By Natalie Romano

 You send someone a gift; you get a thank you letter. Not surprising. 

 You send a gift to the Pope, who knows what will happen? 

 Dr. William Abersold of Highland can tell you. Last November, the author and Ph.D sent his book “Words about God” to Pope Francis. Then waited and waited. The agony ended in April when the mail arrived with an envelope marked the Vatican. Abersold couldn’t believe his eyes.

SAN BERNARDINO—The Diocesan Department of Life, Dignity and Justice, which carries out the social mission of the Church, locally, has been restructured to address emerging ministry needs.

 The Department is now comprised of six ministries: Respect Life and Pastoral Care Programs, Community Service and Outreach Programs, Education and Formation Programs, Advocacy and Justice for Immigrants Programs, the Office of Restorative Justice and the Office of Life, Dignity and Justice.

By Abraham Joven

 When Jesus gives us the parable of The Good Samaritan, it is in response to a question on the identity of our neighbors: to whom are we responsible? 

 Christ’s teaching that day is deep and challenging: that we are measured by the love and sacrifice we give to others; that people will know our love through acts of mercy, charity, and compassion.

SAN DIEGO—Best-selling author, Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, will be one of the speakers at this year’s Marian Conference commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the First Marian Apparition at Fatima, Portugal.  Along with Fr. Gaitley will be Sister Timothy Marie, OCD, from the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of Los Angeles who will also share her wisdom on Fatima.

 The St. Martin de Porres Court #257 Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver hosted its Second Annual Awards Tea on April 1 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

 Two women received the Sister Thea Bowman Leadership and Service Award.

 Most of the United States’ 11.1 million unauthorized immigrants live in just 20 major metropolitan areas, with the largest populations in New York, Los Angeles and Houston, according to new Pew Research Center estimates based on government data.