Chapter 11

Suppression Notice

Archives

Easter Message from Bishop Michael Pham

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, What a glorious day! A bare sanctuary is filled with the fragrance and beauty of flowers. The church smells clean and fresh. The sound of water trickling over the baptistery is back. The “Alleluia” resounds once again throughout our churches. The year has come full circle. We celebrate the […]

Statement from Bishop Pham regarding Farm Workers Day 

(SAN DIEGO) — Bishop Michael Pham, of the Catholic Diocese of the San Diego, sent the following statement today to the pastors of the diocese: Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Peace be with you. After prayerful reflection and discernment, I am announcing a change to our diocesan calendar. The observance previously identified as Cesar […]

Diocesan Decree for the Year of St. Francis of Assisi

Pope Leo has designated a Year of St. Francis from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027 to celebrate the Eighth Centenary of the passage of St. Francis of Assisi. The Apostolic Penitentiary issued a decree granting the Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of the […]

Statement from Bishop Pham on appointment of Bishop Bejarano to Diocese of Monterey

(SAN DIEGO) — Bishop Michael Pham, of the Catholic Diocese of the San Diego, issued the following statement today after Pope Leo XIV announced his appointment of Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano to the Diocese of Monterey: “On this very special day, our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed our beloved Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano […]

Pope Suppressed Religious Institute Known as Trinitarians of Mary

As previously announced by the Diocese in 2022, at the conclusion of a three-year visitation, the Apostolic See (specifically the then-Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life) by means of a Decree dated 13 May 2022 and approved in forma specifica by Pope Francis, suppressed the religious institute formerly known as the […]

Statement from Bishop Pham on Devastating Shooting in Minneapolis

(SAN DIEGO) – Bishop Michael Pham, of the Catholic Diocese of the San Diego, issued the following statement today after the devastating shooting at a church in Minneapolis: “This morning’s shooting at Annunciation church and school in Minneapolis is devasting news and affects us all. We ask for your prayers for the victims and their families, […]

Episcopal Installation Mass

Bishop Michael Pham, of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, delivered the following homily at his episcopal installation Mass at St. Thérèse of Carmel Church on July 17, 2025: Dear Eminences, Excellencies, Reverend Fathers, Deacons, Religious men and women, religious leaders of other traditions, dignitaries, distinguished guests, and the People of God. Today, I humbly […]

Most Rev. Michael Pham Installed as 7th Bishop of San Diego

(SAN DIEGO) – The Most Rev. Michael Pham was installed today as the seventh Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego. He was the first American bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV and is the first Vietnamese American named to head a diocese in the United States. His installation took place in front of […]

About the Coat of Arms

Bishop Pulido’s coat of arms is divided into four quarters with wavy horizontal lines from top to bottom. The blue and white lines represent the Blessed Virgin Mary. They also suggest water, which alludes to Jesus washing the feet of His disciples and to the waters of baptism. The red and gold lines represent the Holy Spirit and fire. The colors also can be seen as referring to the Blood that (along with water) poured from Jesus’ side at His crucifixion, as well as to the bread (gold) and wine (red) transformed into the Eucharist. At the center is a roundel featuring a symbolic representation of the “mandatum” (washing of the feet), which he believes exemplifies service to all humanity. The roundel’s outer edge is a line composed of small humps; it is borrowed from the coat of arms of the Diocese of Yakima, where Bishop Pulido served as a priest before being named a bishop.

About the Coat of Arms

Bishop Pham’s coat of arms combines the Diocese of San Diego’s coat of arms on the left side, and his on the right. On his, a red boat on a blue ocean sits on diagonal lines suggesting a fisherman’s net. This symbolizes his ministry as a “fisher of men,” as well as how his own father had been a fisherman. The boat is also a symbol of the Church, which is referred to as the “barque of Peter.” At the center of the sail is a red beehive (a symbol of the bishop’s baptismal patron saint, St. John Chrysostom, known as a “honey-tongued” preacher). The beehive is surrounded by two green palm branches (an ancient symbol of martyrdom; the bishop’s ancestors were among Vietnam’s first martyrs). The eight red tongues of fire around the boat are a symbol of the Holy Spirit and a representation of the diversity of ethnic communities.

About the Coat of Arms

The coat of arms combines symbols that reflect Bishop Bejarano’s spiritual life and priestly ministry. The main part of the shield shows four wavy vertical lines on a gold background. These represent flowing waters. This alludes to his chosen motto and also symbolizes the graces that come from the Divine life to quench our thirst for God. The upper third of the shield is red because it is borrowed from the coat of arms of the Order of Mercy, of which the Bishop’s patron saint, Raymond Nonnatus, was a member. The central symbol resembles a monstrance because St. Raymond is often depicted holding one. The Eucharist is Bishop Bejarano’s inspiration for his vocation. It was through the Eucharist that he received his call to the priesthood at age seven and which keeps his faith and his ministry going. It represents the call to offer oneself as a living sacrifice. The monstrance is flanked on either side by an image of the Sacred Heart, alluding to the mercy of God and echoing the idea of a sacrificial offering of oneself united to the sacrifice of Christ, and of a rose for Our Lady. It is an allusion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and highlights the bishop’s Hispanic heritage.

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