SPECIAL PRAYER SERVICE HELD AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL’S ARBORETUM
Bishop Kevin W. Vann presided over a special prayer service on March 25 in Christ Cathedral’s Arboretum for the consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Diocese of Orange’s service, which was livestreamed, came in response to the Holy See’s worldwide call for an end to the war in Ukraine. The service occurred around the same time as Pope Francis’ in St. Peter’s Basilica.
“We pray to God for an end to violence and human suffering, and to the intercession of our Heavenly Mother that peace be re-established,” Bishop Vann prayed.
CLOSING FESTIVITIES FOR 500 YEARS OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Christ Cathedral campus will be hosting the closing festivities for 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines on April 23. The day features a 10 a.m. procession around the plaza, followed by an 11 a.m. Thanksgiving Mass with Bishop Kevin W. Vann. A lunch and cultural fare will be held from 12:15-2 p.m.
The event is hosted by the San Jose Filipino Ministry, a part of Ethnic Ministries of the Diocese of Orange. RSVPs are requested by visiting www.500yoc.eventbrite.com.
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH COMPLETES ITS NEW NARTHEX
St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Dana Point has completed its new narthex, the groundbreaking of which began in 2021 but was actually planned as early as 1995. The 1,800-square-foot narthex, which is the transitional space from outside the church sanctuary, features 22 stained glass panels of the dalle de verre style.
The designer was Kaj Garmshausen. He took inspiration from an earlier version by Joseph “Jos” Maes, who did St. Edward’s original stained glass. Maes’
son, Dirk, was also involved in the project, assembling the glass into the design that Garmshausen made.
ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH IN DANA POINT HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED ITS NEW NARTHEX. PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR CATHOLIC CHURCH
NEW SMARTLAB AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Bishop Kevin W. Vann visited St. Joseph Catholic School in Placentia on March 27 to celebrate Mass and bless the campus’ new SmartLab, a facility that promotes STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The lab includes computer stations, a 3D printer and Ozobots, which the children can code. The project was aided by a generous contribution from the Campos EPC Foundation.
BISHOP KEVIN W. VANN BLESSES THE NEW SMARTLAB AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN PLACENTIA ON MARCH 27. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE GEORGES/DIOCESE OF ORANGE