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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
7
MARCH
29, 2026
CONTENTS
LEADERSHIP IN OC
CATHOLIC
SCHOOLS
St. Juliana Falconieri eighth-grade student Aubrey Kang is a student leader.
8 GREEN DAY
Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish pulled out all the stops for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
10
14
BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE FISH FRY AT A TIME
For two decades, St. Norbert Catholic School has hosted the Lenten fish fry program.
PALM SUNDAY: RIDING A DONKEY TO CALVARY Jesus makes His humble entrance to His city at the start of Holy Week.
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
Director of Custom Content: Caroline Wong, cawong@scng.com
SCNG CUSTOM CONTENT
Managing Editor: Caitlin Adams Art Director: Ryann Beveridge
Delivered weekly to parishes and homes throughout Orange County, Calif., Orange County Catholic is published by SCNG Custom Content, a division of Southern California News Group that offers content development and design expertise to businesses and nonprofit institutions. The Orange County Catholic editorial staff and editorial council are responsible for the content contained herein. Events and products advertised in Orange County Catholic do not carry the implicit endorsement of the Diocese of Orange or SCNG Custom Content.
ROSARY BEADS
READER CALL-OUT
My grandparents, Al and Trini, have been residents of San Clemente more than 50 years and recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. This Rosary was a gift to my grandmother and is more than 110 years old. —Tammy Dawson
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
READINGS FOR THE WEEK
MONDAY
ISAIAH 42:1-7; PSALM 27:1, 2, 3, 13-14; JOHN 12:1-11
TUESDAY
ISAIAH 49:1-6; PSALM 71:1-2, 3-4A, 5AB-6AB, 15 AND 17; JOHN 13:21-33, 36-38
WEDNESDAY
ISAIAH 50:4-9A; PSALM 69:8-10, 2122, 31 AND 33-34; MATTHEW 26:14-25
“ May every kind word…be seeds of a new world” — Pope Leo XIV
SAINT PROFILE
BERTHOLD C. 12TH CENTURY
NOT MUCH IS KNOWN about this hermit who is considered by some historians to be the founder of the order of Carmelite friars. Various legends had him born in Limoges, France, educated at the University of Paris, and participating in the Crusades in Turkey. What is known is that he directed a group of Frankish hermits living on Mount Carmel in Palestine in the second half of the 12th century. The existence on Mount Carmel of a church and hermitage in the spiritual tradition of the prophet Elijah is documented from 1163 on. After Berthold's death, the hermits were led by another Frenchman, St. Brocard; Carmelite houses became well-established throughout Europe by 1300. C
THURSDAY
ISAIAH 61:1-3A, 6A, 8B-9; PSALM 89:2122, 25 AND 27; REVELATION 1:5-8; LUKE 4:16-21
YEARS BEFORE THE formation of the Diocese of Orange, most Catholic churches and elementary schools in Orange County came under the authority of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Once students aged out of Catholic elementary schools, however, there were no Catholic high schools in Orange County for these students to attend.
That changed when Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, who served as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles from 1948 to 1970, wanted to establish a Catholic high school in Orange County.
So, in 1950, Mater Dei High School opened in the heart of Santa Ana, be-
coming the first Catholic high school in the county.
During a time when large swaths of the county consisted of vast open spaces and farmland, Mater Dei opened with 111 students and 10 teachers.
Jump ahead to the 2025–26 school year, when Mater Dei started the year with more than 1,800 students who come from 215 ZIP codes within five Southern California counties, making Mater Dei the largest Catholic high school in the county.
Mater Dei has more than 30,000 alumni around the world and its graduates have made their mark in all areas of society, from classrooms to boardrooms to courtrooms to stadiums.
“One of the greatest blessings of my life has been witnessing how Mater Dei
continues to shape young people who carry our Catholic mission into the world,” said Mater Dei principal Frances Clare, who began her career at Mater Dei in 1997, when she was a classroom teacher in the English department.
Clare went on to become the department chair, then assistant principal and has served as principal since 2002.
“When I look at our Monarchs today, I see the same spirit that I saw in my students over 30 years ago — young people full of energy, talent, promise and hope,” Clare said. “While programs, facilities and teaching methods continue to evolve, our Catholic mission remains the same: to form young men and women who will go into the world ready to lead lives of faith, purpose and service.”
Notable Monarch alumni include
Most Reverend Bishop Jaime Soto ‘74, bishop of Sacramento; Juan Zarate ’89, former deputy national security advisor to President George W. Bush; Annie Mumolo ’91, Oscar-nominated screenwriter and actress; Sara Hughes ’13, 2024 U.S. Olympic beach volleyball player; Fathers Steve Sallot and Joe Knerr ’72, and Fr. Michael Nguyen '09.
Many former Monarchs also followed their calling to religious life.
In athletics, Mater Dei has produced 10 Olympians, close to 400 league championship teams, nearly 120 CIF Southern Section championship teams, 10 national championship teams and 23 Gatorade Players of the Year.
Mater Dei is also the only high school in the nation to have produced three Heisman Trophy winners: John Huarte ’61, Matt Leinart ’01, and Bryce Young ’20.
And most recently, the Mater Dei boys and girls soccer teams captured CIF state championships.
In 2000, Mater Dei launched a multiphase capital improvement campaign.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Completed projects from Phase I include construction of a parking lot, the Gordon & Gail Lee Family Chapel & Campus Ministry Center, the Antone & Anna Borchard Family Library, Academic Services Complex, the Reed & Angela LeVecke Student Activities Complex and Shamrock Plaza.
In Phase II, an outdoor athletics complex was added, which includes a baseball stadium, track and two FieldTurf fields.
The Meruelo Athletic Center and William Lyon Aquatic Center were also added during Phase II.
Future projects include the construction of a performing arts center and a variety of campus and classroom
PHOTO COURTESY OF MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
upgrades.
Over the years, technology has transformed how Mater Dei students learn and communicate, Clare said.
But even with the evolution, Mater Dei’s core mission remains the same, Clare said: To form the whole person in mind, body and soul, guiding students to live lives rooted in Mater Dei’s core values of honor, glory and love.
“The world is more interconnected, and the challenges they face are more complex,” Clare said. “As educators, we have evolved as well, continuing to strengthen our curriculum and create learning experiences that prepare our students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.”
Mater Dei kicked off a year-long celebration of its diamond anniversary in August with a 75th anniversary Mass in the grotto on campus.
The service drew more than 1,200 members of the Mater Dei community, including current students, parents, faculty and alumni.
Multiple celebratory events have tak-
en place throughout the school year.
ANNIVERSARY GALA
The showcase event is the 75th Anniversary & Ring of Honor Gala on April 25 in the Meruelo Athletic Center.
The gala will feature entertainment, fine dining and a special Ring of Honor ceremony to honor individuals whose contributions have shaped the Mater Dei legacy.
An online auction will take place during the week leading up to the gala.
“I love Mater Dei and will never cease working to achieve the mission of leading young women and men to Christ with an intercession of Mary Mater Dei,” said Mater Dei president Michael Brennan, who came to Mater Dei in February 2022 after serving as Servite High School principal for 15 years. “Being the president of Mater Dei High School is a wonderful blessing and a responsibility that I do not take lightly. My daily prayer is that I have the ability to not only lead the school with honor, glory, and love but to live my life with the same virtues.” C
MATER
STUDENTS POSE ON CAMPUS, CIRCA 1990S.
INSIDE A MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM, CIRCA 1950S. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
LEADERSHIP IN ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SPOTLIGHT ON AUBREY KANG, ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI CATHOLIC SCHOOL, FULLERTON
BY MIKE ZINN
EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT
Aubrey Kang is a responsible student; she strives to do her best while modeling strength of character in her daily actions and leadership, which inspires those around her.
“She exhibits strong leadership skills, especially in mentorship of younger students,” shared teacher Michaela Arabia. “She leads by example, a rare quality in fourteen-year-olds.”
Teacher Cassie Rodriguez said Kang is someone who values interaction with all students.
“Aubrey encourages fellow students to stay on task with a kind approach,” she shared.
Kang’s favorite subjects are science and art. She also serves on student council, where she assists with elections, plus choir and drama.
It is working with the kinder and TK classes that Kang’s love of service shines. She assists younger students — not only during school but also in the after-school program. She particularly likes “buddy time,” working with her little buddy at Mass and teaching Mass etiquette.
In addition to her school-related activities, Kang plays club ice hockey. Her eyes light up when she speaks about the sport.
“I have been on the ice since the age of 2,” she said.
She started with ice skating, then figure skating and at age 5, she transitioned to ice hockey.
In addition to loving hockey, Kang said she feels that team sports offer an opportunity to lead.
“I can help the coaches by demonstrating skills and always encouraging my teammates,” she shared.
As a testament to her strong academic abilities, Kang has received early acceptance to Rosary Academy. She will not have far to walk, as Rosary is adjacent to St. Juliana Falconieri. Once in high school Kang would like to participate in ASB and the Leadership Pathway, a specialized program to develop leadership skills. Ultimately, Kang would like to follow her sister to UCLA and study to become a pediatric nurse or a pre-K teacher.
Kang points to her parents as key role models in her life.
“They have taught me valuable life lessons and how to be a good student,” she said. A good student indeed, as Kang received the Falcon Award which is given to students achieving a 90% or higher GPA. She is striving to reach the next levels of academic recognition: Honors (GPA of 93% or above) and High Honors (97.0% or above).
Kang expressed great love for her school, students and teachers. As for her legacy at St. Juliana, she would like to be remembered most as someone who takes responsibility for everything she does, from her academic responsibilities to her positive interaction with younger students. C
AUBREY KANG IS AN EIGHTH GRADER AT ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN FULLERTON. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JULIANA FALCONIERI SCHOOL
GREEN DAY
BY STAFF
OUR LADY OF MOUNT
Carmel Parish hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party on March 14, complete with all things Irish – music, food and fun.
Organized by the Knights of Columbus and held after Mass in O’Donnell Hall, the evening featured live Irish music and Irish step dancing by the Lyons Academy of Irish Dance.
Chuck Baur, grand knight of the Balboa Council of the Knights of Columbus, said the event was started by the men’s club eight years ago, before the Knights established a council at the parish.
“It’s a tradition that we have every year,” said Baur.
Attendees dressed in green partook in lively conversation and Irish staples such as corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. And for the wee little ones? Hot dogs, of course.
The day was good craic (fun) for all! C
FR. GABRIEL ATIDOO, PAROCHIAL VICAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, POSES WITH GUESTS DURING THE PARISH'S ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY HELD ON MARCH 14. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ANDREW EVERSON PLAYS A FIDDLE DURING OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY.
TODD THOMPSON AND OTHER GUESTS MOVE THROUGH THE BUFFET LINE AT OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY HELD ON MARCH 14.
SOPHIA CERVANTES DANCES WITH HER FATHER, GERARDO, TO IRISH MUSIC.
CONNIE SCOLINOS, LEFT, AND NAN RANEY POSE TOGETHER AT OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE FISH FRY AT A TIME
BY MIKE ZINN
ONE WORD DESCRIBES the atmosphere moments before the doors open to the St. Norbert Parish fish fry — excitement.
Inside the Family and Youth Center, eighth-grade students scurried around decorating the evening's western-themed festivities. Parishioners and school supporters greeted old friends and made new acquaintances while preparing to sample an array of menu options, including clam chowder, ceviche and chips, potato tacos and classic fish and chips.
For 22 years, St. Norbert Catholic School has hosted the Lenten fish fry program. Eighth-grade parents and students run the first three fish fries of the season and the last three events are directed by the seventh grade. Proceeds go towards an annual eighth-grade spring trip to the East Coast, including visits to Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City and Philadelphia. The parent team is led by Sharon and Brian Pearson and assisted by Sam Shmuel (fryers), Alma
SYDNEY LU AND YSABELLA DE LEON, EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENTS AT ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOL, CARRY FOOD ORDERS TO WAITING GUESTS.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 11
FROM LEFT, STEVE LU, ESTEVAN SERRATO, SAM KAMELA AND SAM SHMUEL MAN THE FRYERS DURING THE EVENING’S FISH FRY.
FR. JOHN MONEYPENNY, PASTOR OF ST. NORBERT CATHOLIC CHURCH, GREETS GUESTS DURING THE FISH FRY.
Rodriguez (front of house) and Araceli Rodriguez (kitchen).
“Brian and I met while working at a restaurant,” shared Sharon Pearson. “We love the fast pace, hospitality and fun of the fish fries.”
The students’ roles include food runners, greeters and assisting at the dessert, drink and raffle tables.
“I enjoy seeing friends and classmates and getting experience working in a restaurant-type setting,” said
eighth-grader Sydney Lu.
DIOCESAN
Principal Joe Ciccoianni is fully involved in the fish fry experience.
“As our pastor Fr. John Moneypenny always says, 'We are one parish, one family.’ This is evident at the fish fry, which brings together school families, parishioners and community members.”
On Fridays during Lent, the parish center is transformed into a well-organized space for parishioners to not only dine but also experience a sense of community. If desired, those wishing to
take their meal home can use an efficient take-out or drive-thru station.
Current school parent Emily Wroblewski attended the fish fry with husband Terrance and daughter June, who is a second grader at St. Norbert.
“Events like the fish fry and the community aspect they promote is the reason we kept June at the school after her kindergarten year,” she shared.
Charmaine and Jim Duquesnel have attended the fish fry for many years. Jim, a school alumnus, remarked,” I
have been coming to the fish fry since 1969; it's a great way to see how the community comes together in support.”
During the March 6 fish fry, a custom car display was set up in front of the hall. Fr. John Moneypenney, pastor of St. Norbert Catholic Church, who will be joining the eighth graders on their trip, paused near the cars and shared thoughts on the event.
“It is a special sign of our parish and school connection,” he said.C
EIGHTH-GRADE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS AND THEIR PARENTS POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO BEFORE THE ST. NORBERT FISH FRY HELD ON MARCH 6. PHOTO BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ORANGE COUNTY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS HOSTS ACADEMIC JUNIOR HIGH DECATHLON
BY BRITNEY ZINT
THE BLEACHERS WERE FULL, signs of support were held high and the cheering of spectators filled the gym as students competed in feats not of athletics, but of knowledge.
Orange County Catholic Schools hosted 22 teams participating in the Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon on March 7, held at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita. The teams were made up of middle school students from 17 diocesan and Pax Christi Academies schools. It was the 30th year the Diocese of Orange has hosted the competition.
“We encourage our schools to participate in the Catholic Academic Junior High Decathlon because it gives our students a way to showcase their academic talents outside of the classroom,” said Dr. Denise Valadez, assistant superintendent of curriculum, spirituality and accreditation. “Students prepare for this event months in advance, and it challenges them to grow in knowledge and faith. This event brings schools together from across the diocese in a shared celebration of faith, learning, collaboration and school spirit.”
St. Edward the Confessor’s Gold Team placed first overall for its 16th win and 12th consecutive diocesan championship. They went on to represent the Diocese of Orange in the national academic decathlon on March 20, where they won their third consecutive national championship. Congratulations, Monarchs!
“It felt really good,” said St. Edward’s eighth-grader Kate Readdy, 14, who earned three first-place medals with her team during the diocesan championship. “I was super happy and super proud of our entire team, because all the hard work we have put in has paid
off in the end.”
St. Serra Catholic School’s Innovators Team came in second overall and its Scholars Team was third overall.
St. Norbert’s placed highest for small schools.
The all-day event featured two team competitions: logic and super quiz.
Students also competed individually in eight subjects: current events, English, fine arts, science, religion, literature, math and social studies.
Three of the teams participating were PODS (part of the decathlon) but weren’t a full team. Those students were able to compete in the individual subject-area tests.
With six students, St. Pius V was one of the PODS. The Buena Park school is rebuilding its team and is in its second year of competing after not participating for many years, said Principal
CONTINUES ON PAGE 13
ST. BARBARA CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETE IN THE CATHOLIC ACADEMIC JUNIOR HIGH DECATHLON ON MARCH 7, WHICH WAS HELD AT SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
STUDENTS FROM ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC SCHOOL POSE FOR A PHOTO DURING THE ACADEMIC DECATHLON AT SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL.
FEATURE
Shannon Kwan.
The decathlon is a chance for students to see academics at a higher level, learn about subjects or topics they might not otherwise study and have a chance to compete outside of athletics, Kwan added.
“I see the excitement for learning, and it develops lifelong learners,” she said. “I’m glad the diocese continues this event. I think it’s very important. We always talk about reaching the
whole child, and this is a great opportunity to reach a lot of different children.”
In the logic quiz, St. Edward’s Gold Team scored first, Our Lady Queen of Angels School’s Archangels Team placed second and Mission Basilica School placed third.
In the super quiz, St. Edward’s Gold Team placed first, St. Norbert’s placed second and St. Edward’s Blue Team placed third.
The annual competition brings all the students together to compete once
a year, but the students start preparing months in advance.
St. Hedwig parent Stacy Burke — whose daughters Margaret, 13, and Samantha, 14, both competed — said she has watched her children learn independent study skills and self-discipline through academic decathlon. They have learned to manage their time and build their own study schedules as they prepare for the day.
The Burke sisters have a special affinity for logic puzzles — which is fitting because the competition features activities like sudoku, riddles, KenKen puzzles and cryptograms.
“It was really exciting,” said Samantha Burke. “I just love getting to learn new things and compete with other people, so it was really fun.”
For St. Edward eighth-graders Molly Haldorsel, 13, and Elle McGinty, 14, competing in the academic decathlon is part of the school culture. McGinty, who enrolled in St. Edward’s in sixth grade because of its decathlon program, said everyone on the team wants to carry on the campus’ winning tradition.
“We have a pretty big streak of winning, and I think everyone on this team did not want to ruin our winning streak,” Readdy noted. C
SUPPORTERS CHEER FROM THEIR SEATS TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS DURING THE PARADE OF SCHOOLS.
STUDENTS FROM BLESSED SACRAMENT SCHOOL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE OF SCHOOLS BEFORE THE START OF THE ACADEMIC DECATHLON.
EVAN DIZON, MATH TEACHER AND DECATHLON COACH, POSES WITH THE ST. BONAVENTURE ACADEMIC DECATHLON TEAM. PHOTOS BY ALAN WENDELL/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
DECATHLON COACH ROBERT CARLSON SPEAKS TO HIS TEAM FROM ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
PALM SUNDAY: RIDING A DONKEY TO CALVARY
BY DEACON KEVIN DUTHOY
TODAY, OUR SAVIOR enters his royal city not on a regal stallion displaying the spoils of military conquest, but riding a lowly donkey, treading over palm branches, welcomed by ordinary people, only days away from his Passion and Death. On Palm Sunday, we begin Holy Week in a Scripturally unique way. We first hear the Gospel proclaiming Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, then we fast-forward and hear the Passion narrative ending with Jesus’ death and entombment. This sets our focus on the heart of our salvation: the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus. We are not yet celebrating Easter, but immersing ourselves into what Jesus, the fully human and fully divine Son of God, does for each and every one of us, and all those before and after us: He saves us; but from what and how and why?
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve enjoyed an original, created state of justice, living in right relationship with God and each other. They experienced a constant state of grace, a participation in the divine life, perfect harmony between Creator and creature. Because of the Fall when our ancestors attempted to be god-like without God, humanity lost sanctifying grace and sin entered the world. Disorder and disharmony followed. The just punishment for rejection of God’s eternal life was eternal death. This “original” sin transmits a wounded human nature from Adam and Eve to all who follow.
Several Church Fathers looked deeply into the mystery of how we are saved. Among them, Saint Anselm, who in the 11th century explained our salvation in a teaching known as the “Satisfaction Theory,” expounding that Jesus’ suffering and death serve as atonement for us, restoring our right relationship with God. He summarized the dilemma in a succinct but profound way: only we owe the debt, but we cannot pay it; only God can pay the debt, but he does not owe it; therefore, only a God-man — Jesus in the Incarnation — can make the necessary restitution. Humanity had incurred an infinite debt (all sin, including
hell and eternal unhappiness. That saving love is not merely an abstract concept; rather, it is an intimate love for each person—past, present and future—exemplified by Jesus, walking and suffering with us; and is ultimately expressed in his Passion and Death. Our salvation is won by this unparalleled, unequaled love on Calvary, amid chaotic human disfunction—betrayal, scapegoating, mob violence, torture—so much so that “darkness came over the whole land (Mt. 27:45),” the polar extreme from God’s positive Creation command: “Let there be light (Gen.1:3).” The Good News is that the love displayed on the Cross leads to the light of the Resurrection. Christ enters the darkness only to overcome it. What began with suffering ends with glory; what appeared to be defeat becomes the victory of divine love. Our Savior, the Son of God, rode a donkey to meet his Death. Hosanna. And it is this love—perfect, obedient and without limit—that restores us to communion with God and opens for us the path to eternal life. Hosanna in the Highest. C
original sin, throughout all time) that only God could repay in the person of Jesus Christ, himself true God and true man. Because Christ fully assumed our sinful humanity, He was able to do what imperfect humanity could not. Jesus substitutes himself in our stead, not to receive God’s wrath, not as a victim of divine anger, but because as Son of God and human without sin, he, alone, loves God perfectly. It is Jesus’ perfect love of God that saves us. His suffering and death are not the means of our salvation, but the visible expression of his perfect love and obedience to the Father, a gift of life that defeats sin, death,
PHOTO BY YUAN WANG/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Moments in our Journey
On March 24, the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Orange, Bishop Kevin Vann led a pilgrimage to the Borgo Laudato Si’ — Centro di Alta Formazione Laudato Si’ (established by Pope Francis in 2023) located on the grounds of Pope Leo’s summer residence, Castel Gandolfo.
Celebrating 50 years of the Diocese of Orange, a Mass of thanksgiving was celebrated with our bishops of Orange at the St. Thomas Villanova Pontifical Church at Castel Gandolfo.
Lunch with Borgo Laudato Si’ — Centro di Alta Formazione Laudato Si’ leadership included Cardinal Baggio, Sr. Alessandra, Fr. Dorantes, Bishop Vann, Bishop Freyer, Bishop Nguyen, Fr. Angelos, Fr. Bao, Fr. David and Fr. Estéfano.
Diocesan leaders also brought along a copy of OC Catholic!
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.
In 1950, at the dedication of Mater Dei High School, Cardinal McIntyre proclaimed:
“Our new high school is dedicated to the youth of the Santa Ana area… we are confident that Our Lady will be constant in her watchfulness and bountiful in her blessings…”
For 75 years, that vision has lived on in every student, every family, and every generation of the Monarchs Community. We invite to join in the celebration:
