By Emeka Okoro

 Compassion in Action Medical Mission was designed to address the challenge of healthcare access to vulnerable poor people in our rural communities.

 It is with sincere gratitude to Almighty God and deep appreciation to our team of surgeons, volunteers, doctors and nurses that we declare our 2012 Medical Mission, completed early this year, a very successful one. This has compelled the participants to tell the story and therefore we consider ourselves privileged to be used by God as instruments of his compassion for the less privileged.

SAN BERNARDINO—In keeping with the commitment of the diocese to offer pastoral care to victims of sexual abuse, a special intention for these victims will be offered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center Mass held on the first Tuesday of each month, Bishop Gerald Barnes has declared.

 Sister Marilu Covani, S.P., has recently found herself humming the national anthem of Argentina, “Himno Nacional Argentino,” for the first time in decades. 

 On the day that her fellow countryman, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, was elected the 266th Pope, Sr. Covani, who directs the diocesan Office of Worship, wore an endless smile – and her pin with the Argentine flag.

 “I have a new joy,” she says. “I am full of hope for the whole world and for Latin America. My prayers are going to be with him all along.”

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

RANCHO CUCAMONGA—One of the largest churches in the diocese overflowed with people and with joy as the inauguration of Pope Francis was celebrated in a diocesan Mass at Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga.

 On March 19, the same day that Pope Francis was inaugurated as the 266th successor of St. Peter, more than 1,300 people joined Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego in giving thanks to God for the Church’s new shepherd. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Mary’s role in salvation history will be the focus of the 12th Annual Theological Symposium on April 27 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in San Bernardino. 

 Typically, the theme for the symposium parallels the focus of discussion for participants in the Coordinator of Ministries Formation Program (CMFP), but this year the organizers also took the Year of Faith into account. The resulting theme for the day will be Mary, Model of Faith: The Year of Faith through the eyes of Mary.

 With renewed federal momentum to pursue comprehensive immigration reform, the Diocese of San Bernardino has joined in several advocacy events and held meetings with members of Congress to push for change in what the Church believes is a broken system.