Bishop Vann Announces "Holy Year of Preparation" for Christ Cathedral Dedication

With the dedication of Christ Cathedral approaching, Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, has launched a year-long celebration calling for spiritual reflection and formation across the Diocese of Orange. Vann proclaimed the next 12 months to be a special “Holy Year of Preparation of Christ Cathedral” during a Mass on June 29 at the Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral Campus in Garden Grove. “After years of planning, prayer and Faith, and due to the hard work, diligence and dedication of many, we find ourselves, by the Providence of God, rapidly approaching the completion of the renovation of Christ Cathedral,” Vann said. Currently undergoing dramatic renovations, Christ Cathedral will be dedicated on July 17, 2019. Once dedicated, the cathedral will be spiritual home of Orange County’s 1.5 million Catholics. In a decree, Vann encouraged all Catholics to continue to pray for work on the cathedral to progress on schedule and on budget. “I would be most pleased if the faithful were on fire for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that his Holy Name be always on our lips as we prepare this place for Christ forever,” Vann said. The Holy Year of Preparation for the opening of Christ Cathedral began on July 29, which coincides with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. A Holy Year is called by Catholic leaders to celebrate and observe special occasions. “The Holy Year of Preparation is a time to celebrate our connection to the universal Catholic Church through our bishop,” said Lesa Truxaw, Director, Office of Worship. “The cathedral is an important part of that connection because it’s where the bishop teaches and celebrates Mass. Christ Cathedral will be a home where everyone across the Diocese of Orange is welcome.” The mass launching the Holy Year of Preparation was led by Bishop Vann and Rev. Christopher Smith, rector for Christ Cathedral Parish, and drew clergy and parishioners across the county. The Mass also featured a performance by the Diocesan Children’s Choir. “It’s fitting that the children’s choir will be joining in on this momentous occasion,” said Truxaw. “Children are our present and our future. Christ Cathedral will be there for them as they grow into their Catholic faith.”