ONE YEAR AGO, Bishop Kevin Vann blessed the opening of the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center in Anaheim — the only Filipino Catholic center currently operating in the United States.
One year later, on July 21, 2026, Bishop Vann returned to perform the sacred liturgical rite of consecrating the altar in the center’s chapel and serving as the main celebrant for the first Mass in the newly dedicated space.
BISHOP VANN PERFORMS THE SACRED LITURGICAL RITE OF CONSECRATING THE ALTAR IN THE CENTER’S CHAPEL. PHOTOS BY IAN TRAN/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
The dedication of churches and altars is one of the earliest liturgical traditions of the Catholic Church and is a requirement for newly built altars and places of worship.
The 180-seat chapel at 3700 W. Orange Ave. in Anaheim was filled to capacity, with several more parishioners watching on a large screen on the outdoor patio. Bishop Vann began by anointing the altar with sacred chrism — a blend of olive oil and balsam used for sacraments and dedications.
The bishop rubbed the oil onto the altar, thus setting the altar apart permanently for the Eucharistic sacrifice. Assisting priests walked throughout the chapel, anointing the walls and making the sign of the cross with the oil at designated points, marking the chapel as a sacred space for God’s people. After incense was burned directly on the newly consecrated altar, priests walked through the chapel, lightly swinging thuribles to release incense throughout the congregation.
During his homily, Bishop Vann welcomed those gathered, expressing gratitude for his long relationship with Filipino Catholics.
“I’m grateful for all the years I’ve spent in the Philippines, and I’m grateful to be here with all of you today,” the bishop said.
Bishop Vann also connected the dedication of the center to a deeper identity of the community.
“We are the temple of God, which is holy,” Bishop Vann said. “We are God’s building. We now officially have this chapter in this house. Remember, the Lord builds a house for us this evening and always.”
Bishop Vann also referenced the Book of Nehemiah, reminding worshipers of their call to be empowered by God’s presence.
“Rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength,” he said.
The property serving as the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center was purchased by the Alagad ni Maria (Philippine Disciples of Mary) with help from the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry in February 2025. The two groups hoped to create a place where younger Filipino Catholics could experience their culture while deepening their faith.
Formed with the support of the Alagad ni Maria, the San Jose Filipino Ministry became part of the Diocese’s Ethnic Ministries in 2021.
In March 2024, the Alagad ni Maria priests obtained a replica of the Poong Jesus Nazareno — the Black Nazarene — from Quiapo. The image was placed temporarily in the community’s chapel on Magnolia Street and went on to visit several parishes across Southern California. As devotion to the Poong Jesus Nazareno grew, so did the desire to find a permanent home for the image and a place where Filipino cultural and devotional programs could form.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Peter Lavin, AM, director of the center, presented Bishop Vann with a framed watercolor painting of the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center. On the back of the frame was a handwritten message from the Alagad ni Maria community, which Fr. Lavin read aloud.
AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MASS, FR. PETER LAVIN, AM, DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER, PRESENTED BISHOP VANN WITH A FRAMED WATERCOLOR PAINTING OF THE POONG JESUS NAZARENO FILIPINO CATHOLIC CENTER.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we offer our deepest gratitude for your fatherly guidance, encouragement and generous support in establishing the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center in the Diocese of Orange,” he read.
The message described the center as “a place of faith, hope and devotion for the Filipino Catholic community,” and expressed the hope that the painting would serve as “a lasting reminder of your love, your kindness, your vision and steadfast support for this ministry.”
“May Poon Jesus Nazareno guide, protect and bless you always,” Fr. Lavin continued, closing with “Maraming maraming salamat po, Bishop (Thank you very much, Bishop).”