With immigration reform legislation facing an uncertain future this year, Archbishop José Gomez is inviting Catholics to participate in the annual Mass in Recognition of Immigrants, scheduled July 19, 3:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

“Our Church has always been a Church of immigrants, just as our nation has always been a nation of immigrants,” the archbishop stated. “This year, we will be praying in a special way for immigration reform and for the reunification of families divided by our current immigration policies.”

There is, said Archbishop Gomez, a time for politics and a time for prayer. “Prayer should always come first,” he said, “before all action. Because we want to make sure we are always trying to do God’s will and not our will.”

Parishes and religious communities are invited to participate in the procession that will begin the Mass, with each invited to send a delegation that will carry a banner representing their respective group. Those interested are asked to contact Jaime Huerta in the Office of Life, Justice and Peace by July 11: (213) 637-7560 or[email protected].