Among the 7,000 young pilgrims headed from the United States to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, about 170 are from the Diocese of San Bernardino. 

 According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), groups from the United States comprise the third largest national delegation of pilgrims going to the 28th World Youth Day this year slated for July 23-28. About 40 U.S. bishops are expected to participate in the event.

SAN BERNARDINO—The diocese has established a toll free hotline that allows church employees in parishes, schools and ministry groups to report ethical violations they have witnessed. 

 The types of violations that can be reported through the hotline include theft or fraud, accounting or financial irregularities, questionable fundraising practices, harassment or discrimination, violence or threatening behavior, and violations of laws, policies and regulations.

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.

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.

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.

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.