By Abraham Joven

SACRAMENTO—On April 24, a group of religious and lay Catholics from the Diocese traveled to Sacramento to support the California Catholic Conference’s annual Catholic Advocacy Day. This event is meant to have Catholic faithful engage their legislators by presenting positions that align with Catholic values on various public policy measures. 

PALM DESERT—After a one-year hiatus the Bishop’s Dinner returned to the Diocese on April 7 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert.

By Marge Bitetti

RIVERSIDE—The stream of reverent devotees was nonstop at Queen of Angels Church in Riverside on March 14 as hundreds turned out to venerate the relics of Saint Padre Pio. 

 The day of veneration culminated with an evening Mass, celebrated by Diocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Gerard Lopez, S.T.L., that was attended by over 1,500 people. 

By Sister Chilee Okoko, D.M.M.M.

The 2018 Life, Dignity and Justice Conference of the Diocese of San Bernardino on May 9 will offer another wonderful day of education, information and empowerment. With great joy and hearts filled with hope, we will gather to be educated and enlightened on issues relating to most aspects of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). 

VISALIA—Priests, deacons, religious and Catholic laypersons from every vicariate of the Diocese will join Bishop Gerald Barnes in Visalia this month for the regional gathering to reflect and share information about the V Encuentro process with Catholics from all over California, Nevada and Hawaii.

By Malie Hudson

 At the Bishop’s Dinner on April 7, Bishop Gerald Barnes will recognize six individuals and one ministry with the Amar Es Entregarse Award, given to those who embody his episcopal motto, “Love is the total giving of one self.” 

 This is the second in a two-part series that profiles the extraordinary work by these individuals and groups.