By Natalie Romano

 A cold, dark night in Montclair was suddenly lit up by nearly 100 candles as Our Lady of Lourdes parishioners stood united in the wake of an ugly act of vandalism. 

 Their March 4th prayer vigil was held one week after a man wielding a sledgehammer beheaded marble statues of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Bernadette located in front of the church.

 “Even though it’s just a statue, it’s a symbol of our love, our community. It hurt me so much I needed to be here and pray,” says Janet Lopez, Our Lady of Lourdes bookkeeper.

By Pete Carrasco, Sr.

COLTON—When my wife, Molly, and I found out that she was headed for kidney failure, the first thing I said was that I would be there for her no matter what.  As we continue to face this health crisis in living out our vocation of marriage, our Catholic faith has been our bedrock. We are longtime residents of Colton and parishioners of San Salvador Church there.

By Natalie Romano

EASTVALE—An Eastvale Catholic Church may not have a building yet but it does have a “window into heaven.”

 This so-called window is actually sacred artwork depicting the church’s namesake, St. Oscar Romero. The icon was revealed to parishioners on November 25th during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Gerald Barnes. In light of St. Oscar’s recent canonization, the Bishop came to celebrate the renaming of the parish, which currently holds Mass at an Eastvale public school.

 That day, the icon’s artist looked on as Bishop Barnes consecrated her work.

 “I think it’s one of the most beautiful things to see; the blessing and the veneration,” says Vivian Imbruglia. “I always feel somewhat emotional. My work is done.”

 Imbruglia, a parishioner of St. Peter and St. Paul in Alta Loma, has painted about 125 icons during the course of her 13-year career. Her work can be seen in churches, monasteries, and private homes.

SAN BERNARDINO—Facing the large financial hurdle of buying an new heating and air conditioning system, the parishioners of St. Bernardine Parish were greatly surprised when Grand Knight Carlos Avalos and Knight of Columbus Bruce Ewing of Council 4488 presented a gift of $20,000 on March 2. 

WINCHESTER—Deacon Steve Greco will present a Life in the Spirit Seminar at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Church, 34750 Whisper Heights Parkway, Winchester on Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 Praise and worship will be led by Donna Lee.

By Father Luis Guido

 I thank God for the opportunity to write a new book, “Semillas de Vida (Seeds of Life).” This is a book of poetry, like my two previous ones, “Amar con Sabiduria es Saber Volar (Love with Wisdom is Knowing to Fly)” and “Eco y Palabra del Pensamiento (Echo and Word of the Thought).”