New Filipino Catholic Center to Bless Community in Anaheim, California

New Filipino Catholic Center Opening in Anaheim

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange is making strides toward cultural inclusivity by establishing a new Filipino Catholic center, officially named the Poong Jesus Nazareno Filipino Catholic Center (PJNFCC). The center, which is the only active Filipino Catholic center in the United States, is set to be blessed by Bishop Kevin Vann on July 21, 2025. This marks a significant milestone for the Filipino community, where many are eager to have a dedicated space for worship and cultural education.

The property, purchased earlier this year with contributions from approximately 500 donors, spans 1.4 acres and is situated at 3700 W. Orange Ave., Anaheim. It was originally built in 1963 and was previously occupied by a congregation of the Southern Baptist Convention. The new Filipino Catholic center aims to provide spiritual guidance and cultural enrichment while preserving the rich heritage of the Filipino community in Southern California.

As part of the opening ceremony, media are invited to preview the center between 1 and 3 p.m. on July 21, allowing them to capture moments from the day set aside for this important event. The blessing ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m., where hundreds of community members are expected to gather to participate in this historic occasion.

During the event, attendees can look forward to performances from the Barkadahan Dance Troupe, which showcases traditional Filipino dance, and the Rondalla ni San Jose, an ethnic string ensemble that will add to the festive atmosphere. These groups are integral parts of the cultural program established by the Diocese of Orange San Jose Filipino Ministry (DOSJFM), founded by Bishop Vann in 2021.

The PJNFCC will feature a chapel that accommodates up to 180 congregants, where Mass will be celebrated in both English and Tagalog. Beyond the chapel, the center will also include classrooms, offices, a music room, a fellowship hall, and a well-equipped kitchen. Plans are in motion to add a rectory, providing living quarters for priests designed to stay and serve within the community.

This new center will create a space for the local Filipino Catholic community to engage more deeply in their cultural practices while enhancing their faith formation. Unlike typical Catholic parishes, the PJNFCC will focus primarily on educational initiatives rather than sacramental ceremonies such as weddings or baptisms. This is particularly relevant for the estimated 90,000 Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of Orange and surrounding areas.

Fr. Peter Lavin, an Alagad ni Maria priest and director of the new center, expressed gratitude for the widespread community support. “I feel blessed and excited that so many people are taking part in our mission to bring the people closer to our Lord, with Mary at the foot of the cross,” he remarked.

The Alagad ni Maria congregation, which oversees the center, has a rich history of ministry in the Diocese of Orange, further solidifying the importance of this new establishment for both faith and culture. The acquisition of the property was a community-driven effort that raised a whopping $2.1 million towards the purchase, aided significantly by two major donors who contributed $500,000 each.

In addition to being a center for community worship and cultural activities, the PJNFCC will feature an official replica of the Poong Jesus Nazareno, a revered image depicting a dark-skinned Jesus carrying the cross. Devotees praise this statue for its miraculous healing properties, mirroring the original that resides in Manila.

Fr. Angelos Sebastian, vicar general of the Diocese of Orange, said, “For many years, it has been a heartfelt dream of the Filipino community here in the Diocese of Orange to have a center of their own — a sacred space where they can gather in faith, grow in spiritual fellowship, and pass on the richness of their heritage to future generations.”

The new Filipino Catholic center will not only serve religious purposes but also act as a catalyst for cultural preservation and growth within the local community. With Bishop Vann's blessing marking the commencement of the center's journey, plans for its formal establishment will continue with further consecration and dedication in the future. The PJNFCC joins five other Catholic cultural centers within the diocese, catering to diverse ethnic communities and promoting inclusivity within the church.

This new establishment reflects the Diocesan commitment under the leadership of Bishop Vann, aiming to create vibrant, welcoming spaces that foster a sense of community and belonging for all Catholics in the region. For those involved with the center, this is merely the beginning of a promising chapter for Filipino Catholics in Anaheim and beyond.