ONELIFE LA CELEBRATES 10th ANNIVERSARY ON JANUARY 20 IN DOWNTOWN LA
December 18, 2023  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

— Themed “10 Years Together as ONE,” the event highlights the mission to unite communities and inspire positive action by celebrating the beauty and dignity of every human life —

Archbishop José H. Gomez will be joined by inspiring speakers and performers at OneLife LA on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in downtown Los Angeles. In its 10th year, this celebration of life themed “10 Years Together as ONE” will highlight the work and movement that honors the beauty and dignity of humanity. In the last ten years, thousands from all over Southern California have joined in witnessing each human being is sacred from conception to natural death and is deemed worthy of honor and respect.

“OneLife LA is not just a one-day event. It is a movement rooted in celebrating the dignity of every human life. Gather your friends and families and join us as we walk through the streets of downtown LA proclaiming the gift of human dignity,” said Michael P. Donaldson, senior director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Life, Justice and Peace.

This year’s speakers include, Amilyon (Millie) Nelson, who was born to a single mom who was homeless, helpless, and in serious need. Nelson was abandoned by her mother for long periods of time and often sent to live with different friends and family members and eventually placed into foster care and adopted into a family full of love. She uses her story to break the stereotypes around foster care and adoption, highlighting the work organizations like FosterAll do to help bring real hope and love to helpless children like herself and give them a most priceless gift, a forever family.

Jorge Giron and Veronica González Guevara were the respect life coordinators for St. John Eudes Catholic Church. They have attended OneLife LA year after year with their family. In 2021, this Southern California family who was excitedly awaiting the arrival of a sixth child suffered a heartbreaking loss due to the coronavirus. Eight months into her pregnancy, 37-year-old González Guevara tested positive for COVID-19. A cough developed, and she had trouble breathing, so the family went to the hospital. Doctors had to deliver the baby five weeks early, but González Guevara never experienced the joy of holding her sixth child as she passed away three days after little Imani was bor­n. Giron continues his wife’s ministry work through his testament and volunteer work.

The Masters of Ceremony for the event will include Brenda Noriega and Father Victor. Ms. Noriega is a national speaker who collaborates in national and international ministry committees, such as the International Youth Advisory Body for the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life in Rome. Father Victor is a Capuchin Franciscan Friar and Priest, and a native of Southern California. Besides doing retreats, talks, and conferences, Father Vic loves to share the Gospel message through Catholic Rap music in live events, social media, and Spotify, going by the moniker, “Bro Vic.”

OneLife LA 2024 will include musical performances by Francis Cabildo, a singer-songwriter, worship leader and speaker from Southern California, who has shared his gifts and talents with NET Ministries, Life Teen, Inc., 242Revolution.com college ministry; Kairy Marquez, full-time worship leader and speaker from Dominican Republic who is daughter to a former Aguilas del Cibao baseball player; and LA native Gabe Reyes, who has journeyed in faith and service at various parishes for the past 20 years.

For more information, or to register for OneLife LA 2024, visit onelifela.org or #1lifela.

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