OC Bishop

Our bishops are celebrating 50 years of the Diocese of Orange in Italy! 🇮🇹🙏 Today, @OCBishop celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving alongside Auxiliary Bishop Timothy Freyer and Auxiliary Bishop Thanh Thai Nguyen at the St. Thomas Villanova Pontifical Church at Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence outside Rome. Bishop Vann’s pilgrimage also included a visit to the Borgo Laudato Si’ — Centro di Alta Formazione Laudato Si’, established by Pope Francis in 2023 and located at Castel Gandolfo, where the group met with the institute’s leadership over lunch.

Francis Eugene George, O.M.I. was created a cardinal OTD in 1998. He once observed that, above all, a cardinal is “someone who reminds people that they must, with everything that is in them, surrender themselves entirely to God.” That he did. To Christ be glory in the Church!

I concur with Bishop Barron. It’s a thoughtful reflection on how faith has shaped our understanding of human dignity, freedom and the common good. It draws on the Church’s intellectual tradition and invites us to consider why societies flourish when they remain anchored in their spiritual foundations.

Thanks Dan so much! God bless…+Kevin

Thank you Dan so much!

Thank you so much! God bless!

We are saddened to hear of the death of John L. Allen, Jr.   John had a great love for the Lord, the Church and his wife, Elise Ann. We were blessed to have him speak at a few events at our Cathedral, and we enjoyed his wisdom and humor over meals.   Bishop Vann and John have been friends for many years, and he brought John to Fort Worth when he was the bishop there.   Please join us in praying for the repose of John's soul as well as consolation for Elise.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,  It is with great joy and gratitude that I share with you that I was discharged from the hospital this afternoon following a successful surgery and a recovery that has progressed more quickly than anticipated. During this period, I will not be receiving visitors until further notice, as I will be focusing entirely on rest and healing. I am deeply grateful for the many prayers, messages of support, and expressions of care. These have brought me great comfort and strength, and I humbly ask that you continue to keep me in your prayers as I complete my recovery. I also wish to express my profound gratitude to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Providence St. Joseph Hospital, my physicians, nurses, caregivers, and all members of the hospital staff. During my time there, I witnessed firsthand the Catholic values so beautifully lived out through the compassionate and dedicated care provided to patients. I kindly ask that you continue to remember me in your celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, in Eucharistic adoration, and in your personal and communal prayers. Together, let us give thanks to the Lord for graciously answering our prayers with a successful surgery and a journey toward full recovery. In Christ’s love, Most Rev. Kevin W. Vann, D.D., J.C.D.,  D.Min.

May I respectfully suggest that from my experience here , and during my years in Texas that these observations in this publication are out of touch with pastoral life “ in the trenches “? Here at Christ Cathedral , and at our parishes we have at times two, three and four priests available ( and at times myself ) for the celebration of the Sacrament , not to mention the seasonal celebrations .The numbers remain of penitents and those waiting have remained , and in fact seem to be increased this year. What decline ?

I would concur ; and the author has neither seen nor experienced the numbers we have for the Sacrament certainly here at Christ Cathedral and other parishes here in the Diocese of Orange on a regular basis ; not to mention the seasonal penance services . +Kevin Vann

What a wonderful way to welcome the New Year! Last night, I had the privilege of celebrating New Year's Eve Mass with the first English Community, graciously hosted at the home of a St. Mary’s parishioner. Wishing you all a joyful and blessed 2026!🎊 #NewYearsEveMass #NewYear2026

It was wonderful to celebrate Mass at @christcathedralca on Christmas Eve and St. Francis Home on Christmas Day. May this Christmas season continue to be filled with grace, joy and time shared with family and friends.

🎉 Celebrating 60 Years of St. Nicholas Parish! 🎉 Today, I had the joy of celebrating the closing Mass for St. Nicholas Parish's 60th anniversary. Throughout the year, we’ve come together in faith, marking this milestone with a Heritage Festival, uplifting concerts and the dedication of our new St. Nicholas statue. Let us cherish our history and look forward to the continued light of Christ in our community. #StNicholasParish #60thAnniversary

I had a wonderful meeting with Bishop Louis Tylka, @bshplou, during his visit to the Diocese of Orange last week. It was a joy to connect with a fellow servant of the Church, especially someone from the Diocese of Peoria, which holds a special place in my heart as it’s not far from my roots in Springfield, Illinois!

Yesterday, as we celebrated the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I felt grateful to be with friends at a very special home in Santa Ana, where I have visited on this day for eight years now. The beautiful display of flowers and lights honoring Our Lady serves as a wonderful testament to our faith. The Mother of God is truly a mother to all of us! God bless you all! #ourladyofguadalupe

I am honored and grateful to have presided over Mass yesterday at Mater Dei High School, where we welcomed all presidents and principals from our diocesan schools, private Catholic schools and Pax Christi schools.   It was a wonderful Mass to celebrate and honor them for their leadership, commitment to Catholic education and the love they bring to their respective communities.   Thank you to @occatholicschools and @materdeimonarchs staff for coordinating and hosting this event.

A few of my favorite moments from last night's Mass I presided over at Our Lady of Guadalupe Delhi, in celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us! 🙏