SAN BERNARDINO—The chairman of Pope Francis’ “Council of 8” Cardinals appointed to help him reform the Roman Curia will visit the Diocese of San Bernardino in January.

 Honduran Cardinal Óscar Andrés Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, will direct the Spanish-speaking priests retreat January 26-30. On January 30 he will give a talk to all men and women religious and all priests of the Diocese from 12-4 pm at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. That evening he will address lay leaders in Hispanic ministry. 

By Father David Andel, J.C.L.

 In his Apostolic Exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis calls Catholic communities to go out of their regular confines and schedules in order to carry the Good News of reconciliation and salvation to the peripheries, meeting people where they are. 

By Angelica Alba

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS—More than a dozen ministers from the Diocese of San Bernardino traveled to San Antonio, Texas recently for the National Congress Raíces y Alas (Roots and Wings). 

 Held Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 this Congress brought together several organizations that minister to the Hispanic population within the Catholic Church. The groups meet to discuss and reflect on ecclesial and social issues that affect the Hispanic community in order to empower them to new actions. It was their fifth encounter since beginning in 1992.

LOMA LINDA—The Italian Catholic Federation (ICF), San Bernardino District, held a luncheon at Napoli’s Restaurant in Loma Linda on October 8, joined by Bishop Gerald R. Barnes as honored guest. 

UPLAND—Have you lost someone close to you to murder or suicide? The trauma of a violent death can be a very isolating and alienating experience.  This pain can be so deep that many people carry it with them for years.   

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

COACHELLA—While some celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe with Mass and perhaps some tamales and champurrado, others take their devotion to the Blessed Mother to another level. 

 Catholic communities throughout the diocese gathered for large processions and all day festivals to mark the Feast Day, December 12.