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. 

By David Okonkwo

RANCHO CUCAMONGA—On May 31, 200 people from the diocese gathered at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga to hold a prayer vigil for the more than 200 Nigerian school girls still missing after the large-scale kidnapping by the terrorist group Boko Haram in April. The abductions took place at the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Nigeria.

REDLANDS—Father Ron Rolheiser, O.M.I., known for his highly regarded books on spirituality, syndicated Catholic newspaper column, “In Exile,” and talks at the LA Religious Education Congress, led a retreat for priests in the Diocese of San Bernardino Apr. 28-May 2.

 The theme of the retreat was “Naming the Present Moment: Searching for Nurturing Metaphors in a Time of Receding Transcendence.” It began with a reflection on the importance of Sabbath before focusing on the need to name the present moment of a spiritual journey, even if it is not positive. The final portion of the retreat invited the priests to “ponder, do priestly prayer for the world, and bless.”

Sponsors are source of strength and support for those on their journey to full initiation in the Catholic faith. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

SAN BERNARDINO—Minutes before lining up and entering Our Lady of Hope in San Bernardino on the day of his Confirmation, Alberto Esparza was deep in conversation over what his future plans would be. 

GRAND TERRACE—Pastoral Juvenil Young Adult Ministry Office in collaboration with the Vocations Office and the Office of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation would like to invite all young adults ages 18 to 35 to attend “Hearts on Fire,” a two-day retreat filled with prayer, faith formation and spiritual renewal.