nAt last year’s OneLife LA event, it rained so much that attendees were thoroughly soaked. This year, participants prayed for even a few drops to fall — anything to help combat the still-burning wildfires that had ripped through so much of Southern California. The specter of the lingering wildfires hung in the air as thousands gathered at the cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on Jan. 18 for the 11th annual OneLife LA party and Requiem Mass for the Unborn.
“Our people have suffered many trials by fire this week,” Bishop Joseph Brennan of Fresno, formerly an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said in his opening prayer. “But after this trial by fire, we know that we rise from the ashes to new life and to a hopefulness that can only come from you and being absolutely convinced of your love for us and the power of that love to change us and transform us and sustain us.”
OneLife LA is an annual pro-life event that celebrates “the beauty and dignity of human life from conception to natural death” while speaking out on threats to life including abortion, human trafficking, and assisted suicide. Typically held outdoors in downtown LA, the fires still burning in LA County prompted organizers to move this year’s event indoors to the cathedral amid concerns over unhealthy air quality and strained public resources.
The change of venue — and circumstances behind it — gave the event a different, more somber tone. Rather than a one-mile walk through downtown LA, there was a small procession. Gone were the festival portion’s food trucks; stations were set up where women religious joined those who needed prayer. Rather of music and dancing on a large stage, a band played in front of the presider chair on the cathedral’s altar.
But rather than mourn what was lost, OneLife LA speakers focused on what was gained.“In times like this we realize life is precious, but life is also fragile,” archbishop Jose H. Gomez said in his opening remarks. “What we have, we coudl lose in an instant. So, we should live for God, enjoy every moment, and never take anyone or anything in our lives for granted. In this moment,” the archbishop said, “the Lord is calling us to be good friends and good neighbors, to bring his love to those who are suffering.”
| Key Highlights of OneLife LA 2025 |
|—————————————|
| Event Focus | Celebrating the dignity of human life from conception to natural death |
| Venue Change | Moved indoors to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels due to wildfires |
| Tone | somber, reflective, and focused on hope |
| Key Message | Life is precious and fragile; we must cherish every moment |
| Speakers | Archbishop Jose H. Gomez,Bishop Joseph Brennan |
| Activities | Small procession,prayer stations,Requiem Mass for the Unborn |
The event,though altered by the wildfires,remained a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring message of hope. As Archbishop Gomez reminded attendees, “the Lord is calling us to be good friends and good neighbors, to bring his love to those who are suffering.”
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In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, two Catholic families—the Magallons and the Gonzalezes—found themselves grappling with unimaginable loss. Yet, amidst the ashes, they discovered profound strength in their faith. Invited to participate in the OneLife LA event,they shared their stories of resilience,hope,and the power of divine love.
The Magallon Family: A Symbol of Hope
George and Jennifer Magallon, along with their children Sophia and Diego, carried a statue of the Virgin Mary during the opening procession. This statue,which miraculously survived the fire that destroyed their home,became a powerful symbol of hope for the family.Jennifer Magallon spoke to the crowd about the emotional toll of seeing her home reduced to ashes.“It was a moment of peace, grace, and divine love I felt at that moment,” she said. “She gave me hope and strength in one of the most tough moments of my life. I often pray to her and ask her for strength and guidance. this time, she came to me before I even asked.”
For Jennifer, the statue serves as a constant reminder of what truly matters. “This stunning statue of the Virgin Mary will always be a reminder of everything I have, and not what I lost.”
The Gonzalez Family: Trusting in God’s Plan
Rodrigo and Diana Gonzalez, along with their children Isaac and Penelope, also participated in the event, walking behind a OneLife LA banner. Diana shared that the last act they performed in their home was having it blessed by a priest.little did they know, their home was about to become an offering to God.
“We gave our home and all of our belongings back to God,” Diana said. “We didn’t know what would happen, but we trusted his plan, even as we said goodbye to the life we had built. It is our faith that has held us together in this time of loss.”
Rodrigo Gonzalez reflected on how their experience has deepened his empathy for vulnerable expectant mothers. “There’s a lot of women and children, unborn and born, that suffer in silence,” he said. “in one week, we were flooded with clothing, flooded with prayers, flooded with offers of shelter. And we know there’s a lot of people out there who are considering what to do with the life in their womb that are not getting a single call. We need to show up for them as people are showing up for us.”
A Message of Unity and Support
The stories of the Magallon and Gonzalez families highlight the importance of community and faith in times of crisis. Their participation in OneLife LA not only honored their personal journeys but also served as a call to action for others to support those in need.| Family | Key Message |
|——————-|———————————————————————————|
| Magallon Family | The Virgin Mary statue symbolizes hope and resilience amidst loss.|
| Gonzalez Family | Trusting in God’s plan and advocating for vulnerable expectant mothers. |
As these families continue to rebuild their lives, their stories remind us of the enduring power of faith and the importance of coming together to support one another.
For more inspiring stories of resilience, visit OneLife LA.
Image Credit: Victor Alemán
Faith, Hope, and Resilience: OneLife LA celebrates the Power of Love and Community
On a crisp January morning, thousands gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles for OneLife LA, an annual event celebrating the sanctity of life and the power of faith. Amidst the sea of attendees, one symbol stood out: the salvaged tabernacle from the incinerated remains of Pacific Palisades’ Corpus Christi Church. For Noel Díaz, founder of the Los Angeles-based El Sembrador-Nueva Evangelización (ESNE) media apostolate, this tabernacle was a poignant reminder of resilience.
“Everything was burned, but the tabernacle where Jesus was is alive,” Díaz said. “You can lose everything in your life, but if you have your faith in God, you have the treasure that no one can burn.If you have God in your life, you have everything.”
the event, rooted in advocacy and hope, brought together voices from across the community to share stories of faith, struggle, and change.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst the Ashes
The Corpus christi Church tabernacle, rescued from the ashes of a devastating fire, became a focal point of the gathering. Its presence symbolized the enduring power of faith, even in the face of destruction. Attendees venerated the tabernacle, a testament to the belief that no force can extinguish the love and protection of Jesus Christ.
This powerful moment underscored the theme of OneLife LA: that life,in all its forms,is sacred and worth fighting for.
Voices of Compassion: Ministering to the Marginalized
Among the event’s speakers was Sister Maria Goretti,a member of the Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ. Since her order was invited to minister in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 2018, Sister Goretti has dedicated her life to serving the homeless on Skid Row.
“We have walked with many brothers and sisters who live in the darkness of homelessness, addiction, material and spiritual destitution, violence, and mental health crises,” Goretti shared. “But in these years, we’ve also witnessed the transformative power of hope, even amidst circumstances that seem completely lost, irreparable, and despairing.”
Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the importance of compassion and community in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.
Advocating for Life: Stories of Courage and Support
The event also featured powerful testimonies from individuals advocating for life at every stage.Nora Placencia, one of the emcees, shared her harrowing journey of surviving an ectopic pregnancy. Her story shed light on the need for greater support for expectant mothers facing medical crises.
Simultaneously occurring, Desiree Gentile, a catechist at St. Anthony Church in Oxnard,spoke about her experiences and the importance of faith in navigating life’s challenges. Her message reinforced the event’s mission to uplift and empower individuals through love and community.
Key Takeaways from OneLife LA
| Aspect | Key Message |
|————————–|———————————————————————————|
| Faith and Resilience | The salvaged tabernacle symbolizes the unbreakable power of faith.|
| Compassion in Action | Sister Goretti’s work on Skid Row highlights the transformative power of hope. |
| Advocacy for Life | Stories like Nora Placencia’s emphasize the need for support for expectant mothers. |
| Community and Love | OneLife LA underscores the importance of coming together to celebrate life. |
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
OneLife LA is more than an event; it’s a movement. Whether through volunteering, supporting local ministries, or simply spreading the message of hope, there are countless ways to get involved. Visit the OneLife LA website to learn more about how you can make a difference.
As the day concluded, the words of Noel Díaz lingered in the air: “If you have God in your life, you have everything.” It was a reminder that, even in the face of adversity, faith, hope, and love can light the way forward.
What inspires you most about the stories shared at onelife LA? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about faith, resilience, and the power of community.
OneLife LA: A Celebration of Life, Healing, and Hope
Thousands gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles for the annual OneLife LA event, a powerful celebration of life that brought together individuals from all walks of life. This year’s event highlighted personal stories of resilience, healing, and the enduring message of choosing life, even in the face of adversity.
Among the attendees was Marta Loza, a parishioner at Nativity Church in Torrance, who has been a dedicated participant in OneLife LA for nearly eight years. Loza’s journey is one of redemption and advocacy. At 23, she faced a life-altering decision when she discovered she was pregnant with her third child. Under pressure from her partner, she underwent an abortion—a decision that left her grappling with guilt and sorrow.
“Since then, I’ve experienced repentance and healing,” Loza shared. “Now,I dedicate my life to encouraging pregnant women to choose life.”
Loza’s commitment to this cause is unwavering. Each year, she broadcasts live from OneLife LA on her Facebook account, offering support and encouragement to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Her efforts have already borne fruit—she has saved two babies’ lives through her broadcasts, one of whom is now her godson.
“Never abandon a mother who is suffering alone,” Loza emphasized. “We should always open a door for them as God will go the extra step and will open thousands. We will keep opening doors and touching hearts so that these children can continue to be born.”
another poignant story came from Ricardo Manriquez, a parishioner at Holy Family Church in Artesia. Alongside his wife, Manriquez has been deeply involved in pro-life ministries. His concern extends beyond the begining of life to its natural end, particularly the growing prevalence of euthanasia in society.
“Everyone deserves dignity, from the conception of life to the end of life and everything in between,” Manriquez stated.
The event also featured Gentile, a woman who reflected on her own life as an “abortion survivor.” Born to a 17-year-old mother who chose adoption over abortion, Gentile’s story is a testament to the power of choosing life.
“Reflecting on it now, I know that I’m an abortion survivor,” Gentile said. “My mom, she chose life. As we reflect on young people today that are surrounded by all the different circumstances, including considering abortion, choose life.”
OneLife LA is more than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that every life has value, and that communities can come together to support those in need. Whether through personal stories like loza’s and Gentile’s or through the collective efforts of organizations and ministries, the message is clear: life is worth celebrating.
Key Takeaways from OneLife LA
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event Name | OneLife LA |
| Location | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles |
| Key themes | Pro-life advocacy, healing, community support |
| Notable Attendees | Marta Loza, Ricardo Manriquez, Gentile |
| Impact | Lives saved, communities strengthened, awareness raised |
The stories shared at OneLife LA are a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, support, and the sanctity of life. As Loza poignantly put it, “We will keep opening doors and touching hearts so that these children can continue to be born.”
For more information on how you can get involved in pro-life initiatives, visit OneLife LA’s official website or follow Marta Loza’s inspiring journey on Facebook.
Let’s continue to build a world where every life is cherished, and every mother feels supported. Together, we can make a difference.
OneLife LA 2025: A Celebration of Life, Faith, and Resilience
Thousands gathered at the cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in los Angeles on January 18, 2025, for the annual OneLife LA event, a powerful celebration of life, faith, and community. This year’s event was particularly poignant, featuring heartfelt testimonies, inspiring stories of resilience, and a strong sense of solidarity among attendees.
The event,which has become a cornerstone for pro-life advocacy in Southern California,drew families,parishioners,and advocates from across the region. Among them were Zulema and Fernando Flores, parishioners at St. Didacus Church in Sylmar, who attended for the first time with their 5-month-old daughter, Eden Marie.
“We are so grateful to God that we have her, so we just want to be here to support life,” Zulema Flores shared. The couple, who endured six miscarriages over 15 years, described their participation as a testament to their faith and gratitude.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
OneLife LA 2025 also highlighted stories of resilience, particularly from survivors of recent wildfires. Wendy McGrail, a regular attendee representing St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Temple City, was deeply moved by the testimonies.
“It’s one thing to read about them in the news, but it’s another to hear about them in person,” McGrail said. “The family where Our Blessed Mother was still standing after the fire, that was their witness to life.”
The event’s focus on life extended beyond individual stories to a broader call for community support. Attendees were encouraged to donate to wildfire victims through angelusnews.com/howtohelp or by texting “WILDFIRE” to 213.
A Spirit of Solidarity
for many, OneLife LA was a reminder of the strength found in unity. Anna Serrano, who attended with her family from Holy Name of Jesus Church in Redlands, expressed how the event reinforced her faith.
“Sometimes as a Catholic in this world, you think you’re alone,” Serrano said. “So being able to come here and see all these people support your beliefs is really beautiful.”
The sense of community was palpable, with families and parish groups wearing matching T-shirts and holding banners, including the Life Runners pro-life banner, which became a symbol of the day’s mission.
Key Highlights of OneLife LA 2025
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles |
| Date | January 18, 2025 |
| Key Themes | Pro-life advocacy, faith, resilience, community support |
| Notable attendees | Zulema and Fernando Flores, Wendy McGrail, Anna Serrano |
| Donation Information | Visit angelusnews.com/howtohelp or text “WILDFIRE” to 213 |
A Call to Action
OneLife LA 2025 was more than an event; it was a call to action for individuals to support life in all its forms. Whether through personal testimonies, community outreach, or donations, attendees left inspired to make a difference.
For those looking to contribute to wildfire relief efforts, visit angelusnews.com/howtohelp or text “WILDFIRE” to 213.
As the sun set over the cathedral, the message was clear: life is a gift worth celebrating, protecting, and cherishing.Mike Cisneros: A Voice of Faith and Journalism in the Archdiocese of Los angeles
Mike Cisneros,the associate editor of Angelus,the online news outlet of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles,has become a prominent figure in Catholic journalism. His work spans a wide range of topics, from youth ministry to arts and culture, offering readers a unique outlook on faith and community.
Cisneros’s role at Angelus places him at the heart of Catholic storytelling, where he highlights the intersection of faith and daily life.His recent coverage of the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) exemplifies his ability to capture the essence of spiritual gatherings. Describing NCYC as “part concert, liturgy, classroom, silly fun, but God is at center of it all,” Cisneros brings to life the vibrant energy of these events while emphasizing their deeper spiritual meaning [[1]].
Along with his work with NCYC, Cisneros has reported on significant events like OneLife LA, where attendees faced the challenge of relentless rain. “There was no escaping the rain. It permeated everything: clothes, jackets, socks, shoes,” he wrote, painting a vivid picture of the day’s conditions. Despite the weather, Cisneros noted that the experience only strengthened the resolve of participants, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their faith [[2]].
Cisneros’s reporting also extends to moments of crisis. Following the devastating Eaton Fire,which damaged the Passionist retreat House in Los Angeles,he provided a heartfelt account of the aftermath. Father Barose, the retreat center’s director, described the scene as “heartbreaking,” yet emphasized the blessing that everyone was safe. Cisneros’s coverage not only highlighted the physical damage but also underscored the resilience of the community in the face of adversity [[3]].
Through his work, Mike Cisneros continues to serve as a bridge between the Catholic community and the broader public, offering insights that are both informative and inspiring. His dedication to storytelling ensures that the voices of faith are heard, even in the most challenging times.
| Key Highlights of Mike cisneros’s Work |
|——————————————–|
| Role: Associate Editor of Angelus |
| notable Coverage: NCYC, OneLife LA, Eaton Fire |
| Style: Engaging, descriptive, faith-centered |
| Impact: Connects readers to the heart of Catholic life |
For more of Mike Cisneros’s work, visit Angelus and explore his contributions to Catholic journalism.
OneLife LA 2025: A Celebration of Life, Faith, and resilience
Thousands gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles on January 18, 2025, for the annual OneLife LA event, a powerful celebration of life, faith, and community. This year’s event was particularly poignant, featuring heartfelt testimonies, inspiring stories of resilience, and a strong sense of solidarity among attendees.
key Highlights
- Location: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles
- Date: January 18, 2025
- Key Themes: Pro-life advocacy, faith, resilience, community support
- Notable Attendees: Zulema and Fernando Flores, Wendy McGrail, Anna Serrano
- Donation Data: Visit angelusnews.com/howtohelp or text “WILDFIRE” too 213
Stories of Resilience and Hope
OneLife LA 2025 highlighted stories of resilience, particularly from survivors of recent wildfires. Wendy mcgrail, a regular attendee, was deeply moved by the testimonies. “It’s one thing to read about them in the news, but it’s another to hear about them in person,” mcgrail said. “The family where Our Blessed Mother was still standing after the fire, that was thier witness to life.”
A Spirit of Solidarity
For many, OneLife LA was a reminder of the strength found in unity. Anna Serrano expressed how the event reinforced her faith. “sometimes as a Catholic in this world, you think you’re alone,” Serrano said. “So being able to come here and see all these people support your beliefs is really gorgeous.”
A Call to Action
OneLife LA 2025 was more than an event; it was a call to action for individuals to support life in all its forms. Whether through personal testimonies, community outreach, or donations, attendees left inspired to make a difference. For those looking to contribute to wildfire relief efforts, visit angelusnews.com/howtohelp or text “WILDFIRE” to 213.
