ROMANCE OF THE MISSION GALA
This year’s Romance of the Mission benefit gala was held on Sept. 22 on the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano, with approximately 400 guests in attendance. Farmers & Merchants Bank and the Walker Family were honored during the event for their long-time support of the Mission. Proceeds of close to $280,000 will benefit the Mission’s education and preservation programs.
The evening included a live concert performed in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (Circa 1812) featuring the female trio Lyric and a plated four-course dinner held in the exquisite courtyard.
For more information and a list of donors and supporters, go to www.missionsjc.com
Next year’s gala will take place on Sept. 13, 2024. To learn how to pledge for the event, contact the Mission’s executive director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, at 949-234-1311.
SR. JACKIE SARDINA TAKES FIRST VOWS
Sr. Jackie Sardina, FMA, took her first vows with the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco, also known as The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, on Aug. 5. Her vocation was fostered here in Orange County, where Sr. Jackie received her First Eucharist at St. Martin de Porres Church then continued her faith formation at Santa Clara de Asis where she was confirmed.
Many relatives and friends traveled to attend the event. Fr. Aristotle Quan of St. Edward the Confessor parish in Dana Point was among her priest friends who concelebrated concelebrated the Mass.
These temporary vows are renewed over the next six years, she will take her perpetual vows in August of 2029.
Sr. Jackie is currently assigned to the Diocese of Colorado Springs, CO, living at Our Lady of the Snow Convent and working at St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument, CO, teaching Religion and running the Confirmation Preparation program for middle schoolers.
SR. JACKIE SARDINA IS PICTURED WITH HER FAMILY. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SARDINA FAMILY
CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS WELCOMES AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM
Marc E. Knapper, the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, and Congressman Lou Correa visited the Our Lady of La Vang Shrine at the Christ Cathedral campus on Oct. 30.
Members of the OLLV Foundation, including CEO Elysabeth Nguyen, met with Knapper, who was taking an extensive tour of Orange County’s Vietnamese-American community.
The tour in Orange County comes after the U.S. and Vietnam announced they would strengthen their partnership with closer relations and new investment. Orange County is home to America’s largest Vietnamese community, many of whom are Catholic.
The cathedral’s Our Lady of La Vang Shrine, which was dedicated in 2021, has quickly become an important site for both the local Vietnamese Catholic community and all Catholics from the region at large, hosting Masses and other events large and small.
MARC E. KNAPPER, THE U.S. AMBASSADOR TO VIETNAM, AND CONGRESSMAN LOU CORREA VISITED THE OUR LADY OF LA VANG SHRINE AT THE CHRIST CATHEDRAL CAMPUS ON OCT. 30. PHOTO BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE