COLTON—Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego spoke of the “steep price of freedom” while paying tribute to both deceased and living military veterans at a Memorial Day Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Colton on May 27.
Catholic Charities Receives Community Partner award from Cal State San Bernardino
SAN BERNARDINO—On May 10, Catholic Charities was honored as the Community Partner of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence for Cal State University, San Bernardino’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ 2013 Hall of Fame Induction. The ceremony was held at the Santos Manuel Student Union Events Center.
Black Catholics celebrate June milestones
By David Okonkwo
The month of June holds a lot of historical firsts for black people, one of which is the first black Bishop in the United States, Bishop James Healy. He was ordained in Portland, Maine in 1875.
But the month of June also holds one of the most memorable moments in the lives of black people and the human race: the Juneteenth. It was on June 19, 1865 when the Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and read the Emancipation Proclamation letter that was delivered by President Lincoln more than two years earlier on January 1, 1863.
Father Guido authors book of reflections, poetry
By Petra Alexander
INDIO—A launch party and book signing was held for Father Luis Giudo’s book of reflections and poetry, Amar con Sabiduria es Saber Volar “Love with Wisdom is to Know how to Fly” April 26. The book launch was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, where he serves as priest minister.
Pham overcomes life’s challenges to reach priestly vocation
By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer
SAN BERNARDINO—At age 12, Toan Pham knew he wanted to become a priest.
Seeing his pastor still serving at age 80, Pham felt the need to help. Now, at 41, and after overcoming several hurdles and setbacks, Pham will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Bernardino on May 24 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino.
Bishop’s Dinner sets attendance record
PALM DESERT—With the founding bishop of the diocese and the religious sisters who built St. Bernardine Hospital among the evening’s honorees, the 14th Annual Bishop’s Dinner drew a record 994 guests on April 6.
Held at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, the dinner raised more than $600,000 for the education and formation of diocesan seminarians. It continues a sharp upward trend in both attendance and fundraising over the past five years. The 2008 Bishop’s Dinner raised about $50,000 and drew 480 guests, by comparison.