions.

Self-reliance and responsibility are great, but in the end, it is all in God’s hands.

“Letting go and letting God” seems a trite answer to complicated problems, but I’ve found that I need to repeat this phrase as I hit my head on a metaphorical wall of frustration.

For me, the vow to obey God without question is one of the most difficult lessons. I struggle with my sense of personal responsibility verses gracefully letting Him take the wheel.

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

Of those who made resolutions in 2021, only 10 percent of U.S. adults stuck with their resolutions and nearly half of all resolutions were broken within the

first month, according to a Medifast survey quoted in howlifeunfolds.com, a website sponsored by the Paper & Packaging Board.

A helpful guide, “10 Great Tips for Keeping Your Resolutions,” can be found at verywellmind.com. It recommends choosing specific goals, limiting your resolutions rather than spreading yourself too thin, making detailed plans for success, and avoiding repeating past failures.

The article continues with valuable advice to create a solid support system to help you carry out your resolutions. That support, in my opinion, begins with the Creator – although the buddy system is a lot of fun and provides vital accountability. In fact, I’ve asked my daughter to keep me on track with some top business goals in 2022.

Writer Kendra Cherry notes that by March, many of us have given up. Cherry recommends reevaluating our goals and being flexible enough to revise our plans.

One helpful hint she mentions is to keep a resolution journal, another idea I plan to use.

Perhaps most important is to accept that change is a process, and you (and the Lord) can correct course when you misstep. C The Maria Ferrucci Catholic Family Living feature is intended to inspire families to live their faith in the way Maria Ferrucci did throughout her earthly life.

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FEATURE

A HISTORIC MILESTONE HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE MARKED ITS CENTENNIAL LAST MONTH

BY JENELYN RUSSO

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EC. 18, 2021, marked a special milestone for Holy Family Catholic Church as the parish in Orange celebrated its centennial anniversary.

One hundred years ago, in 1921, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles acknowledged the significant increase in the number of Catholics in the city of Orange.

To address the spiritual needs of this part of the Orange County community, the Holy Family parish was established, and Fr. Francis Burelbach was appointed the first pastor.

The first home for Holy Family Catholic Church was built on a site located at the corner of East Chapman and Shaffer Street in Orange, with property acquisition overseen by Fr. Burelbach. Mass was celebrated at the new parish in 1922.

As Holy Family outgrew their location, land was acquired at the corner of LaVeta and South Glassell in 1949, and it remains their current home. The church was dedicated on that site on January 8, 1961.

When Holy Family made the move to the LaVeta property, one of the priorities was to build a new parochial school. The official groundbreaking ceremony for the school on March 13, 1949, included Bishop Timothy Manning. In August of 1949, Holy Family Catholic School opened, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, including Principal Sr. Mary Barbara, oversaw the teaching of approximately

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BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN, CENTER, PRESIDES OVER THE CENTENNIAL MASS AT HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

200 students. Today, the K-8 campus serves nearly 440 students and also offers a preschool program.

In 1976, when the County of Orange separated from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Holy Family was the designated Cathedral Church for the newly created Diocese of Orange and was originally led

by Bishop, the Most Reverend William R. Johnson. Holy Family kept that designation until the consecration of Christ

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Cathedral in 2019.

While in the role of Cathedral Church for the Diocese of Orange, Holy Family was the site many ordinations, large events and celebrations, including the Red Mass and Chrism Mass. Additionally, Auxiliary Bishop of Orange, Most Reverend Timothy E. Freyer was ordained at Holy Family.

“Holy Family has been a vibrant parish for many years, and I think that this cel-

ebration is not just marking the passing of time but giving thanks for the so many people who came to know and love the Lord through the vibrant ministry of this parish,” said Bishop Freyer. “The parish has had a large number of men go to the seminary and be ordained for our diocese, has brought people to the faith through their outreach and faith formation ministries, and continues to care for CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

FEATURE orangediocese • follow January 9, 2022 orangediocese “John said: One mightier than I is coming; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Luke 3:16 Happy Feast of the Baptism of the Lord!

orangediocese • follow January 6, 2022 orangediocese “If we want riches in Heaven, we must be poor in spirit” Fr. Scott reflects on the Gospel reading (Lk 4:14-22) and speaks on the call of generosity that we hear from God throughout time.

Listen to his full reflection through the link in our bio!

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 Crisis Counseling Hot Line (24/7): 1 (714) NEW–HOPE or 1 (714) 639–4673

ASSEMBLED PRIESTS ATTEND THE HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH CENTENNIAL MASS. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the less fortunate.”

On December 18, 2021, in honor of the century that Holy Family has served the local community, the parish hosted a 100 Year Anniversary Mass and Reception both in-person and live streamed. The event served as the kickoff for a number of celebrations that will take place in 2022 to recognize the milestone.

The thousands of baptisms, first communions, reconciliations, weddings, funerals and confirmations that have taken place at Holy Family over the last 100 years reflect the parish’s commitment to their vision and mission of evangelism and service.

“All of these things that have happened here have created this community here,” said Holy Family Catholic Church Rector, Fr. Patrick Moses.

“Some of those people are with us today, some people have passed on and some people have moved on to other areas.

But this core community has shown me a community that perseveres and stays.”

In a video produced for the 100-year anniversary, Fr. Patrick Moses, along with several parishioners, shared what the Holy Family parish has meant to them. Words such as “family” and “community of doers” were common threads as they described how Holy Family has touched and transformed the lives of so many.

“Christ, before he ascended into heaven, told his disciples to go out and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,” said Fr. Patrick Moses. “So our mission has been given to us, and I think we just build on what’s already been given to us in our legacy of our past parishioners, our current parishioners and those we will baptize in the next coming weeks, months and years…

This parish has affected generations behind us, and I know it’s going to affect generations ahead of us.” C

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DIOCESAN NEWS

AROUND OUR DIOCESE

BY STAFF

“CATHOLICS INVADE THE BAR” SPEAKER SERIES

The first of the “Catholics Invade the Bar” speaker series, organized by Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, took place Dec. 29 at H.H. Cotton’s in San Clemente. The program was entitled, “How St. Clement of Rome Ruined My Life,” and featured speaker was Matthew J. Thomas, DPhil, assistant professor of Biblical studies at Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, Berkeley.

The nine-week series runs through Feb. 23 and is a “Theology-on-Tap” style event in three sections: (1) “Patristics in the Pub” (three speakers on the Fathers of the Church); (2) “Medievals and Mixology” (three speakers on the medieval period of the Church); and (3) “The Magisterial Vineyard” (three speakers on the modern Magisterium). $10 suggested donation. Free childcare available at Our Lady of Fatima.

Enjoy a bite to eat while attending this special theology series at H.H. Cotton’s American Bar & Grill, 201 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente. For more information, visit http://www. catholicsinvadethebar.com/

“CATHOLICS INVADE THE BAR” SPEAKER SERIES, ORGANIZED BY OUR LADY OF FATIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH, TOOK PLACE DEC. 29 AT H.H. COTTON’S IN SAN CLEMENTE. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH

THE MASS FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN

The Mass for the Protection of Unborn Children is will be celebrated on Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at Christ Cathedral.

Commemorating the 49th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Bishop Kevin W. Vann invites our Catholic community as well as all people of goodwill to join together in prayer for an end to abortion, healing for those involved in abortion and an increased respect for all CONTINUES ON PAGE 11

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AN EVENT HELD AFTER THE 2020 MASS FOR THE PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN. PHOTO: PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

DIOCESAN NEWS

MATER DEI NAMES NEW PRESIDENT MICHAEL P. BRENNAN, AN EXPERIENCED CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, WILL TAKE OVER THE HELM AT MATER DEI. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE

BY STAFF

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HE ROMAN CATHOLIC Diocese of Orange and Department of Orange County Catholic Schools are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael P. Brennan, an experienced Catholic school educator and administrator, as the next president of Mater Dei High School.

Brennan succeeds Fr. Walter Jenkins, who is returning to South Bend, Indiana, to take on a new assignment with his religious order, the Congregation of Holy Cross. An independent review of Mater Dei’s athletic program and overall safety protocols will continue under Brennan’s leadership. C

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human life.

There will be a special blessing and prayer for those attending OneLife LA the following day and for those who are supporting and participating in the Walking with Moms in Need initiative at parishes.

OneLife LA 2022 is back in-person on Saturday, Jan. 22, beginning at 12 noon in downtown LA. Register at onelifela.org.

INFO SESSIONS ON WORLD YOUTH DAY

The next World Youth Day will take place in Lisbon, Portugal in August 2023.

The Diocese of Orange Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry will host three information sessions for young adults to introduce them to World Youth Day and to present potential itineraries for this pilgrimage. Young adults are invited to learn more about the possibility of attending this experience and give their feedback regarding itinerary options.

The information sessions will take place on Monday, Jan. 24 and Thursday Jan. 27 in person at the Pastoral Center, at Christ Cathedral campus and Monday, Jan. 31 via Zoom.

ST. POLYCARP CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSTIN IS HOSTING A DATING WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG ADULTS ON FEB. 5.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. POLYCARP CATHOLIC CHURCH

BECOMING HOLY SPOUSES DATING & MARRIAGE WORKSHOP AT ST. POLYCARP

On Saturday, Feb. 5 St. Polycarp Catholic Church will host a practical dating and marriage workshop for young adults ages 18 to 35. The intention of this event is to prepare young adults to become holy spouses through dating and marriage relationships. Single, engaged and married young adults are welcome!

Spots are limited!

Early bird pricing is $27, or $35 at the door.

Coffee, water and lunch will be pro-

vided. All remaining proceeds will be donated to pro-life centers in California.

For tickets, visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/dating-marriage-workshop-tickets-231888634147

2022 SOLIDARITY WALK AND PRAYER VIGIL

The St. Irenaeus Health Ministry’s Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry invites you to join their 2022 Solidarity Walk and Prayer Vigil from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 7 to honor human trafficking victims. The event will be held at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, 5201 Ever-

green Ave. in Cypress.

The Solidarity Walk and Prayer Vigil will begin with Taize prayer in the church. Then everyone will walk in a candlelit procession to several stations, where we will turn on the light to recognize victims hidden in plain sight. We will shine our light to reveal the causes of human trafficking; how our purchases affect the lives of others; the ways men, women and children are victimized in sex and labor trafficking; and how laborers are exploited and trapped in farms, factories and ships. We will then conclude our vigil walk to the Education Building, where a short presentation will take place.

Note that this annual walk and vigil also honors St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking victims, whose Feast Day is the next day (Feb. 8) as well as the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking.

Please join us in prayerful solidarity to shine light on the darkness of human trafficking and learn how to fight this heinous crime. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Monica Kovach, chair of Bridge of Light Ministry, at (310) 490-6113. C

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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS NEWS NINETEEN JSERRA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES POSE FOR A PICTURE DURING A NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT SIGNING DAY CEREMONY IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA, ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020.

PHOTO: JEFF GRITCHEN, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER/SCNG

RISING ABOVE

University. And on the girls’ side, Jade Zamora is headed to University of Missouri.

Baseball player Matthew Porchas signed with University of Texas, and his teammate Tanner Warady will play for Loyola Marymount University.

The Eagles girls lacrosse program saw Brooke Cressy sign with Campbell University of Notre Dame.

University and Molly Jacobson commit

BY JENELYN RUSSO From the soccer pitch, Luke Burritt to Towson University.

OV. 10, 2021, marked the will play for SMU. And from the girls’ Sprinter Ashley Rodgers will run for first National Signing Day of side of the program, Ella Giannola Biola University’s track and field prothe 2021-22 academic year committed to the Ohio State University, gram, and Dillyn Griffin committed to when high school seniors Alexa Morris signed with Point Loma play women’s volleyball for University of signed letters of intent to compete in Nazarene University, and Teagan Wy is Pittsburgh. collegiate level athletics. headed to UC Berkeley.

JSerra Catholic High School recogSanta Margarita Catholic High School Moving back to the pool, boys water nized six of their athletes on November celebrated 23 of their senior athletes as polo player Zachary Cwiertnia com10 in the JSerra Pavilion. they made commitments to play their mitted to Pepperdine University. The From the baseball diamond, three respective sports at the next level. girls program saw four athletes make Lions made commitments to play at The Eagles saw five members of their commitments including Carly McMurthe next level. David Horn committed girls swim team commit to college swim ray and Isabella Rosensitto, who both to Vanderbilt University, Tyler Gough programs. Isabella Abrajan is headed to signed with UCLA. Ruby Hodge and Ella signed with Oregon State University Duke University. Lindsay Ervin signed Schneider will both play for Harvard and Tristan LaMaison is headed to Pace with Northwestern University. Abigail University.

University.

Isaly committed to Cal Poly San Luis From the Eagles’ boys golf program, JSerra swimmer Liwen Cao commitObispo. Justina Kozan will swim for Andy Zou signed with UC Irvine, and ted to University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

USC, and Julia Stafford is headed to the Jack Yurosek will play for Denison Softball players Hollie Farmer and

SANTA MARGARITA, JSERRA AND ROSARY HIGH SCHOOLS HAD A TOTAL OF 34 ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT

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Willa Poplawski signed with Boise State University and University of San Diego, respectively.

Rosary Academy celebrated five of their senior student athletes as they each made the commitment to play their respective sports at the next level. This included four members of the Royals softball program. Hannah Hernandez signed with University of Rhode Island.

Isabella Fuentes committed to UC Santa Barbara. Martina Gutierrez is headed to Fairfield University, and Samantha Pagan will play for Azusa Pacific University.

Rounding out Rosary’s fall signing class was Kaylee Byon who will play basketball for Utah Valley University.

“Our fall signees were a very unique group, representing historic championships for Rosary,” said Rosary Academy Athletic Director, Tom Tice. “The four softball players were on the field when we won a [CIF-SS] championship this past spring, and our basketball player, Kaylee Byon, is one of the most decorated athletes in Rosary history, having brought two CIF State titles back to our gym. It was quite an accomplished group of student athletes.” C

GUEST COLUMN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

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ans in in 1976. She completed additional graduate work in educational administration at Loyola University New Orleans, Tulane University and California State University at Long Beach.

Over the course of her distinguished career as a science educator and school principal, Sister Greta taught at and led her order’s Regina Caeli High School in Compton, California, and her alma mater, St. Mary’s Academy. From 1998 to 2002, she served as the associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Before being elected to serve as her order’s assistant congregational leader in 2010, Sister Greta played a leading role in preserving Black-administered Catholic education following Hurricane Katrina’s destruction by founding the MAX School, which temporarily combined the city’s three historically Black Catholic high schools.

In 2014, Sister Greta assumed the leadership of the nation’s second oldest African American sisterhood and helped to guide the community in their continued efforts to rebuild following Hurricane Katrina.

Those who knew Sister Greta would tell you she never sought the spotlight or ambitiously pursued leadership roles. Yet, she shined in those positions, leaving an indelible mark on the church and epitomizing the meaning of servant leadership.

I first met Sister Greta in 2015 at the funeral Mass for Father Cyprian Davis at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana. I introduced myself as the historian writing the book on Black nuns in the United States who had visited her order’s archive in 2009.

One year later, Sister Greta, as a member of the planning committee of annual meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious invited me to speak at the Atlanta gathering. Without her help, I am not sure I would have been able to make the connections and secure the archival access needed to finish my book.

We met again in 2016 in New Orleans before Sister Greta’s cancer diagnosis.

During my stay at the Holy Family motherhouse, I finally interviewed her. Afterward, she took me out to dinner and on a tour of her beloved Lower Ninth Ward.

On our way, I witnessed what I consider to be the most important dimension of Sister Greta’s moral leadership.

En route to the restaurant, Sister Greta and I saw a man attempting to force a screaming and resisting adolescent girl into his car.

Without hesitation, Sister Greta, who was wearing her veil, stopped her vehicle and prepared to take action. I quickly searched the car for something with which to fight the girl’s perceived attacker and protect Sister Greta, if necessary.

While the situation was resolved without any violence, I still recall how Sister Greta’s bravery and unflinching readiness to help this child emboldened me to act as well.

Sister Greta never used the word feminist or womanist to describe herself in our conversations. Yet, when confronted with a potential attack on a native daughter of New Orleans, Sister Greta did not hesitate to intervene and protect her, and I have never forgotten it.

As the 21st century progresses, it pains me that the church will lose the last generation of African American sisters who grew up during Jim Crow and fought to dismantle some of the nation’s most difficult racial and gender barriers.

These women carry the stories and faithfulness of generations of Black Catholics who made a way out of absolutely no way in their racially segregated and white-dominated church.

Sister Greta’s instinct to defend Black girlhood and innocence was rooted firmly in the intellectual, educational and spiritual traditions of her historically African American sisterhood and their ministry to society’s most vulnerable.

When I last saw Sister Greta in 2018, shortly after her illness forced her to step down from congregational leadership, she was all smiles and encouragement.C

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CATHOLIC NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

PRESERVE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY RECEIVED AT BAPTISM, POPE SAYS

BY JUNNO AROCHO ESTEVES CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Before baptizing 16 babies in the Sistine Chapel, Pope Francis reminded parents and godparents of their responsibility to care for and preserve the Christian identity the infants were about to receive.

“This is your task throughout your lives: to guard the Christian identity of your children,” the pope said. “It is a daily commitment: help them grow with the light they receive today.”

The pope baptized the seven boys and nine girls -- the children of Vatican employees -- in the Sistine Chapel during the celebration of Mass Jan. 9, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

The annual tradition of baptizing infants on the feast day, which began in 1981 by St. John Paul II, was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Although the baptisms resumed this year, the number of infants was significantly reduced. In January 2020, the pope had baptized 32 infants in the Sistine Chapel.

Delivering a brief, off-the-cuff homily, Pope Francis recalled a hymn for the feast day that said the people of Israel went to the Jordan River to be baptized “with bare feet and bare souls.”

“These children today also come here with ‘bare souls’ to receive God’s justification, Jesus’ strength, the strength to move forward in life,” he said. “Your children will receive their Christian identity today. And you, parents and godparents, must guard this identity.”

With the sounds of fussy children filling the frescoed chapel, the pope repeated his usual advice to mothers of infants, encouraging them to make their children comfortable, and to not worry if they start to cry in the chapel.

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POPE FRANCIS BAPTIZES A BABY DURING MASS MARKING THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD IN THE SISTINE CHAPEL AT THE VATICAN JAN. 9, 2022. THE POPE BAPTIZED 16 INFANTS. PHOTO: VATICAN MEDIA / CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

“This ceremony is a bit long, the children then feel uncomfortable here in an environment they do not know. Please, they are the protagonists: make sure that they are not too hot, that they feel

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comfortable,” Pope Francis said.

“If they are hungry, breast feed them here, in front of the Lord, no problem,” he added. “And if they cry out, let them cry out, because they have a community

spirit, let’s say a ‘band spirit,’ a spirit of ensemble, and all it takes is for one to start -- because everyone is musical -and immediately the orchestra comes!

Let them cry, let them feel free.”. C

Moments in our Journey

A young student at Christ Cathedral Academy in Garden Grove tends to his school work.

—Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Orange

Send your photos that capture Catholic life in your parish community to: webeditor@occatholic.com

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