NEW BRONZE SCULPTURES ARRIVE AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL
On Friday, Sept. 24, the first of four new bronze bas-relief sculptures that will go inside Christ Cathedral arrived at the campus, and Bishop Kevin W. Vann was there to see it get unboxed for the first time.
“It’s beautiful, just beautiful,” said Bishop upon seeing the artwork.
Created by Bolivian artist Pablo Eduardo, the sculptures will go up in the interior walls of the cathedral.
They are of images taken from the Gospel that reflect the divinity of Christ, including the baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist and the wedding feast of Cana. The sculptures will replace some temporary Biblical messages that have been inside the cathedral since the 2019 dedication.
“ROMANCE OF THE MISSION” BENEFIT GALA
A recent gala at Mission San Juan Capistrano raised more than $650,000 for the historic site.
The Sept. 17 “Romance of the Mission” event, which featured singer and actress Loren Allred, attracted some 350 attendees. In light of the ongoing pandemic, limited attendance and health protocols were in place for safety.
Connie and Dr. Peter Spenuzza were noted for their longtime philanthropy and support of the mission. Connie has served on the board of the Mission Preservation Foundation for over 15 years. The foundation is a fundraising entity committed to ensuring education and preservation of the mission, as well as the site’s long-term historic and religious significance.
“This year’s benefit gala held a deeper meaning in what it portends and represents to finally be able to host the ‘Romance of the Mission’ in 2021,” Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Mission San Juan Capistrano’s executive director, said in a statement. “On behalf of the board, we extend a gracious thank you to our collective of angels for supporting this historic landmark and acting as gracious advocates and stewards.”
“Romance of the Mission” also featured a ringing of the bells by Juaneño Band of Mission Indians members Nathan Banda and Michael Gastelum.
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on Nov. 1, 1776, by St. Junipero Serra as the seventh of California’s 21 missions established by Spain. The Diocese of Orange owns the mission, though it is self-funded.
ST. POLYCARP’S FAMILY FESTIVAL
St. Polycarp Catholic Church in Stanton recently had its traditional Family Festival on Sept. 17, 18 and 19. The festival featured live musical performances, kids magician and games, food and cash prize raffles.
MERCY ALIVE AND WELL AT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL
On Friday, Sept. 24, St. John the Baptist Catholic School celebrated Mercy Day with an All-School Mass that emphasized the legacy of the loving community impact that the Mercy Sisters have fostered for nearly two centuries. Beginning back in 1827, Founder Mother Catherine McAuley launched an initiative to serve the poor, sick and uneducated, a movement that continues around the world today and is alive and thriving within the faith community at St. John the Baptist.
“The tradition of mercy and love is strong here at our school,” said Principal Paula Viles. “We work tirelessly to respond to the Corporal Works of Mercy throughout the school year, both as individuals and as a community united in love.”
Students and their families are encouraged to create and participate in service projects and local efforts and the campus faith community offers numerous opportunities for its members to serve God and his people who are most in need.