LOCAL NEWS

Dcn. Lou Pardini died five days short of his 91st birthday, but to the pro-life warrior who counted gestation time, he was already 91.

When Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531, she bridged two cultures. Now, nearly 500 years later, she continues to do the same as the patroness of the Diocese of Phoenix.

My mother and father’s 73-year marriage came full circle several weeks ago as Mom and the rest of our family lovingly ushered my father to the goal of their union from the beginning: the merciful encounter with our heavenly Father when this earthly life is done. The little church where we celebrated the funeral Mass was filled to overflowing with those touched by the truth, goodness and beauty of my parents’ deeply loving and fruitful, even if not perfect, union.

In some ways, ordination hasn’t changed Dcn. Tony Smith. He still continues his role as master of ceremonies for the weekly televised Mass from Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral and other key liturgies such as the Easter vigil.

The gift of Catholic education is a dream for many parents. The annual Night of Hope helps make that dream a reality, and it does it with a subtle blend of faith and flair by building support for the nearly 14,000 students who attend Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

SCOTTSDALE — Growing up in a strict German Lutheran family, Fr. Doug Lorig got the impression that God was someone angry. Paradoxically, amid messages of condemnation and wrath, he was told that God is love.

Raised with strong Catholic values, Dcn. Marvin Silva learned much about the faith from his family and through Catholic elementary school in his native city of Managua, Nicaragua.

In uniform, Officer James Sinohui is concerned not just for the law, but for the souls of those he serves. Off duty, a new family business has people drinking Universal Cup Coffee.

AVONDALE — Replenishing the ranks of those in religious service remains a regular need within the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Phoenix is no different. For the second straight year, the Office of Consecrated Life hosted a day of fun and activities to give children a look at service through the eyes of those who know it best — members of religious orders now in service.

Brought up in the Church since he was a little boy, Dcn. Gary Scott began volunteering as an altar server, lector and cantor. Born and raised in Globe, he credits his parents, Alan and Freda, his sister, Ann, as well as his grandparents and aunts for an enriching family life with faith at its core.