By Jose Luis Elias
On September 27, Sacred Heart Parish in Jurupa Valley joyfully celebrated its 80th Anniversary with a vibrant and deeply spiritual event that brought together over 900 parishioners and guests. Preparation began months in advance when the pastor, Father José Manuel García Oviedo, MCCJ, convened an ad hoc committee to plan and carry out various fundraising events. The committee was coordinated by Nadia Valladolid, Nora Salazar, Rocío Huizar, Annie Enriquez, and Alita Haley. Thanks to the community’s generosity, the celebration—which included Holy Mass, dinner, and a lively evening of music and performances—was offered free of charge.
The solemn Mass began at 5 p.m. under a series of well-arranged tents surrounding the altar, where the presence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus stood out. The procession was led by the Knights of Columbus, followed by 23 altar servers and more than 25 ministers of holy communion. The assembly was adorned with groups dressed in red: over 35 ushers, 30 readers, and nearly 100 individuals who consecrated themselves to the Sacred Heart. A choir formed for the occasion invited everyone to sing “Danos Un Corazón, Grande para Amar” (Grant Us a Heart, Great for Love).
Father Rafael Partida, Episcopal Vicar for the Riverside Pastoral Region of the diocese, was the chief celebrant of the Mass. Concelebrants included Fr. García-Oviedo; Father John Mungereza, MCCJ, parochial vicar; Father Jorge Ochoa, MCCJ, provincial delegate of the Comboni Missionaries; and Father Einer Ochoa, retired priest from San Antonio, Texas. Four deacons also participated with their wives: Dcn. José A. Serrano of Sacred Heart, Jurupa Valley; Dcn. John DeGano of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Riverside; Dcn. Héctor Aguirre of Sacred Heart, Rancho Cucamonga; and newly ordained Dcn. Héctor Avila of Corpus Christi, Corona. In his homily, Fr. Partida highlighted the values of mercy, compassion, and love that the parish has faithfully embodied for eight decades.
After Mass, the celebration continued outdoors, where more than 100 parish volunteers were ready to serve dinner. The festive atmosphere was enriched by two versatile music bands, a Mexican folkloric ballet featuring local talent, and a group of teenagers from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Ontario who performed beautifully choreographed African dances. Even the rain made an appearance! The priests opened the dance floor, and soon the faithful joined in with joy.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt message from Fr. Garcia Oviedo, who spoke of the many blessings the event brought. “Together, the community discovered its generous and participatory spirit, its love for serving the Lord, and its ongoing journey toward unity—already rejoicing in the grace of gathering as one body” he said. He also reminded everyone that the Heart of Jesus continues to beat strongly with love for all, just as it did 80 years ago.
Jose Luis Elias is the Director of Parish Life at Sacred Heart Church, Jurupa Valley.