Archbishop’s Visit Inspires 2 Congregations

Parishioners of two of Oxnard’s largest Catholic churches said they were especially inspired by Sunday Mass after celebrating it with one of the most powerful men in the Catholic prelate.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles, paid visits to the Santa Clara Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where he delivered sermons, witnessed the dedication of a new playground and imparted words of encouragement and wisdom to his flock.

Mahony, dressed in flowing green clerical robes and carrying a gilded silver shepherd’s staff, praised the Santa Clara congregation for its vitality and asked the members to step back and reflect on their personal commitment to God.

“Each person responds to God’s word in their own way and in their own time,” Mahony said. “That response is up to them.”

As examples, Mahony cited how Jonah, when asked by God to save the Ninevites, fled as far as he could to escape the responsibility.

“Jonah’s response to God was not immediate,” Mahony told the congregation. “He fled on a ship and was swallowed by a large fish before heeding his word.”

Afterward, Mahony personally greeted the more than 500 parishioners who attended the service at Santa Clara.

“We really needed it [Mahony’s visit],” said Liz Salinas of Oxnard. “It really brought us closer to one another and gave us a lot to think about.”

Msgr. Peter Nugent, Santa Clara’s pastor, said the cardinal’s visit brought more people to the church than he’s seen in awhile.

“He certainly packed the house didn’t he?” Nugent quipped. “But, I think he gave us all something to think about and a direction to go.”

Mahony’s stop at Our Lady of Guadalupe, only his second visit in more than 10 years, met with similar acclaim.

Later, Mahony went across the street to witness the dedication of the Kathleen A. Robinson Memorial Playground at Santa Clara Elementary School.

The playground, inspired by and dedicated to the memory of the school’s longtime educator and athletic director, came after more than a year of planning and fund-raising. Kathleen Robinson died in April 1994 after a long bout with cancer.

The event, which drew a crowd of more than 300, also included appearances by Assemblyman Nao Takasugi (R-Oxnard), who presented the school with an official resolution from the California Legislature recognizing the playground’s dedication, and Oxnard Mayor Manuel Lopez.

“This is an important celebration,” Lopez said. “It shows what happens when the community works together to solve problems that the government can’t.”