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Each week, we bring you compelling conversation with church leaders and laity.
On this episode, host Rick Howick welcomes our very own Bishop Kevin Vann back to the studio.
Our discussion centers around a variety of topics: Advent and the Christmas season; the latest goings-on at Christ Cathedral; and, fascinating stories of favorite Christmas traditions.
Tune in for a wonderful, heartfelt conversation!
Originally broadcast on 12/7/19
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Get ready for another wonderful episode of Cathedral Square featuring our host, Fr. Christopher Smith.
Today’s program includes the next in our series of homily highlights – but this one in particular pretty much tops them all!
You’re about to hear the audio from Fr. Christopher’s sharing the microphone with our very own Bishop Kevin Vann from the dedication Mass at Christ Cathedral.
It was truly a fabulous, benchmark occasion on that day (Wednesday, July 17, 2019) when the doors of the newly re-dedicated Christ Cathedral were opened once again!
Be sure to share this inspiring podcast with a friend!
Originally broadcast on 9/21/19
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I made my first Cursillo “way back” in l975 at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, Illinois. A good number of the friars from then-Quincy College were on the weekend trip.
The experience of the Cursillo weekend was a very important time in my discernment and decision to enter the seminary the following year, in 1976. The next involvement with Cursillo in Fort Worth, Texas, in my years there, often involved the Spanish-speaking weekends and Ultreyas, both parochial and interparochial. Those encounters truly helped to shape me and form me as the Diocesan Bishop.
And then here in the Diocese of Orange I was able to be present on an entire weekend several years ago, and I have been blessed to be present for Mananitas and Sunday Masses and Confessions, as well.
The ability to share and pray together with the men and women of Cursillo, and to see the life-changing experience it is for so many involved in Diocesan ministry here in our Diocese, is a blessing for me personally and a chance to walk with those whose lives have been transformed by Christ in the “Little Course” on Christianity.
With these words from the pages of Sacred Scripture in front of us, we once more celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord! Although we use the English word “Easter,” this is an Anglo Saxon word which refers to Spring! A much more accurate way of referring to this great truth of our Faith – which we profess our belief in each Sunday in the Creed– we can turn to the word “Pasqua” or “Pascua,” which is found in what were historically Catholic countries. The word clearly reflects the “Paschal Mystery” which is the reality of the Death and Resurrection of Christ, which we celebrate at this time of the year.
It is worthwhile remembering as well that the season of the Resurrection of the Lord is an entire season of 50 days leading up to Pentecost (the birthday of the Church), not just one day. The genius of the Church’s Liturgical Calendar is that we are given actual days and seasons to live and celebrate each day the truth, beauty and mystery of our Faith.
In this questioning age in which we live, it is vital to go back to St. Paul – a witness to the Risen Lord – when he says that, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14) Sadly, the power of the message of the Risen Lord has been diluted at times in our age by an overuse or misuse of what I could call “the historical critical method” in Biblical studies. That is why it is vital to return to St. Paul in this season. I would also turn today to the words of Pope Benedict XVI in his series “Jesus of Nazareth.” In his reflections on the Resurrection in this work he says on pages 276 and 278:
“It is part of the mystery of God that he acts so gently, that he gradually builds up his history within the great history of mankind; that he becomes man and so can be overlooked by contemporaries and by the decisive forces within history; that he suffers and dies and that, having risen again, he chooses to come to mankind and only through the faith of the disciples to whom he reveals himself; that he continues to knock gently at the doors of our hearts and slowly opens our eyes if we open our doors to him.
And yet –is not this the truly divine way? Not to overwhelm with external power, but to give freedom, to offer and elicit love. And if we really think about it, is it not what seems so small that is truly great? Does not a ray of light issue from Jesus, growing brighter across the centuries, that could not come from any mere man and through which the light of God truly shines in the world? Could the apostolic preaching have found faith and built up a worldwide community unless the power of truth had been at work within it?
If we attend to the witnesses with listening hearts and open ourselves to the signs by which the Lord again and again authenticates both them and himself, then we know that he is truly risen. He is alive. Let us entrust ourselves to him, knowing that we are on the right path. With Thomas let us place our hands into Jesus’ pierced side and confess: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
A very blessed season of the Resurrection of the Lord to all, and thank you especially for all who have assisted in the many events and celebrations of Faith. A special welcome and blessing to all who have been baptized and received into the Church in this holy season. He is Risen as He said! ALLELUIA!
Recently we screened the film “Unplanned” at the Freed Theater in the Cultural Center on the campus of Christ Cathedral. The movie tells the true story of Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood Employee of the Year who, after years of working for the organization, finally left. I was able to meet Abby Johnson and hear her powerful testimony at this year’s OneLife LA event.
When I introduced the film, I did so as the son of Theresa Vann. You see, my mother was a nurse who frequently served by caring for infants in the neonatal ward. Even if they weren’t expected to live, my mother gave them her utmost care. She saw that even in their short lives they were very much created in the image and likeness of God.
She earned two Masters degrees in nursing (while she and Dad were raising the six of us!). She did this precisely so she could support and help future nurses, especially in pro-life and maternity nursing. Upon her death, and later my father’s and sister’s deaths, we established a scholarship in her name, for Saint John’s College of Nursing in Springfield, so that the care for nurses and expectant mothers and their children would continue.
As a maternity nurse she always had a special care for children and mothers; especially for women who were in difficult economic situations.
“Unplanned” has been given an R-rating for its official release, which is in itself an acknowledgement of the violence of abortion. But the film, with its accurate depiction of the frequency of abortion, also reminds us that many of us suffer from the effects of abortion: the women and men who are parents to these unborn children, their siblings (current and future), and grandparents and extended family. Many, many people are hurting, often silently. To this end, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the excellent resources we have here in the Diocese of Orange to help heal those who are suffering.
The Office of Pastoral Care in our diocese oversees the Hope and Healing After Abortion ministry, through which women and men who have been hurt by abortion are accompanied toward healing. If you or someone you know has experienced the pain of abortion, please call 1-800-722-4356 to initiate your participation. As a resource, business cards with the confidential hotline number are available at no cost from the Office of Pastoral Care. They can be made available in parishes or any place where they might reach their intended audience.
In addition to the appeal to seek healing, I would like to offer a word of caution. Many individuals who are hurting from the pain of abortion seek to respond or offer a sort of amends by engaging in activism. This can be spiritually dangerous, as unhealed trauma is exacerbated and affects other areas of our lives. Seek healing first, then prayerfully consider how you may be called to be involved.
For those who are ready, there are many ways to witness to the Gospel of Life. As faith formation begins in the home, Catholic parents should find age appropriate ways to help children learn to respect life at every stage, from beginning to end.
Local opportunities at the parish level and in our diocese include:
More information is online on our website at rcbo.org/abortion.
I would also like to remember the Care Center in Springfield, Illinois which was begun by three women from Blessed Sacrament parish in Springfield: Mrs. Fritzi Belz, Mrs. Joan Reardon and Mrs. Carolyn Bodewes. Their goals were not only to offer women another choice instead of abortion, but to journey and to walk with them in challenging situations of pregnancy, birth and parenthood. I was privileged to work with them in this special center, which in many ways was supported by Saint John’s Hospital and the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.
Individuals, families, and parishes can volunteer, pray, and financially support these centers as they care for those in need. Yet the work of accompaniment begins long before someone shows up at a Planned Parenthood or, better, one of the centers just mentioned. Through our commitment to teaching the Gospel of Life and to addressing also the “demand side” of abortion by promoting economic, social, medical, and spiritual well-being, we can make abortion unthinkable. We work toward this through our pastoral ministry that cares for the whole person and families.
The Office of Life, Justice and Peace works to promote the protection of life throughout all stages. The office produces a useful Help Card, which is available at rcbo.org/abortion and can be made available as a resource at clinics, near the confessional, or in a parish restroom. Greg Walgenbach, director of that office, is available to answer any questions about how to get involved. www.rcbo.org/lifejusticepeace
I hope to join 40 Days for Life on an upcoming weekend. I do so both as your bishop and as the son of Theresa Vann. Please join us in prayer throughout these forty days of Lent.
Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, recently embarked on a historic trip to Mexico, making a pilgrimage to the country’s spiritual center and helping deliver wheelchairs to children with special needs.
The trip was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the American Wheelchair Mission, a faith-based nonprofit providing wheelchairs to children with disabilities living in developing nations.
For many children, a wheelchair represents access to a new world – and a better life.
“Wheelchairs give children the opportunity to go to school and play with friends,” said Chris Lewis, president and CEO of the American Wheelchair Mission, which has provided more than 14,000 wheelchairs to needy families in Mexico. “Receiving a wheelchair is a life-changing event for these kids and their families.”
Lewis, the son of entertainer Jerry Lewis, created the American Wheelchair Mission as an extension of his father’s work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which he helped establish in 1952. The American Wheelchair Mission has delivered more than 800,000 free wheelchairs to 150 countries.
Lewis travelled with Bishop Vann and the Knights of Columbus to Mexico.
“We were honored to have Bishop Vann be a part of this special trip,” Lewis said.
The trip in February included a stop in Pachuca, where the delegation visited a rehabilitation center for children with neurological, muscular and skeletal disabilities, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. About 40 new wheelchairs where delivered to children at the center.
Led by Bishop Vann, the delegation also made visits to three homes in the city to deliver wheelchairs. Bishop Vann blessed the wheelchairs and children, and listened to testimonies from their parents and family members.
“It was a wonderful experience with a lot of personal interaction,” said Joseph Salaiz, state deputy of the California Knights of Columbus, who helped organize the trip.
The wheelchairs were purchased with donations from Catholic parishioners and Knights of Columbus members across California.
As the group walked through the streets of Pachuca and made home visits, they met children who would be receiving a wheelchair for the first time. One child was sitting on a hand-made plywood cart, which his mother used to push him to and from school.
“You carry those moments in your heart,” said Stephen Bolton, state officer for Knights of Columbus, who traveled with the delegation and recalled giving a wheelchair to a 14-year-old girl paralyzed from the waist down who was being cared for by her grandmother, who had cancer. “It reminds you of how much we take things for granted.”
The trip included stops at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s national shrine. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange. Bishop Vann led Mass in a chapel inside the basilica. After Mass, as Bishop Vann walked through the basilica’s outdoor plaza, he was greeted by men, women and children, blessing each who approached him.
“It was special for Bishop Vann to be with us,” Salaiz said. “Everywhere Bishop Vann went, people came up to him, like he was a magnet. Watching him bless each person he met was an extraordinary experience.”
Join Deacon Steve Greco and his guest, our very own Bishop Kevin Vann from the Diocese of Orange.
Today, the Bishop catches us up on some of the latest goings-on at Christ Cathedral; and, he shares some fascinating stories of some of his favorite Christmas traditions.
Tune in for a wonderful, heartfelt conversation!
Originally broadcast on 12/23/18
It all started on Oct. 26 in Terminal B18 at the Sacramento International Airport while waiting for Southwest flight 1597. I saw an older man sitting by himself in the terminal. I had no idea who he was, other than he was clearly ordained. He was talking to someone on the phone, so I thought that I’d wait until his call was over so I could stop over and give him a respectful greeting. My mother taught me to show respect to our women religious and the ordained, regardless of what church they belonged to. So, if I didn’t stop to say hello to him, and if Mom found out, there would be hell to pay. Trust me – you don’t want to mess with my Mom.
But, before I start with my Bishop Vann story, I have to tell you something – I am not the best of Catholics. In fact, I’ve been a wayward one at best. Mind you, it’s no one’s fault, but only my own. My mother is the one person in my life who always followed her faith. She’s had the most difficult of lives, but she always kept her faith. You would think that I’d follow her steps, right? But, I never did.
Mom would tell me that in order to find God, I truly had to search for Him. And on that one day the light bulb (in my head) would turn on. I spent a good part of my life scurrying about and wondering about things. I wondered about life. I wondered about the world. And as selfish as it may seem, I worried about myself. I wondered about who I was and where my place was in the world. When I heard the testimonies of others, I heard nothing but beautiful stories of people who found God, literally on top of the mountain. They’d tell me these wonderful stories about God or how His angels would come to them and touch them in some way. And with that, their lives would change.
Well, I didn’t get anything of that. Then, finally, when I was in my 40s, the light bulb turned on, and it was at that moment when I found God. I didn’t find Him on top of the mountain. I found Him in a deep valley. He’d been patiently sitting right next to me, all along, waiting for me to realize that I could not live life without Him. Mom was right all along. The light bulb turned on.
I started to live a life for others, because I realized that life’s greatest rewards were reserved for those who bring joy to other people’s lives. I regularly attended church and began teaching the faith to teenagers. I visited the sick on the weekends and brought them Communion. I also spent most weekends bringing donated items to our local homeless population and poor working families. I became a voracious reader of the Bible and other books about God. I fellow shipped with all creeds, knowing that beautiful people worshiped in all the churches, temples and mosques. I gained everything I ever wanted and I finally became what I wanted to be – a real, human being.
Then, after some personal mishaps, my connection to God grew distant again. It wasn’t anyone’s fault; just my own. I stopped praying. I stopped attending church. And I stopped doing the things that kept me close to God. For years, I told my church students to get closer to God when things went bad. But I didn’t listen to my own advice. Instead, I walked away. I also told my students that there were no coincidences in life. It was just God working anonymously.
And this is where I met Bishop Vann. After the Bishop finished his phone call, I stopped over to say hello. He kindly asked what my name was, so I told him. I then asked him what parish he was assigned to. Again, I had no idea who he was. In a very quiet way, he then told me that he was not assigned to a specific church, but he was the Bishop from the Diocese of Orange County — he was Bishop Kevin Vann.
Of course, I didn’t really believe him, so I Googled him and there he was – Bishop Kevin Vann. I must admit — I was blown away.
Out of respect, I put his hand on my forehead and called him Your Excellency. I don’t think he wanted to hear any of that. Instead, he just wanted me to sit next him and talk. Now, if you knew me, you’d know that I never get tongue-tied. In fact, most people have to tell me to shut up. But here I was, sitting next to the Bishop. I almost started to babble because I was in his presence. But, since I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment, I began to ask him several theological questions. Why did Jesus call John and James the “Sons of Thunder”? What happened to Saint Joseph? What was the thorn on Paul’s side? Did God forgive Judas? I went on and on.
Now, you would think that the Bishop would tell me to quiet down, but he never did. Bishop Vann patiently answered all of my questions. I could see the Bishop was tired from the long day, but he sat there and gave all of his attention to me. It was surreal to say the least. The plane then boarded. The Bishop was one of the first to board. As I walked down the aisle to board my seat, the Bishop asked me to sit next to him. I am embarrassed to say this, but I didn’t know what to do. The Bishop wants ME to sit next to him? ME? So, I did.
I wanted to tell him so much about me and my teachers and the good things we had done in the past. I wanted to talk about the community work we do in Pomona Valley and how we’re always in need of adult clothing to clothe the homeless. There was so much to say, but again, I was a bit tongue-tied. So, instead, I just listened. In our conversations, the Bishop spoke of his siblings, his father and his beautiful mother. He spoke of his education, the positions he held and his past. This beautiful man spent his time talking to me as if I mattered to him. And, guess what? I did.
This is the kind of man the Bishop is. He sees value in all human beings. He exuded a peace and tranquility that was just great to be around. You could just feel a great presence around him. He also lovingly spoke of the diocese and of the Church and of its wonderful parishioners. It was great to hear him speak.
During the flight, I gave him my business card, which he put in his pocket. I didn’t think anything of it. The Bishop then began to ask me some honest questions – one of which was if I was regularly attending church. I was honest in all my answers, but none of them were good. The Bishop gave no judgment whatsoever. All he gave me was concern for my spiritual health. After we landed, Bishop Vann asked for me to accompany him off the plane. I thought it was to maybe help him with his suitcase or something like that. But, that wasn’t it – he instead wanted to pray and bless me. Wow.
We got off the plane and moved into the terminal. We found a quiet place among the crowd. He prayed, blessed and gave me absolution. He then told me to read Psalm 23 and then go to be of service to others. That was the last I saw of him.
After a couple of hours, I got home from my trip and unpacked. I checked my work phone and saw a message someone left for me at work. It was Bishop Vann. He wanted to make sure I got home and that my family was okay. He even gave me his cell number and asked me to call him. I couldn’t believe it. He gave ME his cell number and asked me to call him. I’m not going to lie – it brought a tear to my eye. I didn’t call him so guess what happened? He called me again and left a second message. Now, was this a chance meeting? Of course not. It’s all God.
If this story means anything, it means God is always there and always working in our lives to bring us closer to Him, even when we are not doing our best. He’ll use anything and anyone to get our attention. God also sometimes works the most when we feel or see it the least. Rest assured, I’ll be back to church one day to make things happen again.
And the answer to your question is yes, I finally did call him back. I do ask for everyone to pray for me. I hope to make it back to where I once was. May God’s blessings be upon all of you.
Forever. Ben
Editor’s Note: Bishop Vann, on the same flight, was introduced to two other individuals, both of whom wanted to return to the Church. He met with a woman whom he prayed with and blessed, as well as a man who lives within the Diocese of Orange. He suggested the man visit San Francisco Solano and introduce himself to Fr. Duy, which he did. So often we think of the role of a bishop in a much broader context. Here, we see, it is also often very personal.
This past week I was meeting with a group of bishop friends who meet once a month via Skype as a support group, who are known as the “Friends of Focolare.” Focolare (the word means “fireside” or “hearth” in Italian, and refers to an ecclesial movement that was founded by Chiara Lubich (from Trent, in Italy) right after the Second World War to witness to peace, unity and reconciliation. It is primarily a lay-led movement and the current president is Maria Voce, who recently let Pope Francis know she was praying for him. The charisms of Focolare are unity and reconciliation. This past week, as we were praying and reflecting together on a Focolare publication titled the “Word of Life” for this month of September, I found these reflections:
“The Word of God has a creative power that produces fruits of goodness in both the individual and in the community. It builds relationships founded on love between each of us and God and among us all. James says this word has already been ‘planted in us’. In fact, the Word of God can transform our daily life into the story of our liberation from the darkness of personal and social evil. However, we need to accept the word personally and consciously, even if it is an ongoing process and we are imperfect and fragile. Our thoughts and feelings will become more like those of Jesus himself. Our faith and hope in God’s love will grow stronger, and we will notice other people’s needs and help them.”
In fact, it is the sentiments expressed above that originally led me to begin to write in Fort Worth my web log entitled “Shepherd of Fort Worth.” I am very grateful for the Communications Department of the Diocese and priests of the Diocese of Fort Worth who were a great help to me in this endeavor.
Eventually, after coming to Orange County, I also began to use “Twitter.” My Twitter following eventually grew to around 6,000 followers. In this past year, I was reflecting on all of the demands that I try to meet with the major Diocesan responsibilities such as the completion of Christ Cathedral, the ongoing work of the Strategic Plan and other pastoral initiatives, not to mention the ongoing life, teaching, worship and governance of the local Church. The work on my web log, which I have enjoyed writing, was not able to be maintained. For all of the above reasons, I decided to take for a while a “technology vacation” from Twitter so I can continue the web log and recapture the intent with which I had begun it. I plan someday to return to Twitter.
With this introduction, I will now try to catch up with some of the places and celebrations that I have been involved with in the past weeks!
Editor’s Note: You can follow Bishop Vann’s blog on the Diocesan website at rcbo.org/group-blog/bishops-blog/
Host Rick Howick interviews guests on a variety of topics. On this week’s program, Rick welcomes back one of our favorite and frequent guests, Dr. Pia DeSolenni. Pia is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange, and also the Theological Advisor to Bishop Kevin Vann.
Today, we’re going to discuss some of the troubling issues facing the church today; and, what Pia describes as a much needed call for ‘radical transparency’ in the church today.
Originally broadcast on 9/15/18
