The Mass in recognition of all immigrants and in support of comprehensive immigration reform will be celebrated July 21, 3:30 p.m., at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Archbishop José Gomez will preside at the Mass, coordinated by the Office of Life, Justice and Peace, in acknowledgement that the Catholic Church is an immigrant Church and that the United States is an immigrant nation. Significantly, this year’s Mass is being celebrated in the context of Congress’ current legislative deliberations on immigration reform.“As we continue to celebrate who we are as Catholics and as people of faith during this Year of Faith, we recognize that we are an Immigrant Church and take seriously the Gospel call to welcome the stranger among us,” said Archbishop Gomez in a letter inviting all Catholics to attend the July 21 Mass.“We, the Church of Los Angeles, are mindful that we are a Church of many peoples, with different backgrounds, different stories, and different family histories. Each of us is unique, but our Catholic faith teaches us that we are all made in the image of God — imago Dei.”The archbishop called this “a pivotal moment in the debate for comprehensive immigration reform. That is why we have been meeting with members of Congress, our elected representatives, to convey to them the core principles we would like to see in any kind of legislation that is enacted to fix our broken immigration system.”Those elected officials with whom Catholic leaders have met “have been very receptive and attentive to what we have to say on this issue,” he continued. “We pray that God may guide them and our country as decisions are made that will affect so many in our Archdiocese and across the nation.”Other Southern California dioceses will be present, and parishes have been invited to send delegations. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact the Office of Life, Justice and Peace at (213) 637-7560 or (213) 637-7236. {gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2013/0719/immigrant/{/gallery}
