The 11th annual OneLife LA event had Southern California’s “trials by fire” in mind Sunday when it held its celebration of all human life at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
In the past, OneLife LA began at Olvera Street and featured thousands of participants in a lively, prayer and hymn-filled “Walk for Life” through downtown streets.
This year’s more subdued commemoration was held entirely at the cathedral and drew about 1,500 people. The change was in deference to the event’s law enforcement needs and unhealthy air for walking in light of the wildfires still burning around the city, said Michael Donaldson, senior director of the Office of Life, Justice, and Peace for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
“It is our chance to show not only that human life is sacred, but to honor fire victims and let them know we care,” he said.
The Magallon family of Altadena lost their home in the Eaton Fire. George and Jennifer Magallon and their children Sophia, 24, and Diego, 20, led the procession of faithful into the cathedral.
George carried a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in his arms, one thing they found unscathed when they returned to their razed home on Jan. 8.
“The day after the fire, we showed up and in the middle of ashes and rubble, she stood unscathed,” George said. “It was a miracle. This gives us hope, lets us know there is tomorrow, and with God’s permission we will rebuild. It strengthens our faith.”
Jennifer Magallon said finding the image of Our Lady “sitting upright, surrounded by ashes and realizing she survived 80-100 mph winds and trees had fallen, it was a moment of peace, grace, and divine love letting me know we will survive. This statue is a reminder of what I have and not what I’ve lost.”
Joining the Magallon family’s statue at the front of the altar was the gold tabernacle that firefighters found in the rubble of Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades. The tabernacle holds the the consecrated Communion hosts which Catholics believe is the body of Christ.
This year’s theme is “Let us stand up together in hope” and encompasses support for fire victims, first responders, the unborn, families, immigrants, the poor, homeless people and anyone in the margins of society. While groups such as the Knights of Columbus and 40 Days for Life manned tables, support teams were stationed both inside and outside the cathedral offering to pray with people.
Archbishop José Gómez, leader of the largest and most diverse archdiocese in the country, was the one who came up with the idea for OneLife LA 10 years ago, “to cherish, value and defend life from conception to natural death.”
“We know we will rise from the ashes to new life and to the hopefulness that can only come from God,” said Rev. Joe Brennan, bishop of the diocese of Fresno.
Accompanying them were the archdiocese’s four auxiliary bishops, including Bishop Albert Bahhuth, episcopal vicar for the San Fernando Pastoral Region; Bishop Matthew Elshoff, Our Lady of the Angels Pastoral Region; Bishop Brian Nunes, San Gabriel Pastoral Region; and Bishop Slawomir Szkredka, Santa Barbara Pastoral Region.
The program included songs, testimonials, and the awarding of a $10,000 grant to Maryvale Children’s Charities in the San Gabriel Valley. The event ended with a Requiem Mass for the Unborn celebrated by Gómez.
Brenda Thomas welcomed participants to the Catholic Charities of Los Angeles table. She directs programs for the nonprofit that works for social justice and provides services to the poor and marginalized, including refugees.
“I was captivated by the stories of people of resilience and the hardest-working ethic who support our industries and communities unseen,” Thomas said of how she found her calling. “To say no to them now is heart-wrenching. We’re here to help and support.”
About 60 people from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Huntington Beach came in matching orange scarves and paper rose crowns for the women. The idea was for the group to be seen — and not get lost.
It was the first time the church sent a group to the event, and even though they are missing the downtown procession, parishioner Carlos Ramos said it was important for him, his wife Maribel Rosas and their children to be there.
“We’re here to say abortion is not okay, it is not normal,” Ramos said.
Nolan Enriquez, 22, from Artesia said he and his family came to OneLife LA to follow a simple Gospel directive.
“We bring love today, we brought water, Gatorade, fruit snacks to (distribution centers) for those affected by the wildfires last week,” he said. “Jesus’ marching orders are pretty much to the point, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick. And love. Bring love.”