OneLife LA: Hope and Resilience Amidst Wildfires
Title: In Fire’s Wake, OneLife LA Celebrates Life and Hope
Last year, OneLife LA attendees danced in the rain, their joy unfettered by the deluge that soaked their clothes. This year, under a smoky sun, they prayed for rain, any respite for the still-raging Southern California wildfires that hung heavily in the air at the 11th annual event held indoors at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
"Our people have suffered many trials by fire," Bishop Joseph Brennan said, opening the Jan. 18 celebration and Requiem Mass for the Unborn. "But after this trial by fire, we know that we rise from the ashes to new life."
Typically a lively outdoor affair, this year’s OneLife LA was quieter, indoors, and somber, a reflection of the destruction wrought by the fires still burning in LA County. Yet, instead of mourning what was lost, speakers focused on what was gained: a renewed appreciation for life’s fragility and preciousness.
"We realize life is precious, but life is also fragile," Archbishop Jose Gomez said. "What we have, we could lose in an instant. So, we should live for God, enjoy every moment, and never take anyone or anything in our lives for granted."
Two Catholic families who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire took part in the event. The Gonzalez family walked behind a OneLife LA banner, while the Magallons carried a miraculously unscathed statue of the Virgin Mary. Speaking to the crowd, Jennifer Magallon found solace in the undamaged statue, a testament to hope amidst destruction.
"We gave our home and all our belongings back to God," Diana Gonzalez said. Her husband, Rodrigo, found a new perspective on the struggles faced by expectant mothers, noting the outpouring of support they received.
For Noel Díaz, founder of El Sembrador-Nueva Evangelización (ESNE) media apostolate, the salvaged tabernacle from the incinerated remains of Pacific Palisades’ Corpus Christi Church was a model of resilience. "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."
Among the speakers were Sister Maria Goretti, who shared her experiences ministering to LA’s homeless, Nora Placencia, who spoke of her ectopic pregnancy, and Desiree Gentile, who recalled her adoption story. Thousands attended, drawn by a wide spectrum of reasons, from personal experiences to shared causes.
Marta Loza, a long-time attendee, saves babies’ lives through her live Facebook broadcasts. Ricardo Manriquez, concerned about euthanasia, stands for dignity from conception to natural death. Zulema and Fernando Flores, who suffered six miscarriages, were overjoyed to attend with their baby girl, Eden Marie. Wendy McGrail, inspired by fire survivor testimonies, found new meaning in the event, while Anna Serrano appreciated the displayed solidarity.
As the event concluded, Archbishop Gomez urged attendees to live according to their beliefs. "Now, let’s go out and let’s live what we’ve said. Let’s bring hope, love, and comfort to everyone we meet. Let’s build a culture of life, of love, and of compassion."
Those wishing to donate to help fire victims can do so at angelusnews.com/howtohelp or by texting "WILDFIRE" to 213-786-6908.
This year’s OneLife LA, under an unusual veil of smoke and hushed prayers, proved that resilience and hope can indeed bloom even in the face of devastating adversity. Though the annual event was tempered by the shadow of the wildfires, the spirit of festivity remained.By focusing on the preciousness of life – both born and unborn – and the unwavering strength of the human spirit, OneLife LA reminded us that even amidst the ashes, new life awaits. This year’s gathering served as a powerful testament to the ability of love and faith to overcome even the fiercest of challenges, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and a powerful message of hope.
Rekindled Hope in the Face of Adversity
despite the somber backdrop of wildfires and loss, the 11th annual OneLife LA serves as a powerful testament too the unwavering resilience of the human spirit. It is indeed a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, faith, community, and the sacredness of life endure.As Bishop Joseph Brennan proclaimed, we rise from the ashes to new life. The Gonzalez and Magallon families, whose stories carry echoes of both devastation and profound hope, personify this sentiment. They have found strength in their shared faith and in the support of their community,turning the pain of loss into a deeper appreciation for the fragility yet preciousness of life.
OneLife LA,far from being overshadowed by adversity,shines a light on the transformative power of compassion and solidarity. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, love and hope can persevere, rekindling the flame of life within each of us.