Archbishop José Gomez, auxiliary bishops, priests, deacons, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will join in a special “Eucharistic Celebration of Life” on Jan. 18 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
The “Requiem for the Unborn,” composed by John Bonaduce, will be performed during the Mass, beginning at 6 p.m. The Mass also features the “Ceremony of Light,” in which candles are lit to commemorate babies who died because of abortion during the previous year.
Leadership of local ecumenical and interfaith communities have been in attendance annually for several years, since the call to respect and defend life extends beyond the parameters of religious doctrine. The attendance of all is encouraged, whether as individuals, as families and friends, or as groups representing parishes, schools or other organizations.
“Coming together as an archdiocesan family in celebration of life is an important moment in the life of our Local Church,” said Archbishop Gomez. “This is not simply a gathering for activists, but rather, an opportunity for all to proclaim aloud this most basic tenet of our faith. This liturgy, with its original score and extraordinary Ceremony of Light, is the Church at its most sincere and most convincing when it comes to the issue of the right of the unborn to breathe that first breath.”
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is located at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. A discounted parking rate of $5 per car will be in effect for the event, and public transportation is also encouraged. (The Metro Red and Purple Lines each stop at the L.A. Civic Center, one block from the Cathedral.)
Preceding the Mass at 3 p.m. is the annual Youth Rally on the Cathedral Plaza, hosted by the Southern California Right to Life League. The rally, featuring music and inspirational speakers, is designed as an uplifting event to inspire Catholic youth. Information on the rally can be found at www.rtllsc.org.
For additional information visit www.olacathedral.org or www.la-archdiocese.org.
