Bishop Kevin Vann | OC Catholic

EPISODE#197
OC CATHOLIC RADIO: GUEST IS BISHOP KEVIN VANN

When we began producing the OC Catholic Radio Show in early 2015, many referred to this program as ‘The Bishop’s Hour.’ In other words, this broadcast would always be the vehicle where he could get the word out to the faithful, via the radio (and now podcast) airwaves.

On today’s show, host Rick Howick has the opportunity to catch up with our very own Bishop Kevin Vann. What is on his mind and heart during these days of the COVID-19 pandemic? Tune in and find out!

Originally broadcast on 5/2/20

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EPISODE #239
EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT: WHAT IS THE REAL MEANING OF EASTER?

Even amidst the COVID-19 crisis we are all dealing with right now, we must remember that we are an EASTER people!

Deacon Steve Greco is delighted to welcome our very own Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange for our Easter program.

Be sure to share this podcast with a friend.

Originally broadcast on 4/12/2020

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AS CORONAVIRUS SWEEPS THE GLOBE, WHAT CAN PARISHIONERS DO TO STAY SAFE?

The numbers of those infected with the coronavirus continues to swell around the world, as well as the number of deaths associated with the virus. While the CDC reports that deaths from other forms of flu should be of equal concern, it’s tough not to let the news worry us. Especially as headlines from Catholic News Service (CNS) and others continue to keep the world focused on it.

When Ash Wednesday services were cancelled in Milan, Italy, it raised eyebrows. And there is this CNS report from Lourdes that reads: “As the number of people testing positive for the coronavirus in Europe continued to grow, the French Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes announced that pilgrims were still welcome, but the pools the sick bathe in, hoping for healing, would be closed temporarily.”

In a Feb. 18 statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the subject of the coronavirus, the bishops said they “stand in solidarity with those affected by the coronavirus and their families, health workers who are valiantly trying to diagnose and treat patients, and those under quarantine awaiting results of their screening for the virus.” The bishops urge individuals to stay informed by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Closer to home, as the County of Orange has declared a health emergency due to the potential for person-to-person spread of coronavirus in the U.S., Bishop Kevin Vann has, in accordance with canons 85 and 90 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, dispensed those who are sick from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation until further notice.

Additionally, Bishop Vann is mandating that the faithful are not to hold hands during the “Our Father,” nor shake hands at the sign of peace. Communion from the cup is to be discontinued until further notice. And all ministers of Holy Communion should sanitize their hands before and after distributing Holy Communion.

Dr. Tom Cesario, a Catholic physician from within our diocese who works with infectious disease, tells OC Catholic, “Today we are primarily concerned with the spread of coronaviruses, but other respiratory viruses that circulate this time of year as well.”

Here is what Dr. Cesario advises:

If you are ill, stay home. Do not risk infecting others.
The coronavirus appears to be spread by droplets, hence maintain a distance of six feet from others where possible.
Avoid touching surfaces.
Avoid hand shakes, and provide “peace” gestures with a wave instead.
Carry and frequently use hand disinfectant.
If you have concerns, or may be ill, avoid taking the sacred blood.
During this time cancel and avoid unnecessary meetings until the future of this virus is clear.
See your healthcare provider early if you think you may need to get consultation.

BISHOP VANN: MAKING THE MOST OF ADVENT

Advent has been with us from the earliest days of the life of the Church. It is a season of expectation and anticipation for the return of Christ. Advent has varied some over the years, but I think symbolically it is one of the most beautiful seasons of the Church.

It has a penitential aspect to us. The color of penance is purple. If you consider the second and third Sunday of Advent, you have St. John the Baptist on the calendar, with a call to repentance and preparation for the birth of Christ.

[On the Advent wreath…]

There are really some beautiful prayers for the blessing of the Advent wreath and the lighting of the first candle, both at Mass and at home. I encourage folks to get an Advent wreath for their home and light it at dinner with their families.

When the season is more than half over, given the third Sunday of Advent, it means the birth of Christ is near and there is a reason to begin rejoicing.

The penitential color of the candle is lightened from purple to a dusty rose and the third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday, which means “rejoice.” It’s an exclamation, an imperative.

Advent has a quiet beauty to it. It’s a time of rest and of reflection on what we’re all about. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the coming of Christ and our lives and our preparation for that.

The season has a way of touching people’s hearts in a way that perhaps event Easter cannot. With Christmas, come memories of families, and how you’ve been, and your own relationship with God. I always, especially on Christmas Eve, I always try to welcome people and thank them for coming. I say you’re always welcome here and this season is for all of us to find God once more in our lives.

My first four years as a priest, from 1981 to 1985 (in Rome), the symbols of the season were everywhere in Italy. I was away from home for the first time. I was walking around the city of Rome. It was cold and rainy. I’d stop in a church or a store and there was the Advent wreath. It pointed me to a reality far beyond where I was.

Advent, with its symbols, says look! There is another way. You don’t have to live in this constant turmoil.  Look to us. Look to Christ. Look to this way of living. 

Editor’s Note: Listen to OC Catholic Radio by visiting occatholic.com and clicking on the radio tab.

EPISODE#186
OC CATHOLIC RADIO: BISHOP KEVIN VANN ON ADVENT AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

Each week, we bring you compelling conversation with church leaders and laity.

On this episode, host Rick Howick welcomes our very own Bishop Kevin Vann back to the studio.

Our discussion centers around a variety of topics: Advent and the Christmas season; the latest goings-on at Christ Cathedral; and, fascinating stories of favorite Christmas traditions.

Tune in for a wonderful, heartfelt conversation!

Originally broadcast on 12/7/19

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EPISODE#14
CATHEDRAL SQUARE: HOMILY HIGHLIGHTS FROM DEDICATION DAY AT CHRIST CATHEDRAL

Get ready for another wonderful episode of Cathedral Square featuring our host, Fr. Christopher Smith.

Today’s program includes the next in our series of homily highlights – but this one in particular pretty much tops them all!

You’re about to hear the audio from Fr. Christopher’s sharing the microphone with our very own Bishop Kevin Vann from the dedication Mass at Christ Cathedral.

It was truly a fabulous, benchmark occasion on that day (Wednesday, July 17, 2019) when the doors of the newly re-dedicated Christ Cathedral were opened once again!

Be sure to share this inspiring podcast with a friend!

Originally broadcast on 9/21/19

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CURSILLO REFLECTION

I  made my first Cursillo “way back” in l975 at Our Lady of Angels Seminary in Quincy, Illinois. A good number of the friars from then-Quincy College were on the weekend trip.  

The experience of the Cursillo weekend was a very important time in my discernment and decision to enter the seminary the following year, in 1976. The next involvement with Cursillo in Fort Worth, Texas, in my years there, often involved the Spanish-speaking weekends and Ultreyas, both parochial and interparochial. Those encounters truly helped to shape me and form me as the Diocesan Bishop.  

And then here in the Diocese of Orange I was able to be present on an entire weekend several years ago, and I have been blessed to be present for Mananitas and Sunday Masses and Confessions, as well.  

The ability to share and pray together with the men and women of Cursillo, and to see the life-changing experience it is for so many involved in Diocesan ministry here in our Diocese, is a blessing for me personally and a chance to walk with those whose lives have been transformed by Christ in the “Little Course” on Christianity. 

BISHOP VANN’S EASTER MESSAGE

With these words from the pages of Sacred Scripture in front of us, we once more celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord! Although we use the English word “Easter,” this is an Anglo Saxon word which refers to Spring! A much more accurate way of referring to this great truth of our Faith – which we profess our belief in each Sunday in the Creed– we can turn to the word “Pasqua” or “Pascua,” which is found in what were historically Catholic countries. The word clearly reflects the “Paschal Mystery” which is the reality of the Death and Resurrection of Christ, which we celebrate at this time of the year.

It is worthwhile remembering as well that the season of the Resurrection of the Lord is an entire season of 50 days leading up to Pentecost (the birthday of the Church), not just one day. The genius of the Church’s Liturgical Calendar is that we are given actual days and seasons to live and celebrate each day the truth, beauty and mystery of our Faith.

In this questioning age in which we live, it is vital to go back to St. Paul – a witness to the Risen Lord – when he says that, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14) Sadly, the power of the message of the Risen Lord has been diluted at times in our age by an overuse or misuse of what I could call “the historical critical method” in Biblical studies. That is why it is vital to return to St. Paul in this season. I would also turn today to the words of Pope Benedict XVI in his series “Jesus of Nazareth.” In his reflections on the Resurrection in this work he says on pages 276 and 278:

“It is part of the mystery of God that he acts so gently, that he gradually builds up his history within the great history of mankind; that he becomes man and so can be overlooked by contemporaries and by the decisive forces within history; that he suffers and dies and that, having risen again, he chooses to come to mankind and only through the faith of the disciples to whom he reveals himself; that he continues to knock gently at the doors of our hearts and slowly opens our eyes if we open our doors to him.

And yet –is not this the truly divine way? Not to overwhelm with external power, but to give freedom, to offer and elicit love. And if we really think about it, is it not what seems so small that is truly great? Does not a ray of light issue from Jesus, growing brighter across the centuries, that could not come from any mere man and through which the light of God truly shines in the world? Could the apostolic preaching have found faith and built up a worldwide community unless the power of truth had been at work within it?

If we attend to the witnesses with listening hearts and open ourselves to the signs by which the Lord again and again authenticates both them and himself, then we know that he is truly risen. He is alive. Let us entrust ourselves to him, knowing that we are on the right path. With Thomas let us place our hands into Jesus’ pierced side and confess: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

A very blessed season of the Resurrection of the Lord to all, and thank you especially for all who have assisted in the many events and celebrations of Faith. A special welcome and blessing to all who have been baptized and received into the Church in this holy season. He is Risen as He said! ALLELUIA!

HOPE AND HEALING

Recently we screened the film “Unplanned” at the Freed Theater in the Cultural Center on the campus of Christ Cathedral. The movie tells the true story of Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood Employee of the Year who, after years of working for the organization, finally left. I was able to meet Abby Johnson and hear her powerful testimony at this year’s OneLife LA event. 

When I introduced the film, I did so as the son of Theresa Vann. You see, my mother was a nurse who frequently served by caring for infants in the neonatal ward. Even if they weren’t expected to live, my mother gave them her utmost care. She saw that even in their short lives they were very much created in the image and likeness of God. 

She earned two Masters degrees in nursing (while she and Dad were raising the six of us!). She did this precisely so she could support and help future nurses, especially in pro-life and maternity nursing. Upon her death, and later my father’s and sister’s deaths, we established a scholarship in her name, for Saint John’s College of Nursing in Springfield, so that the care for nurses and expectant mothers and their children would continue. 

As a maternity nurse she always had a special care for children and mothers; especially for women who were in difficult economic situations. 

“Unplanned” has been given an R-rating for its official release, which is in itself an acknowledgement of the violence of abortion. But the film, with its accurate depiction of the frequency of abortion, also reminds us that many of us suffer from the effects of abortion: the women and men who are parents to these unborn children, their siblings (current and future), and grandparents and extended family. Many, many people are hurting, often silently. To this end, I want to take this opportunity to highlight the excellent resources we have here in the Diocese of Orange to help heal those who are suffering.

The Office of Pastoral Care in our diocese oversees the Hope and Healing After Abortion ministry, through which women and men who have been hurt by abortion are accompanied toward healing. If you or someone you know has experienced the pain of abortion, please call 1-800-722-4356 to initiate your participation. As a resource, business cards with the confidential hotline number are available at no cost from the Office of Pastoral Care. They can be made available in parishes or any place where they might reach their intended audience.

In addition to the appeal to seek healing, I would like to offer a word of caution. Many individuals who are hurting from the pain of abortion seek to respond or offer a sort of amends by engaging in activism. This can be spiritually dangerous, as unhealed trauma is exacerbated and affects other areas of our lives. Seek healing first, then prayerfully consider how you may be called to be involved.

For those who are ready, there are many ways to witness to the Gospel of Life. As faith formation begins in the home, Catholic parents should find age appropriate ways to help children learn to respect life at every stage, from beginning to end. 

Local opportunities at the parish level and in our diocese include: 

The 9 Days of Prayer for Life campaign
Mass for the Protection of the Unborn on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision every year in January
40 Days for Life and other prayer vigils throughout the year
May Rose Collection
Pennies from Heaven Campaign that supports local pregnancy clinics, shelters, and centers such as:
- Obria Medical Clinics
- Horizon Pregnancy Clinic
- La Habra Life Center
- Santa Ana Life Center
- Precious Life Shelter
- Casa Teresa
- Mary’s Path
- Viet Respect Life

More information is online on our website at rcbo.org/abortion.

I would also like to remember the Care Center in Springfield, Illinois which was begun by three women from Blessed Sacrament parish in Springfield:  Mrs. Fritzi Belz, Mrs. Joan Reardon and Mrs. Carolyn Bodewes. Their goals were not only to offer women another choice instead of abortion, but to journey and to walk with them in challenging situations of pregnancy, birth and parenthood.  I was privileged to work with them in this special center, which in many ways was supported by Saint John’s Hospital and the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

Individuals, families, and parishes can volunteer, pray, and financially support these centers as they care for those in need. Yet the work of accompaniment begins long before someone shows up at a Planned Parenthood or, better, one of the centers just mentioned. Through our commitment to teaching the Gospel of Life and to addressing also the “demand side” of abortion by promoting economic, social, medical, and spiritual well-being, we can make abortion unthinkable. We work toward this through our pastoral ministry that cares for the whole person and families.

The Office of Life, Justice and Peace works to promote the protection of life throughout all stages. The office produces a useful Help Card, which is available at rcbo.org/abortion and can be made available as a resource at clinics, near the confessional, or in a parish restroom. Greg Walgenbach, director of that office, is available to answer any questions about how to get involved. www.rcbo.org/lifejusticepeace 

I hope to join 40 Days for Life on an upcoming weekend. I do so both as your bishop and as the son of Theresa Vann. Please join us in prayer throughout these forty days of Lent.

BISHOP VANN TRAVELS TO MEXICO FOR WHEELCHAIR MISSION

Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, recently embarked on a historic trip to Mexico, making a pilgrimage to the country’s spiritual center and helping deliver wheelchairs to children with special needs.

The trip was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the American Wheelchair Mission, a faith-based nonprofit providing wheelchairs to children with disabilities living in developing nations. 

For many children, a wheelchair represents access to a new world – and a better life. 

“Wheelchairs give children the opportunity to go to school and play with friends,” said Chris Lewis, president and CEO of the American Wheelchair Mission, which has provided more than 14,000 wheelchairs to needy families in Mexico. “Receiving a wheelchair is a life-changing event for these kids and their families.” 

Lewis, the son of entertainer Jerry Lewis, created the American Wheelchair Mission as an extension of his father’s work with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which he helped establish in 1952. The American Wheelchair Mission has delivered more than 800,000 free wheelchairs to 150 countries.

Lewis travelled with Bishop Vann and the Knights of Columbus to Mexico.  

“We were honored to have Bishop Vann be a part of this special trip,” Lewis said.

The trip in February included a stop in Pachuca, where the delegation visited a rehabilitation center for children with neurological, muscular and skeletal disabilities, including cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. About 40 new wheelchairs where delivered to children at the center. 

Led by Bishop Vann, the delegation also made visits to three homes in the city to deliver wheelchairs. Bishop Vann blessed the wheelchairs and children, and listened to testimonies from their parents and family members. 

“It was a wonderful experience with a lot of personal interaction,” said Joseph Salaiz, state deputy of the California Knights of Columbus, who helped organize the trip. 

The wheelchairs were purchased with donations from Catholic parishioners and Knights of Columbus members across California.

As the group walked through the streets of Pachuca and made home visits, they met children who would be receiving a wheelchair for the first time. One child was sitting on a hand-made plywood cart, which his mother used to push him to and from school. 

“You carry those moments in your heart,” said Stephen Bolton, state officer for Knights of Columbus, who traveled with the delegation and recalled giving a wheelchair to a 14-year-old girl paralyzed from the waist down who was being cared for by her grandmother, who had cancer. “It reminds you of how much we take things for granted.”

The trip included stops at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s national shrine. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the Diocese of Orange.  Bishop Vann led Mass in a chapel inside the basilica. After Mass, as Bishop Vann walked through the basilica’s outdoor plaza, he was greeted by men, women and children, blessing each who approached him. 

“It was special for Bishop Vann to be with us,” Salaiz said. “Everywhere Bishop Vann went, people came up to him, like he was a magnet. Watching him bless each person he met was an extraordinary experience.”

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