Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Communion with three parishioners who graduated from a three-month catechism class given by Sister Sharon and Sister Aloysita of the Missionaries of Charity in Richmond.
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center reached capacity with over 200 resident parishioners and guests attending the July 14 Sunday Mass.
“It’s an honor to be confirmed by Archbishop Cordileone and feel like this is where I belong. To understand faith, we are held to a higher standard, to become a light to others,” said resident Pablo Urenda, one of the two residents confirmed that day.
The bilingual Mass started with the recitation of the Rosary. Father George Williams, Father Vincent Woo, Deacon Thomas Kramer, and Deacon Juan Michel assisted the archbishop.
Archbishop Cordileone has supported the Catholic parishioners at San Quentin for 12 years by celebrating Christmas Mass and a Mass in summer.
The archbishop noted that outside persons have found his visits to San Quentin “amazing.” He said he responded with “God has us in a dark place to become a beacon of light.”
The archbishop read from the Book of Amos 7:12–15 and said that God told Amos to be a prophet, which gave him power over the evil spirits.
Archbishop Cordileone warned of evil spirits and the way they worked. “They’re bothered and artificial and they know how to trick us because they want us to be miserable.”
After the homily, he prepared for the confirmations and showed the parishioners the Holy Oil that he would use to anoint the candidates for confirmation.
“The special oil for confirmation is meant to bring light to others,” the archbishop said.
“The Missionaries of Charity are very educated and did a wonderful job teaching us about the sacraments and the Catholic Church and answered many of our questions,” said Urenda.
“The men faithfully learned where they go from here,” said Sister Aloysita about the hard work the residents did to prepare for confirmation. “To see them growing and sacrifice and offer themselves through the act of love, doing whatever God asks of them during every Monday class — [this] makes me more eager and excited to come back.”
Sister Sharon added, “The men always show interest and do what is asked of them regarding homework. They’re open, honest, and share from their hearts. They support each other as they become God’s instrument.”
Catholic Chapel choir director Megan O’Brien said, “This is the best part of my week. To hear Father Williams’ sermon and the message that is shared [makes attending church here] a unique experience.
The musicians are so professional, and it’s nice to see the men each week.” O’Brien has volunteered at San Quentin since 2019.
San Quentin resident Noe Flores said, “I wanted to receive it within myself. My First Communion has strengthened my faith. The experience is far beyond words. It has brought me closer to God, so much closer than I was on the streets. I have so much more knowledge; it’s a real blessing. I want to thank Archbishop Cordileone for being here today. It is an honor to be confirmed by him.”
“We are a light out there and I look forward to returning to San Quentin,” said Archbishop Cordileone after the Mass. “I love how well the church worships and serves as a light, showing what worship really means. In the light over darkness, you are the path.”
Father Williams said, “It is always an honor for us to welcome Archbishop Cordileone to our Catholic community here. He reminds us that we are part of a greater community, in the Bay Area and beyond. We are grateful that the archbishop always makes time to visit us despite his extraordinarily busy schedule.”
Sisters Aloysita and Sharon extended to every parishioner invitations to the next class. They said they looked forward to their next group of confirmation students.
“Classes have resumed and are open for everyone who wishes to attend to learn about the Catholic faith,” said Father Williams.
