Year of Faith celebration continues with songwriting contest

SAN BERNARDINO—The diocese continues to celebrate the Year of Faith with a Music Composition Contest that invites youth and young adults to compose an original song that will be performed at the diocesan Mass that closes the papal year.

 Persons aged 13-25 are invited to submit an original song to the diocesan Office of Worship by July 1. The submission should include the lyrics, a musical score or chord chart and a simple recording of the song. Incorporation of the diocesan vision statement into the composition is encouraged, and a bilingual song is also welcomed.

By Elizabeth Ayala

PERRIS—In May, Father Alejandro Solalinde brought his powerful message about the plight of migrants in Mexico and Central America to the Diocese of San Bernardino through the Opening Doors to Hope Caravan. 

YUCAIPA—Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego recognized members of the community with the St. Bernardine Award, Guadalupe Award and the Pope John Paul II Youth Award for their outstanding dedication and service at the annual Diocesan Awards blessing held on May 20 at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Church in Yucaipa. 

By Andres Rivera
Staff Writer

CHINO HILLS—Throughout her formation and upbringing, Alexandra Ramirez wanted to serve the Church, but was not sure how to do so. 

 After receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation last year, she says she felt free and able to embrace ministry life at the parish.

LUCERNE VALLEY—An estimated 3,000 people from the dioceses of San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles gathered to witness the dedication of the new chapel at St. Joseph Cistercian Monastery in Lucerne Valley on May 5. Bishop Gerald Barnes presided over the dedication of the chapel for the Vietnamese community of Cistercians, a Catholic order of enclosed monks.

 Among the 7,000 young pilgrims headed from the United States to World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, about 170 are from the Diocese of San Bernardino. 

 According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), groups from the United States comprise the third largest national delegation of pilgrims going to the 28th World Youth Day this year slated for July 23-28. About 40 U.S. bishops are expected to participate in the event.