SB Diocese, SB Diocese, Why have you forsaken us? I echo the sentiments Jesus last spoke as he was crucified by his people in response to how the Diocese of San Bernardino has foresaken its people in Riverside, Ca. A cornerstone of the work of Vatican II was to understand the Churchâs need to celebrate Mass in the language of the local congregation to appropriately and effectively âget closer to the people of God so that they could understand well what it does, and this is important for usâ Pope Francis, 2015. St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Riverside, CA has a Parochial Vicar- Celestine Afugwobi who fails at bringing the Word of God to our community. He is unable to effectively communicate in either in English or Spanish to be able to share the Good News. He leaves our community to the time prior to Vatican II where Godâs people did not understand the language of the Sacraments being celebrated. This is a huge disservice to his flock. Besides being unintelligible, Celestineâs primary focus is evident: his hometown and his people back in his home country. Celestine does not promote the well-being or development of his community in Riverside but rather capitalizes on ways to extract funding and resources from his home community to take back to his home country. We need a priest focused on improving and developing our community, not one looking to exploit us for the benefit of his friends and family...
   Read moreThe Diocese of San Bernardino poorly provides sustenance and clothing for the homeless community. I've made a few attempts for assistance and help with homeless community needs but with no response. Secondly regarding the Catholic Faith it poorly serves the parish community spiritual needs. It followed State mandates which lead to restrict facewear and parish closure Many sheep were lost, parishioners disgruntled. The Church must not be influenced by state mandates especially as we are finding out, is s politically motivated lie Thos 2 stars is being...
   Read moreThe Diocese of San Bernardino has completely failed in its duty to act with integrity and transparency. A serious complaint was made involving a priest and an unlicensed therapist, yet the response was nothing short of negligent. They outright refused to meet, ignored opportunities for dialogue, and appeared more concerned with protecting themselves than addressing wrongdoing. This wasnât just disappointingâit was a deliberate attempt to avoid accountability. The Church should be a place of truth and justice, not silence...
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