DIOCESE OF ORANGE

Diocese of Orange Formally Acquires

Crystal Cathedral and Adjacent Campus

Orange, CA (February 3, 2012) --- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange today acknowledged the close of escrow proceedings concerning ownership of the Crystal Cathedral and its adjacent 30.9 acre campus in Garden Grove, CA. The Diocese purchased the complex following acceptance of its bid by the central California U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Formal transfer of title to the Diocese has been made. While close of escrow marks the conclusion to an emotional and complicated acquisition process, occupancy of the campus and use of the cathedral itself will not be immediate.

Under the terms of the agreement, Crystal Cathedral Ministries may continue to use the church and some other campus structures for a period of up to three years. Operational and administrative transfer of the Memorial Gardens to the Diocese will be immediate. A diocesan pastoral center will be established on the site in due course in anticipation that nearby Catholic St. Callistus parish will eventually transfer to the new campus.

While architectural changes are required before the cathedral can be used for Catholic liturgy, Bishop Brown noted, “Our goal is to preserve an already cherished religious landmark and to enhance its worship use for Orange County Catholics and all people of faith who may be inspired by this wonderful, now Catholic, cathedral.”

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