On Dec. 10, the parishioners of St. James the Less Church in Perris, the Knights of Columbus (KoC) Fr. Patrick J. Scanlan Council #9986, together with the City of Perris and TODEC Legal Center, representing the Perris community, recognized Bishop Emeritus Gerald R. Barnes for his service as Bishop of San Bernardino for 25 years from 1995 - 2020 and as Auxiliary Bishop from 1992- 1996.
St. James the Less Parish decided to create a bronze bust of Bishop Barnes to show their gratitude for his loving, humble, and hopeful accompaniment of the Catholic faithful in the Diocese of San Bernardino. In the event program, the parish stated their gratitude for Bishop Barnes’ ministry.
“His outstanding civic contribution to the upliftment of the lives of those who have less in life, especially the migrants, the homeless, the incarcerated, and the powerless, gave inspiration to the members of civil society,” stated the parish.
The bronze bust is intended to perpetuate Bishop Barnes’ legacy of love towards the parishioners of St. James the Less Church and the people of the City of Perris.
The morning began with the singing of the National Anthem and opening prayer led by Father Teodorico Jr. E.Tacaisan, M.S.P., Parochial Vicar. Following the opening prayer, various people who were involved in the making of the bust, including representatives from the KoC, Parish Pastoral Council, TODEC Legal Center, and Perris Mayor Michael Vargas, took turns giving speeches thanking and giving recognition to Bishop Barnes.
After the speeches, the bronze bust was unveiled to Bishop Barnes, who thanked the parishioners of St. James the Less and the people of Perris for the honor. After the unveiling, Bishop Barnes celebrated Mass in the parish.