LA, San Diego faithful pray at US-Mexico border

CALEXICO — When the time came to exchange the sign of peace, two people extended their hands, but could never reach each other. A huge wall stood in their way.

Children of incarcerated parents celebrate Christmas

Following its tradition, the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Office of Restorative Justice held a Christmas party for the families of incarcerated men and women at Fire Station #17 in Los Angeles on Dec. 20.

Children of incarcerated parents celebrate Christmas

Following its tradition, the Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Office of Restorative Justice held a Christmas party for the families of incarcerated men and women at Fire Station #17 in Los Angeles on Dec. 20.

Sir Daniel

Daniel Joseph Donohue, a Catholic philanthropist who supported Catholic high schools in low-income areas, backed programs serving the poor and was instrumental in the construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, died Dec. 3. He was 95.

San Fernando religious ed coordinator to run NCCL

At the annual fall meeting of the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership on Nov. 21, the NCCL’s board announced that Margaret Matijasevic, San Fernando regional coordinator of Religious Education here in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, would be the national organization’s next executive director starting Jan. 5, 2015.

A Christmas candlelight celebration brings back the true spirit of Advent

ENCINO — Under crystal-clear skies and a full moon, Notre Dame High School students reenacted the events leading up to the Nativity.

The first-ever “A Christmas Candlelight Celebration!” took place on the evening of Dec. 4 at the Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino. Students acted out important moments in the lives of Joseph and Mary, including the Annunciation, the Visitation, the birth of Christ and the Gifts of the Magi.

¡Que viva la Virgen! Thousands celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe at 83rd annual feast day procession and Mass

Scores of young boys dressed as miniature Juan Diegos and little girls donning multi-colored hair ribbons and traditional Mexican-style dresses marched beside Aztec and Matachines dancers, indigenous drummers, mariachi musicians and everyday Catholics along Cesar Chavez Avenue in East Los Angeles on Dec. 7 during the 83rd annual procession and Mass honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Mary Star of the Sea High School student body raises $1,200 to assist fellow student

During the month of November, the student body of Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro collected $1,200 to aid a fellow student’s growing healthcare costs. Since leaving school in September, sophomore Chris Joya has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy to help combat a cancerous brain tumor.

A ‘Pieta’ for Southern California

The first ever Vatican approved re-creation made from a mold of Michelangelo’s Pieta will be unveiled Dec. 14 during the 4 p.m. Mass at Bishop Alemany High School (11111 Alemany Drive, Mission Hills), presided over by Bishop Jerald Wilkerson. The recreation comes as a donation from Richard G. Stewart and family.