A group of 16 people from the Diocese who are involved in different aspects of local migrant ministry received special recognition from Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez on Sept. 29 at the Mass in Recognition of All Immigrants at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The Mass was in recognition of World Day of Migrants and Refugees and concluded National Migration week, Sept. 23-29.
Ten from the diocese were recognized specifically for their work in ministering to asylum seekers who are “street released” in United States pending their court hearing. They were Deacon Fernando Heredia, Regina Heredia, Deacon Mario Aguiar, AnnMarie Aguiar, Deacon Rene Quiroz, Veronica Quiroz, Gabriel Aguilera, Hilda Aguirre, Ignacio Zapien and Juan Zapien. Four of those from the diocesan group were recognized for their ministry to those incarcerated in immigration detention facilities. They were Sister Maria del Rosario Coronado, E.E.P., Sister Maria Eva Plascencia, Abraham Romero and Deacon Bernardo Agustin. Finally, Maria Eva Hernandez and Sandra Gonzalez were recognized for their ministry in assisting immigrants with the naturalization process.
The celebration was a joint effort of the SoCal Immigration Task Force made up of the Dioceses of Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Ministry groups who support migrants and refugees were in attendance and participated in the opening procession.
“Bishops, priests, deacons, and lay people from around the world were in communion through, with, and in Christ, the stranger,” commented Wil Aguirre, Director of Advocacy and Justice of Immigrants for the diocese. “The Mass sends a clear message on how the Church responds when a stranger reaches its doors.”
The Mass also exemplified Pope Francis’ 2024 message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, showcasing the theme, “God Walks with His People.” This theme serves as a reminder that God consistently accompanies His people throughout history, guiding and providing for them, much like He did for the Israelites. Pope Francis draws a parallel between the experiences of migrants today and the ancient Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, highlighting the similar challenges of oppression and hardship they face.