New Filipino Catholic Center Opens in Orange, Strengthening Community and Cultural Ties
- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange will open the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center on July 21, 2025.
- The center will support the local Filipino community with a chapel, classrooms, and community engagement spaces.
- Cultural performances at the grand opening will celebrate Filipino heritage and strengthen community ties within Orange.
### New Filipino Catholic Center to Strengthen Community Ties in Orange
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is set to enhance its community offerings with the upcoming blessing of the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center (PJNFCC) in Anaheim, California, scheduled for July 21, 2025. This center, the only operating Filipino Catholic center in the United States, aims to serve as a vital hub for faith formation and cultural education. With the support of approximately 500 donors, the PJNFCC will be located on a 1.4-acre property that previously housed a Vietnamese-language congregation. The center is designed to accommodate the needs of the local Filipino community, featuring a chapel that can hold 180 attendees, where Mass will be celebrated in both English and Tagalog.
In addition to the chapel, the PJNFCC will include classrooms, offices, a music room, a fellowship hall, and a full kitchen, promoting a multifaceted approach to community engagement. Church leaders are also planning to construct a rectory for priests on-site in the future, ensuring ongoing pastoral support. The center is managed by Alagad ni Maria, a Catholic religious congregation of priests dedicated to the stewardship of the property as a worship space. Fr. Peter Lavin, the center's director, expresses gratitude for the community's involvement, emphasizing the center's goal of fostering a deeper connection to faith and cultural identity among its members.
The grand opening will feature cultural performances by the Barkadahan Dance Troupe and the Rondalla ni San Jose, both affiliated with the Diocese of Orange's San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM), which was established by Bishop Kevin Vann in 2021. While the PJNFCC will not conduct traditional sacramental functions like weddings or baptisms, it aims to celebrate and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Filipino Catholic community through various educational activities. This initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing the spiritual and cultural needs of Filipino Catholics in the region, creating an inclusive environment for worship and community building.
In a separate development, the Orange Blossom Classic Committee announces the continuation of its partnership with Mars Wrigley, bringing back SNICKERS® as the Official Chocolate of the Orange Blossom Classic (OBC) for a third consecutive year. Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2025, this event will feature a competitive matchup between Howard University and Florida A&M University at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The theme, "Built on History. Fueled by Pride," underscores the celebration of HBCU culture while integrating SNICKERS to enhance the experience for attendees.
Kendra Bulluck-Major, Executive Director of the Orange Blossom Classic Committee, highlights the partnership's alignment with the event's mission to honor tradition and celebrate culture. Fans can anticipate a weekend filled with festivities, including tailgates and halftime celebrations, all designed to foster community engagement and enhance the excitement of college football. This collaboration not only enriches the atmosphere of the OBC but also reaffirms the importance of supporting HBCU culture in the broader community.
