By Jim Graves
Los Angeles, Calif., Jan 20, 2025 / 10:15 am
Approximately 3,000 people gathered for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ 11th annual OneLife LA on Saturday. Due to unhealthy air caused by the region’s wildfires and the need for police in other parts of the city, the event was relocated to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown L.A.
Unlike the Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco, which focuses solely on ending abortion, OneLife LA covers a wide range of issues such as pro-life causes, homelessness, human trafficking, end-of-life care, foster care and adoption, the environment, the disabled, and “racism immigration.”
The goal of this year’s event, as stated by organizers, was to “unite in a sacred space as a family of God in prayer, healing, and hope amidst the ongoing devastating wildfires in Southern California.”
Experience an emotional journey of faith and resilience at the recent OneLife LA event, where speakers and performances captivated the audience from 2 p.m onwards. The highlight of the day was a moving Requiem Mass for the Unborn, led by the esteemed Los Angeles Archbishop José Gómez.
Among the attendees were two families who had lost their homes in the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. The Gonzalez family, carrying a cross, and the Magallon family, holding a statue of the Blessed Mother that miraculously survived the fire, were welcomed with open arms at the event.
Diana and Rodrigo Gonzalez shared their heartbreaking story with the crowd, recounting the loss of their beloved Altadena home just a year after purchasing it. Rodrigo reminisced about the history and significance of the house, located in a lush, green area with a rich past. The couple’s resilience and faith shone through as they spoke about their ordeal.
Their journey towards healing and acceptance was evident as they shared their experience of celebrating Epiphany and receiving a blessing on their property, just a day before the tragedy struck. The tale of survival against all odds brought tears to many eyes.
As Rodrigo Gonzalez and his father-in-law returned to the charred remains of their home, the devastation was overwhelming. The sight of houses ablaze, trees uprooted, and power lines down was a stark reminder of the power of nature’s fury.
Amidst raging wildfires and scarce firemen, residents of a neighborhood were left to fend for themselves in trying to save their homes. The Gonzalezes, who attempted to rescue their house, were forced to watch as 20 out of 22 homes on their block succumbed to the flames due to lack of water pressure and fire department personnel.
Feeling stunned yet grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, the Gonzalezes shared, “Our faith has been our anchor in this dark time.” They also expressed their appreciation to OneLife LA for providing a platform to recount their ordeal, emphasizing that the cathedral held a special place in their hearts from their earlier days in Altadena.
Recalling the moment when Archbishop Gomez invited them to participate in the Requiem Mass, Diana Gonzalez revealed, “It felt like a message from Jesus, assuring us that we were not forgotten.”
