CHINO—Another West End parish was the target of vandalism last month as St. Margaret Mary Church in Chino discovered the head of its statue of the Virgin Mary had been knocked off.

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.

“I will not forget you; I have carved you on the palm of my hand (Is 49: 15-16)”

RIVERSIDE—On March 29, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Riverside celebrated a bilingual Precious Baby Mass in remembrance of those young lives lost to miscarriage, still birth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and abortion.

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.