This year, for the first time, Southern Californians, including Roman Catholics of the Diocese of San Bernardino, will be able to participate in a major march for life in their own region. The first ever OneLife LA Walk for Life will take place in Los Angeles on January 17, 2015. Bishop Gerald Barnes and Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego will join brother bishops of the region in the walk while also raising funds for the Gabriel Project which supports the diocesan Natural Family Planning and Post Abortion Healing programs.
In years past, Bishop del Riego, joined by many from the Diocese of San Bernardino, has traveled to San Francisco for the West Coast Walk for Life, the closest opportunity to join a major march. With its “next door” location OneLife LA looks to generate stronger participation from the Diocese of San Bernardino and other neighbors.
“What a great opportunity for the people of Southern California to come together in the cause of Life,” said Bishop Barnes. “I hope the people of our diocese consider lending their voices and their marching feet to this great event.”
OneLife LA is sponsored by the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Office of Life, Justice and Peace in collaboration with the Knights of Columbus and in partnership with the neighboring dioceses of Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino and Fresno.
The event starts at 10 am at La Placita Olvera, Downtown Los Angeles and then begins with a walk up Temple Street, across Grand Avenue and down First Street. It then concludes with entertainment and exhibits from community organizations.
OneLife LA was inspired by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s famous words, “be somebody to somebody.” As co-creators of God’s divine plan, we are called to respect and protect all human life. This means being good stewards on behalf of the unborn, the elderly, the disabled, the poor, the incarcerated as well as victims of human trafficking and violent crimes. By joining the Bishops in OneLife LA, we are participating in God’s image, acknowledging that all human life is sacred and worthy of protection.
For more information about joining Bishop Barnes and Bishop del Riego at the OneLife LA event or how to financially support the Gabriel Project, please contact Mary Huber at 909-475-5352 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Mary Huber is Associate Director of Pro Life Catholic Ministries for the Diocese of San Bernardino.