Diocese of Orange Celebrates All Souls Day in Honor of the Departed



Bishop Vann Leads National Fundraising Effort for Italian Earthquake Victims

Proceeds from the Oct. 14th Italian-themed dinner at Christ Cathedral will go to Catholic Relief Services, which will provide needed resources to the region.

Garden Grove, Calif., (Oct. 5, 2016) – The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will lead a national Catholic effort to raise funds and support for victims of the magnitude 6.2 earthquake that struck in and around the town of Amatrice, Italy.

This effort is particularly important as winter sets in and the many victims of the earthquake are in need of adequate shelter and basic necessities.


Fundraiser Event Details

  • What: An Italian-themed dinner to benefit earthquake victims.
  • When: October 14, from 6 – 9 p.m.
  • Where: Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove.
  • Beneficiary: All proceeds will go to Catholic Relief Services.

“Following the earthquake in Amatrice… I felt compelled to reach out to… leaders within the Church and community about holding a national fundraiser to support the victims. I was blessed by the response from Archbishop Gomez and others, and we were able to quickly organize a major fundraising event on October 14 at Christ Cathedral. I personally encourage all to join us and to help us show the Mercy of Christ to the vulnerable in Italy by our faithful participation in this effort,” said Bishop Vann.


An Evening of Italian Culture and Solidarity

The event will feature several special guests and offerings:

  • Featured Speakers: Journalist and author John Allen will serve as emcee, and Crux Vatican Correspondent Ines San Martin will speak on “A view of the quake from Rome.”
  • Dinner: A pasta dinner with Amatriciana sauce, which originates from the stricken region, will be prepared by Anaheim White House Chef and Owner Sir Bruno Serato.
  • Entertainment: Award-winning international singer Maria Elena Infantino, born and raised in Italy, will perform.
  • Wine: Local wine distributor Elysabeth Nguyen will supply all of the wine. Attendees can purchase a bottle with a special label designed for the event.1

“There are so many tragedies in our world and sometimes we just feel like we’re alone; that we can’t do much. St. Teresa of Calcutta said, ‘If you can’t feed hundreds, then just feed one.’ Coming together,2 we can make a difference… All of us together will give hope to a people terribly wounded and broken. And that is no small gift,” concluded Shirl Giacomi, Chancellor of the Diocese of Orange.


Tickets and Donations

Tickets are available online. Donations are also being accepted.

  • Single Ticket: $50
  • Table of 10: $450

To purchase tickets or to donate, please visit: rcbo.staging.wpengine.com/earthquake.


Pastoral Center: Communications Department

13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840

Office: 714-282-3075

Fax: 714-282-302