The Virgil Cordano, OFM, Chair in Catholic Studies has been established at the University of California Santa Barbara. The announcement was made at a recent dinner in celebration of Father Cordano's 85th birthday, where he received many accolades from those of other faith traditions and numerous government officials.

In connection with the establishment, a Birthday Open House at Santa Barbara Mission will be held on Feb. 29, 1-5 p.m. for those in the community to come and extend their congratulations to Father Cordano, a Franciscan priest ordained in 1945 and long a popular figure in the Santa Barbara area.

A committee headed by Santa Barbara Region Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry has led an effort to raise funds to establish the Cordano Chair at UCSB. "The Open House will offer an opportunity for the many individuals & families whose lives have been touched by Father Virgil over the past 40-plus years to greet him and share in the birthday cake," said Maggie Stapp, assistant to Bishop Curry in the Santa Barbara Region Office. "This Chair is a first at a public university."

For additional information, call the regional office, (805) 682-0442.