A surprise but welcome “technology upgrade” gift — specifically, of new iPad tablet computers — was presented to the men of Juan Diego House Jan. 29 by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL-LA).At the ceremony held at Juan Diego House, located next to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Gardena, CALL-LA board members Nadine Chaves and Diana Gonzalez called 16 young men forward to receive their iPads. One more recipient was then called — Father Jim Anguiano, director of Juan Diego House, to the surprise and applause of the assembled group.Launched in 2007, the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders is a national organization that provides a forum for members to strengthen their faith in community through prayer, education and service. Archbishop José Gomez is among the founders of CALL.Having chosen to support vocations to the priesthood, the Los Angeles Chapter met with Father Anguiano to assess the needs of Juan Diego House residents, university students who aspire to the diocesan priesthood in Los Angeles. Juan Diego House is the beneficiary of proceeds from the 2013 Cardinal’s Awards Dinner to be held Feb. 9 in Hollywood.Archbishop Gomez and Dr. Arturo Ibarra, CALL-LA chapter president, decided to supply the men with tablet computers to assist them in their ongoing studies and allow them to save money on textbooks by opting to purchase e-books instead. The CALL-LA chapter leadership team unanimously approved the purchase of tablets. Also present at the event were CALL-LA board members Alex Chaves and Rodrigo Gonzalez. The CALL-LA chapter is now developing a scholarship fund for the men of Juan Diego House. To learn more about CALL or CALL-Los Angeles, email Arturo Ibarra at [email protected] or visit www.hispanicleaders.net. {gallery width=100 height=100}gallery/2013/0208/call/{/gallery}
