BISHOP KEVIN VANN presided over a Jubilee Mass to commemorate the Diocese of Orange’s 50th anniversary on June 18, 2026, taking the occasion to look back with gratitude and remembrance.
More than 650 parishioners celebrated the multilingual Mass held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orange — which served as the first diocesan cathedral — and enjoyed a reception afterward. The event also included the opening of “Faith, History & Heritage: An Archives Exhibition.”
THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE’S JUBILEE MASS WAS CELEBRATED ON JUNE 18, 2026, AT HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ORANGE. PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
In addition to Bishop Timothy Freyer and Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen, around 100 priests from around Orange County joined in the festivities, as well as members of religious orders and deacons.
“Today we give thanks to God as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Orange,” Bishop Vann said. “Grateful hearts, remember the bishops, priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful whose faith, sacrifices and service have built up the church in Orange County. We rejoice in the many blessings God has bestowed upon us throughout these 50 years and we look forward with confidence to the future He continues to prepare for us.”
June 18 was chosen for the event because it coincided with June 18, 1976 — the day the first Bishop of Orange, the Most Rev. William Johnson, was installed at Holy Family. With his installation the Diocese of Orange was no longer part of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. This resulted, of course, in its own church governance, infrastructure, cathedral and diocesan bishop. Bishop Vann shared his memories of his beginnings with the Diocese of Orange and how his life changed the first time he walked into the sacristy at Holy Family. Fr. Christopher Smith, one of the diocese’s first ordained priests, also reminisced about his own significant experiences that happened at Holy Family, particularly on the day of Bishop John-son’s installation in 1976.
Fr. Christopher, then a seminarian in his early 20s, served at the Mass. The event was dubbed “the Genesis of a Diocese,” and he recalled how it still felt like “only yesterday.”
“I remember Bishop Johnson processing into his new cathedral with a smile that embarrassed all the candles in the church that day with its brightness,” said Fr. Christopher. “That smile, for me, continued to symbolize the enthusiasm and joy with which he shepherded his new diocese. Now, 50 years in the making, the Diocese of Orange has carried out a wonderful mission of supporting and creating generations of faithful Catholics whose lives of faith are part of the very fabric of Orange County and also beyond.”
Bishop Freyer said that beyond looking back with gratitude at the blessings God has bestowed upon the diocese, the jubilee year will be focused on “cultivating a deeper life of prayer” and everyone drawing closer to the Lord. Holy Family Office Manager Stephanie Hernandez, who has served at the parish since 1985, said it was exciting to have her church host the diocesan 50th anniversary. The day brought back memories, particularly when she was confirmed by Bishop Johnson. Hernandez added that it was also exciting seeing many people who have been a part of Holy Family parish over the years returning for the Jubilee Mass.
“Everyone was just excited to be a part of something that is so big and so wonderful,” she said, adding later, “Being able to see others come back, seeing everybody and the excitement that was going on before Mass — they couldn’t wait to get into the church.”
During the reception, Fr. Al Baca, episcopal vicar for ecumenism and inter-religion, said the diocesan 50th anniversary was about looking to the future: a celebration of the opportunity to proclaim Christ even more.
“Something’s happening all over the United States, maybe even all over the world,” Fr. Al said. “There’s a new impetus and a new spirit that’s drawing people back to the Catholic Church. I think this is a golden moment for us and we need to recognize it. We need to cooperate with God about that and really see what He wants, what His plan is for our diocese.”
Sr. Leticia Salazar of the Sisters of the Company of Mary, O.D.N. said she wanted to be a part of the joyful celebration: “To join memories, to join the celebration of faith and the faith journey of many, many pilgrims that have been here, who are already in Heaven, and the others who are here.” The 50th Anniversary Jubilee Mass can be watched online on the Diocese of Orange YouTube channel, @OrangeDiocese.