SOCAL TEENS ATTEND THREE-DAY CONFERENCE ON EXPRESSING SAINTHOOD IN EVERYDAY LIFE
August 7, 2017  |  By:   |  Around the ADLA, Press Releases  |  

Archbishop José H. Gomez and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Religious Education hosted the third annual City of Saints conference this weekend on the campus of University of California, Los Angeles to offer teens an encounter with Christ through fellowship, praise and worship as they participate in workshops presented by renowned speakers, including youth leaders.

Archbishop Gomez welcomed the teens on Friday afternoon by celebrating Mass, then led the youth in an outdoor Eucharistic procession to the Sacred Space, where spiritual directors shared different prayer paths during the weekend.

“City of Saints is a festival of hope,” said Archbishop Gomez as he prepared for the gathering. “If you want to see why I am hopeful for the Church in Los Angeles and the Church in this country — come pray with us this weekend. The faith of these young people — their love for Jesus, their desire to live their faith and share their faith — it is beautiful to witness. And it is contagious. I cannot wait!”

About 1,600 teenagers attended City of Saints from 80 parishes and schools throughout the tri-county Archdiocese (Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura). The event was emceed by Life Teen’s David Calavitta. Speakers included Life Teen’s Vice President of Ministry Advancement Steve Allgeyer, Mental Health and School Counselor Roy Petitfils, Diocese of San Bernardino Young Adult Minister Chika Anyanwu, and Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Sister Miriam James Heidland.

The event featured music by contemporary Catholic-Christian band WAL, and the opportunity to participate in facilitated group time, and the sacrament of reconciliation. For more information about the conference visit www.cityofsaints.org. To connect with City of Saints and view 2017 conference highlights, visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.