By David Okonkwo

RIALTO—It was a hot muggy Saturday afternoon when we gathered to celebrate the Juneteenth event at St. John XXIII Church in Rialto. The Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Peter Claver court arrived early as they preplanned to hold their meeting there, so they did not miss any of the functions they provide for the Juneteenth celebration. The jazz band ran a little late but were able to set up just in time. The cook for the day, Carl Jones, manned two grills and the air was filled with the smell of hamburger meat sizzling.

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—After suffering hardships and setbacks and navigating through nearly 15 years of formation and preparation, Kien Kieu finally stood in front of his family and friends to offer his life in service to the Lord. 

 With his promise of obedience, anointing and consecration, he became the newest member of the priesthood for the Diocese of San Bernardino. 

By John Andrews
Editor

SAN BERNARDINO—In a strong move to boost enrollment in local Catholic schools and expand access to parochial education for those who have been unable to afford it, the Diocese of San Bernardino has established the Catholic Education Foundation.

 The Foundation has set a fundraising goal to generate about $3 million each year to help families pay tuition at one of the 26 Catholic schools in the diocese. Currently, the diocese offers about $150,000 each year in tuition assistance through an endowment fund.

SAN BERNARDINO—The Society of the Divine Word’s U.S. Western Province celebrated 50 years of service to Catholic communities in California with a Mass on May 28 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. 

 Priests serving throughout the Diocese of San Bernardino and in neighboring dioceses came to celebrate the anniversary of their province. The Mass highlighted the many cultures and countries served by the Divine Word Missionaries. 

By Van Hoang

LUCERNE VALLEY—On May 4, approximately 1,000 Vietnamese Catholics from across Southern California came to Saint Joseph Monastery, the most isolated location in Lucerne Valley, to attend Mass and to celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Joseph the Worker. The monastery is located in the middle of a foothill surrounded by two other foothills with higher elevation. A 33-foot cross was recently erected on top of the rocky hill where it can be seen miles away from the monastery. Tranquil is the best word to describe this place. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Supporters, family and friends were treated to a free concert celebrating the release of Chris Estrella’s debut album “Re-Think” on April 11 at Aquinas High School in San Bernardino.

 The well-known diocesan musician was accompanied by members of the Chris Estrella Music Ministry, liturgical movement performers and notable musicians from the Diocese.