Archbishop Gomez meets with parents and students in new Scholas USA Raises fuertes/strong roots program for immigrant families

Archbishop José H. Gomez met with over 200 confirmation students and parents that participated in the culminating event for Scholas USA L.A.’s Teens in Motion and Raíces Fuertes (Strong Roots) programs highlighting the novel approach to integrated youth and family formation rooted in dignity, dialogue, leadership development and community resilience at St. Thomas the Apostle School in the Pico-Union district of Los Angeles.

The Raíces Fuertes 10-week program offered immigrant families a space where they have been able get support and learn methods to help them open up about their experiences and fears due to the ongoing federal enforcement – emphasizing dialogue between parents and teen children. Parents and teens met separately to create family vision boards focused on intergenerational dreaming and reunited for sharing during the closing ceremony.

“What we have witnessed here at St. Thomas the Apostle is what becomes possible when a community chooses to listen to its young people and walk with them in building a hopeful future,” said Jimena Florez, Executive Director, Scholas USA.

To commemorate the culmination of the new program at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Archbishop Gomez blessed the traditional Scholas olive tree which was presented to Pastor Father Mario Torres as a symbol of unity, peace, and shared responsibility for nurturing the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish community.

“Pope Francis decided that Los Angeles would be the first place for Scholas to launch in the United States, and I know that he is in heaven praying for us,” said Archbishop Gomez during the closing ceremony. “I am so grateful for everyone who has participated, and hope that this program continues because it is an amazing way to strengthen our families and bring peace during these challenging times that we are living in.”

The closing ceremony also included testimonies from the teens, parents and Scholas ambassadors, a presentation of societal issues chosen by the teens citing immigration enforcement and the economy as their primary concerns.

“When young people are truly listened to and an entire community walks alongside them, something extraordinary happens — they discover that their voices matter and that their lives have purpose,” said Ms. Florez.

Scholas USA is part of the Scholas Occurrentes Pontifical Foundation a worldwide organization founded by Pope Francis in 2013. Scholas has been developing educational experiences in the U.S. for several years and advancing in the promotion of the culture of encounter since the official inauguration of the Los Angeles chapter in December 2019.

Photos and video from the event are available at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19-QEpQRql6D_S8NmEMnZZY0OROW8y-eG?usp=sharing.