Transformation of Heart in the Holy Year of “Pilgrims of Hope”

In keeping with the theme of this Jubilee Year declared by our late Pope Francis, “Pilgrims of Hope,” we write these words to encourage all of us to continue pressing forward as bearers of hope to eradicate racism in the minds and hearts of the people and cultures today. Since hope is knowing and believing that God is present even in the midst of struggles, trials, and suffering, we are confident that our work will yield fruits as we stay focused on Jesus Christ.

Racism, according to “Open Wide Our Hearts” from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “arises when – either consciously or unconsciously – a person holds that his or her own race or ethnicity is superior, and therefore judges persons of other races or ethnicities as inferior and unworthy of equal regard. When this conviction or attitude leads individuals or groups to exclude, ridicule, mistreat, or unjustly discriminate against persons on the basis of their race or ethnicity, it is sinful. Racist acts are sinful because they violate justice. They reveal failure to acknowledge the human dignity of the persons offended, to recognize them as the neighbors Christ calls us to love (Mt 22:39).”

With this in mind, we encourage all of us to be in communion with one another as we journey together with Christ, who is our hope and companion, to ensure the work against racism is effective and resourceful. As the Psalmist reminds us, “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together as one” (Ps 133:1). But dwelling together is not enough. We are also called to live and work together as one, despite our differences. Each year at Pentecost, we hear these words from Acts of the Apostles 2:9-10: “we are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia. Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome.” Despite these differences, many individuals living in Jerusalem in the first century heard the Good News of Jesus proclaimed to them by the apostles after the resurrection, thanks to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit creates a unity of love and peace.

California Bishops Declare July 26 as Jubilee of Marriage During the Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year 

In a joyful affirmation that the marriage of a man and woman is a pilgrimage of hope, the Bishops of California have declared Saturday, July 26, 2025, the Jubilee of Marriage, to be celebrated as part of the Church’s broader Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Year. This special day honors married couples as “pilgrims of hope” and encourages those who aspire to the sacrament of marriage. They are a profound sign of hope for both the Church and the world.

Each California diocese will commemorate the Jubilee of Marriage, encouraging opportunities for families to strengthen their marriages, deepen their faith, and celebrate the blessings of married life. More information about diocesan celebrations and how to participate is available at cacatholic.org/marriage.

“The vocation of marriage is not only a personal covenant between a man and a woman, but a public witness to love, faith, and perseverance,” said California Catholic Conference President, Bishop Oscar Cantú. “We invite all couples and families to participate in this day of joy, reflection, and service.”

Bishop Michael Pham Appointed as New Leader of the Diocese of San Diego

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Michael Pham as the new Bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, marking a historic milestone as Pham becomes the first Vietnamese American to lead a Catholic diocese in the United States.

Born in Da Nang, Vietnam, in 1967, Pham fled the country as a 13-year-old refugee in 1980, eventually settling in San Diego in 1985. He was ordained a priest in the Diocese of San Diego in 1999 and has since served in various roles, including vocations director, pastor, vicar for ethnic and intercultural communities, and vicar general.

Pham was appointed auxiliary bishop in 2023 and served as diocesan administrator following the departure of Cardinal Robert McElroy, who was appointed Archbishop of Washington, D.C., earlier this year. 

His installation as the seventh Bishop of San Diego is scheduled for July 17, 2025.

The Diocese of San Diego encompasses approximately 1.4 million Catholics across San Diego and Imperial counties.

Embark on the Camino de California Eucharistic Pilgrimage 2025

Starting today, join fellow pilgrims on the Camino de California, a transformative 17-day Eucharistic pilgrimage traversing California's historic El Camino Real. From June 6 to June 22, 2025, participants will embark on a journey from Mission San Francisco Solano in Sonoma to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, visiting all 21 Spanish missions along the way.

Inspired by the missionary path of St. Junípero Serra, the Camino de California offers a unique opportunity to deepen your faith through daily Masses, Eucharistic processions, acts of mercy, and community fellowship. Pilgrims will engage in spiritual activities such as assembling care packages for the homeless, participating in adoration, and attending inspirational talks. 

The pilgrimage is designed to be inclusive—whether you can commit to the entire journey or join for a day or an hour, all are welcome. No registration is required; simply show up and be part of this spiritual endeavor. 

The Camino de California concludes on the Feast of Corpus Christi, June 22, with a closing Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, where collected prayer intentions will be presented. 

For more information and to view the full itinerary, please visit the official website at www.caminodecalifornia.org.

Catholic Youth Lead the Way in Advocacy for Creation and Community

Catholic high school students from across California demonstrated remarkable leadership and faith in action during the California Catholic Conference’s annual Catholic Student Advocacy Day this past April.

Accompanied by their diocesan lead moderators, approximately 75 students visited the California State Capitol to meet with legislators and advocate for key bills, including AB 1274- Recycling Beverage Containers (Gabriel) and SB 341- Instructional School Gardens (Perez). The bills focus on environmental sustainability, including the responsible reuse of materials, and the promotion of school gardens, which reflects a deep commitment to caring for our common home through the lens of Laudato Si’.

“I am honored to support our Catholic high school students as they live out their faith through advocacy,” said CCC Director of Education Samara Palko. “Their deep understanding of legislation affecting their communities and our state was evident, and they engaged thoughtfully with lawmakers and staff on vital issues rooted in Catholic Social Teaching.”

A long-standing tradition, Catholic Advocacy Day is an opportunity for Catholic youth to connect their faith with civic engagement. It provides a powerful witness that can propel them to become compassionate leaders and active participants in shaping a just society rooted in the values of human dignity, solidarity, and the common good.

“Moving forward, we will debrief with students and moderators, send thank-you notes, and invite legislators to visit our schools and parishes,” said Palko. “Together, we will continue exploring meaningful ways to live out Laudato Si’ in our communities.”

Archbishop Cordileone Appointed to President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission

President Donald Trump has appointed Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco to the advisory board of the newly established Religious Liberty Commission. The commission, created by executive order on May 1, 2025, aims to provide a variety of perspectives on defending religious freedom in the United States. 

Archbishop Cordileone reiterated his commitment to adding a Catholic perspective to the national conversation on religious liberty. He joins other leading Catholic leaders on the advisory board, including Cardinal Timothy Dolan from New York and Bishop Robert Barron from Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, a former auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  

The commission's mandate includes addressing current threats to religious freedom, such as potential mandates that conflict with religious beliefs and laws that may infringe on the confidentiality of religious practices. Archbishop Cordileone emphasized the importance of allowing religious organizations to serve communities in accordance with their moral values without government interference. 

The Religious Liberty Commission is expected to produce a comprehensive report outlining strategies to enhance legal protections for religious rights and promote awareness of peaceful religious pluralism in the United States. 

Decisions, relationships, actions must be rooted in nonviolence, pope says

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Promoting peace requires training people's hearts and minds to be concerned about others and perceive the common good, Pope Leo XIV said.

"Our children and young people need to be able to experience the culture of life, dialogue and mutual respect. Above all, they need the witness of men and women who embody a different and nonviolent way of living," he said during an audience at the Vatican May 30.

The pope was meeting with people involved in the "Arena of Peace" initiative that began last year with popular movements and Catholic organizations committed to working for peace and justice. 

ICYMI

CCC’s Molly Sheahan on Sacramento Bishop’s Hour