Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez celebrated a special Mass on Friday 16th June 2023 ahead of an act of “blasphemy” scheduled to take place at Dodgers Stadium this evening.
Newsroom(17/06/2023 9:00, Gaudium Press) The Mass, held on the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, marked the beginning of a day dedicated to prayer as an act of reparation for the Los Angeles Dodgers decision to honour a group known as the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” with a “Community Hero Award.” This decision has generated controversy, with many labelling the organization an “anti-Catholic hate group” due to their offensive performances that desecrate sacred symbols and parody the Catholic Mass.
During his homily at the 12:10 p.m. Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Gomez addressed the congregation, emphasizing the significance of God’s love and the need for Catholics to exemplify that love through both words and charitable deeds. He expressed his disappointment regarding the decision to honour a group that insults Jesus and mocks Catholic believers, highlighting the importance of religious freedom and respecting the beliefs of others.
Gomez acknowledged the contributions of religious sisters, priests, deacons, lay Catholics, and consecrated individuals in serving those in need and advocating for the marginalized. He emphasized Jesus’ rejection of violence throughout his earthly life and his commandment to forgive and pray for those who trespass against us.
Drawing attention to the teachings of Jesus, Gomez stressed the importance of opposing wrongdoing and supporting truth and beauty. He concluded the Mass by leading the attendees in the recitation of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a prayer of reparation in response to the scheduled act of “blasphemy” at Dodger Stadium.
Throughout the Mass, Gomez expressed gratitude for the presence and dedication of religious sisters, receiving applause from the congregation as a token of appreciation for their vocations and ministries.
Outside the stadium, Catholic advocacy organizations, including Catholics for Catholics and CatholicVote, along with Virgin Most Powerful Radio, organized a prayer rally in the parking lot as an act of reparation for offences committed against Jesus Christ.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from CNA