The Diocese of San Bernardino was officially established on July 17, 1978, by Pope Paul VI, carved from the northern half of the Diocese of San Diego to better serve the rapidly growing and distinct Catholic communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Father Phillip Straling, a native of San Bernardino, was appointed its first bishop and chose his home parish, Holy Rosary, as the diocesan cathedral. The new diocese inherited 85 parishes, 235,665 parishioners, and a legacy of Catholic presence dating back to 1842. Bishop Straling emphasized unity and inclusivity from the start, holding retreats with clergy and embracing the region’s cultural diversity, especially its growing Hispanic population. After his tenure, Bishop Gerald Barnes succeeded him in 1996, followed by Bishop Alberto Rojas, who officially became the third bishop in 2020. The diocese’s formation and growth reflect broader trends of demographic change and spiritual need in Southern California.
St. Bernardine of Siena, patron of the Diocese, was a bold 15th-century preacher known for his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and miraculous healings, whose legacy of evangelization and faith continues to inspire the community today.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Diocese, appeared to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 with a message of love and healing, and her enduring image continues to unite and inspire devotion across cultures and generations.
Born in Tuscany in 1380, St. Bernardine of Siena was orphaned at six and raised by his aunts. He was ordained in 1404 at the age of 22 and became a renowned traveling preacher, known for miracles associated with devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. He carried a board bearing the letters “IHS” (the first three Greek letters of Jesus’ name) surrounded by rays, which became a powerful symbol of healing and faith. Many reported cures after encountering Bernardine or gazing upon the sacred monogram. After his death in 1444, miracles were reported at his tomb, leading to his canonization by Pope Nicholas V in 1450. St. Bernardine is the patron saint of the Diocese of San Bernardino and the namesake of the city and county. The Bishop’s coat of arms includes the sunburst monogram to honor Saint Bernardine’s legacy and his promotion of public devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
In 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Juan Diego and his uncle in Mexico, offering healing and a message of love for the poor and vulnerable. Her image, miraculously imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, became a powerful sign of unity and divine care. Declared Patroness of the Americas in 1946, she remains a guiding presence for millions. As Patroness of the Diocese, Our Lady of Guadalupe’s message continues to inspire devotion across cultures and generations, with the shrine in Riverside serving as a lasting symbol of her compassion, strength, and deep connection to the people of this region.
