The Catholic community here in the Los Angeles metro area experienced some significant events in 2011.
First was the installment of San Antonio’s Archbishop Jose Gomez as the new Archbishop of Los Angeles. This prelate didn’t come with the baggage of his predecessor so he had no qualms about taking the stage and speaking with the voice of Catholic conscience. He took a hard public stand against a bill that would permit minors to obtain HPV vaccination and treatment without parental consent. Later in the year he joined Archbishop Dolan of New York to voice concerns about legislative threats to religious liberty.
A new Catholic acting institution came on the Hollywood scene. Recognizing the power actors have to influence society, “Holy Wood” Acting Studio announced its mission–to turn out artists that take leading roles to help guide the film medium to its moral center….and Los Angeles back to its Catholic roots.
The Diocese of Orange baptized record numbers. More than 800 people were baptized and nearly 650 baptized candidates were received into full communion with the Catholic Church during Easter Vigil ceremonies throughout the diocese. The record testified to the continued health of the Church here in Southern California.
Yorba Linda’s John Paul II Polish Center was able to celebrate the beatification of its namesake. On May 1 parishioners of the Pope John Paul II Polish Center joined millions of Catholics around the world to celebrate the former pope’s beatification, the first step toward John Paul II’s sainthood. Hundreds gathered at the Yorba Linda facility to view a special transmission of the ceremony from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It marked a month long schedule of dedicated events.
The California Legislature saw a human rights amendment that would make abortion a crime. It joined the movement of 30 other states to constitutionally advance the concept that all human beings have rights from the moment of conception.
Under the guidance of Irvine’s Busch Law Firm the Diocese of Orange successfully purchased the historic Crystal Cathedral and its surrounding campus, insuring its legacy as a religious icon. The landmark will be blessed Catholic in its transformation into our new basilica facilities.
Finally, Catholic TV viewers got the chance to experience the biggest private Catholic media initiative in modern history. For years the secular media has emphasized what’s wrong with the Catholic Church. Now with over 475 commercials over daytime, prime time and sports TV, CatholicsComeHome.org has grabbed the opportunity to spotlight what’s right—in an unprecedented effort to welcome back those who left and welcome in those who are interested.
Besides the events featured above, this column covered stories about the growing influence of the pro-life movement, anti-Catholicism, controversial legislation, the legitimacy of Catholic universities, influential Catholic businessmen, Catholic School Week, local events like job and health care fares and local traditions like the annual Blessing of the Waves and SCRC Convention. Not to mention continued reflection on Scripture, morality and ethics, and Catholic doctrine and traditions.
Tens of thousands of you saw fit to grace us with your readership, almost 14 times the average for this market. (That’s in spite of the fact that access to Catholic news is hidden under layers of tabs and many times pre-empted by secular priorities.)
Thank you for testifying to the relevance of Catholic issues.
Pax tecum.
Related articles:
Mahony passes leadership of Archdiocese to Archbishop Gomez
New “Holy Wood” Acting Studio hopes to change character of acting
Should you lie to stop abortion?
Coming musical sparks protest for its blasphemy
Diocese of Orange will baptize record numbers at today’s Easter Vigil
OC Catholic businessman founds NAPA Institute
Archbishop Gomez reacts to STD vaccinations without parental consent
California Human Rights Amendment: legal Precedent
Famous Protestant Crystal Cathedral now in the hands of Catholics
Now Playing: the biggest Catholic evangelization intiative in modern history
