More than 20 buses and over 1,200 parishioners from the Diocese of Orange will be joining others throughout Southern California for the Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on July 17 at 3 p.m.
In his letter of invitation to participate, Bishop Vann writes:
“I invite each parish, center and religious community to participate by bringing a delegation representing your diverse leadership and a parish banner for the procession. Let us witness to all that the Diocese of Orange is iPresente! with our immigrant sisters and brothers. lt is important for us to come together in solidarity – with all who make our home together in Orange County: Korean, Filipino, East Asian, Chinese, African, Indonesian, Samoan, Middle-Eastern, European descent, and the Latino community. This is especially true at a time when there is so much distrust and animosity thus making this witness of Faith even more important and vital. We will be joined this day as well by relics of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, St. Junipero Serra, and St. Toribio Romo – saints who accompanied others, who were immigrants themselves and stood strong in Faith amidst adversity and challenge!”
To read the Bishop’s letter in English, click here. In Spanish, click here. In Vietnamese, click here.
In an election year filled with confusion, fear, and scapegoating, the mission of the event is to stand in solidarity with immigrant sisters and brothers. Organizers expect to fill the Cathedral in Los Angeles and witness to the beautiful diversity of our communities in Orange County, as they work to protect the life and dignity of every human person.
Participants will have an opportunity to hear about how the church has been working on issues related to immigration, from the AB-60 CA Drivers License, DACA/DAPA outreach, work to aid unaccompanied minors in the courts, to a Citizenship Campaign and continued advocacy for just and compassionate immigration reform with pathways to citizenship. There will be opportunities to learn more, to celebrate what God has done, and to get involved moving forward.
When: Sunday, July 17, 2016
Where: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Suggested arrival time: 2:30 p.m.
Pre-Mass Gathering and Procession: 3:00 p.m.
Mass: 4:00 p.m.