Fostering Cultural Diversity and Catholic Identity
The word “catholic” means “universal” … “embracing the whole universe.” Jesus came as “Son of David,” a child of the Jewish people. But he came also as “Son of Man,” a child of all humanity. Like Jesus, we are all children of some people or another: Filipinos or Salvadorans or Mexicans or Irish. Yet in Jesus we are children of God — one family in his Catholic Church. Jesus gave his Church the mission to proclaim this good news and to make this beautiful vision a reality, beginning in every human heart.
We must break down every barrier — pride, racism, fear — that keeps us from loving. We can’t stay stuck in our own communities. We can’t look at ourselves only as “Filipino Catholics” or “Hispanic Catholics” or Catholics from this or that neighborhood. These identities are important. But our identity in faith calls us to be much more. To be Catholic means we are sons and daughters — not only of our earthly parents, but of God. Faith requires us to reach beyond our boundaries, our backgrounds, and our customary ways of doing things. We have so much to share with our brothers and sisters and so much to learn from them.
News & Events on Identity

Exhibit brings 250 years of LA Catholic history
Standing outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on an overcast morning, Sister M. Anncarla Costello and Fa... READ MORE »

For SoCal folklorico group, dancing is an act of faith
They come from all walks of life — psychologists, lab technicians, post office workers, public school employees, ... READ MORE »

In it for the ‘long run’
Each Monday and Thursday, at 5:45 a.m., LA Superior Court Judge Craig J. Mitchell meets his people in front of down... READ MORE »

Mary shrine recognizes Vietnamese Catholics
A late Saturday afternoon sunbeam danced in geometric patterns up and down the cobalt blue wind-furled veil, soon t... READ MORE »

Feeling (and seeing) the LA Catholic impact
A new report offers a detailed picture of just how much Los Angeles-area Catholics have stepped up to help those in... READ MORE »

Order of Malta brings holiday cheer to those in need
In the predawn hours of Thanksgiving morning, as record-breaking rain pounds downtown Los Angeles, a soft light is ... READ MORE »

Sep 18
Mass in Recognition of Immigrants
On Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will host the “Day in Recognition of All Immigrants” Mass. Archbishop José H. Gomez will preside over the Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants. Mass will be in person. Visit the Day of Recognition of Immigration page for more information. This celebration is a joint effort with the Dioceses of Orange,... READ MORE »

Jan 20
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Mass
Dr. King paved a way that ALL may be one in our collective diversity. He advocated that ALL persons on this planet have an opportunity to step up and share their God-Given Gifts. Please join in this time-honored commemoration of Dr. King’s Dream. Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Gomez at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels. READ MORE »

Feb 20
LA Religious Education Congress
The LA Religious Education Congress is the largest annual gathering of its kind in the world. The four-day event is held at the Anaheim (Calif.) Convention Center and is sponsored by the Los Angeles Office of Religious Education. READ MORE »

Identity Highlighted on Social Media