PHOTOS: Faith, hope, and healing shine at OneLife LA amid southern California fires

Los Angeles, Calif., Jan 20, 2025 / 10:15 am (CNA).

Approximately 3,000 people gathered for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ 11th annual OneLife LA on Saturday. While previously held as a walk through the streets of Los Angeles, the event was moved to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A. due to unhealthy air caused by the region’s wildfires and the acute need of police in other parts of the city.

Unlike the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, which has its exclusive focus on ending abortion, OneLife LA lists a wide range of focus areas: pro-life issues, homelessness, human trafficking, end-of-life care, foster care and adoption, the environment, the disabled, and “racism immigration.”

The purpose of this year’s event, according to organizers, was to “unite in a sacred space as a family of God in prayer, healing, and hope as the devastating wildfires continue through Southern California.”  

Speakers and performances began at 2 p.m followed by a Requiem Mass for the Unborn celebrated by Los Angeles Archbishop José Gómez.

Two families who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires were featured at the event, joining the procession into the church. The Gonzalez family carried a cross and the Magallon family carried a statue of the Blessed Mother, which survived amid the rubble when their home burned down.

Diana and Rodrigo Gonzalez shared with attendees the story of how they lost their Altadena home they purchased just a year ago. “I was proud of that house,” Rodrigo told CNA. “It was on a large lot, a wooded, green area. It had a lot of history: I could show you the place nearby at JPL Laboratories where Albert Einstein and Robert Oppenheimer walked and talked about the atom bomb.”

The family celebrated Epiphany on Jan. 7 and a local priest blessed the home. Due to its higher elevation, the property was swept by Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph and authorities shut off the power in an effort to reduce the likelihood of sparking a fire. The couple fled with some of their belongings.

Rodrigo Gonzalez and his father-in-law made their way back to the Altadena home on the morning of Jan. 8. Rodrigo recalled: “I have never seen anything like it. On multiple streets houses were on fire, downed trees and power lines. There was hardly a fireman around anywhere, but some residents were doing what they could to douse the blazes.”

The Gonzalezes tried to save their house — ultimately 20 of 22 homes on their block would burn — but with water pressure near zero and no fire department personnel to be seen, they ultimately had to surrender their home to the flames.

“We are stunned and shocked, but also moved by the generosity of so many who have offered to help. And our faith has played an invaluable role in helping us get through this,” they said.

They expressed gratitude to OneLife LA for offering them a venue in which to share their story, noting that before moving to Altadena, the cathedral had been their home parish.

“When the archbishop invited us to offer the gifts at the Requiem Mass, it was like I heard Jesus say, ‘I didn’t abandon you.’ That was a message I needed to hear,” Diana Gonzalez said.

Listen to his voice

Gómez, joined by the auxiliary bishops of the archdiocese, welcomed those in attendance in English and Spanish. He observed that while it was difficult “trying to understand God’s will,” it was still “our challenge to try to listen to his voice.”

“God loves us with a love beyond telling,” he assured those gathered, and despite the devastation, “in everything God is working for the good of those who love him.” The fires are an important reminder, he continued, that “life is fragile … what we can lose, we can lose in a moment.” Our goal must be to “support one another, sacrifice for one another, take care of one another.”

Among the other speakers was Sister Maria Goretti of the Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ, a religious community headquartered in Brazil. She, along with her other sisters and local volunteers, feeds and offers support to the homeless and immigrants in the Skid Row area of downtown L.A. While sister touched on her work on Skid Row, her central message was one of hope amid the fire devastation.

“The gift of hope gives us encouragement amid the most difficult circumstances,” she said.  

Sister Maria Goretti has been a regular OneLife LA participant for years but said this was her first time addressing the group.

“It continually amazes me how many people, particularly young people, turn out in support of life, especially that of the unborn,” she said. “These participants are the light of Christ for those who are in darkness, this year especially those who have lost their homes.”

Another woman, Desiree Gentile, shared her story at OneLife LA of being abandoned by a 17-year-old mother, placed in foster care, and then adopted by a loving family. She described herself as an “abortion survivor; my mom chose life.” That choice, she said, “gave me a chance to fulfill my purpose. There is a reason for me.”

With her upbringing Gentile said she developed a strong Catholic faith, saying: “You’re not always intended for the family that birthed you. You’re intended for God.”

Two religious items drew attention during the OneLife LA event. The first was the Magallon family’s Marian statue, and the second was a tabernacle from Corpus Christi Parish in Pacific Palisades. Although the entire church was destroyed by fire, the tabernacle remained largely unscathed.  

Also recognized at OneLife LA was Maryvale, a San Gabriel Valley charity that provides child and family services for the underserved of the region and was the recipient of a Dr. Tirsio del Junco 2025 grant.

The 11th OneLife LA can be viewed here.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/261647/faith-hope-and-healing-shine-at-onelife-la-amid-southern-california-wildfires