ARCHBISHOP GOMEZ URGES THE FAITHFUL TO KEEP HELPING EACH OTHER “IN THIS TIME WHEN FAITH IS TESTED”
 
--- In his weekly column the Archbishop recognized the provision of more than 300,000 meals to low-income children in March alone, plus clothing, shelter and the financial support provided to those in need- --
 
 
Speaking on behalf of all the priests in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, in his weekly column published in the Archdiocese’s multimedia news platform  Angelus News, Archbishop José H. Gomez expressed the shared longing of all priests to once again be together with the faithful during this Easter Season, and acknowledged that although there might be frustration due to the extended quarantine and stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) this is a time to reflect on how God is calling us to show love for him by serving our neighbors. The column is available online to share widely with the faithful through our parishes, schools and ministries at  https://angelusnews.com/voices/see-how-they-love-one-another/ (English) and  https://angelusnews.com/archbishops-esp/miren-como-se-aman/ (Spanish). The article can also be posted on Facebook by sharing this post:  https://www.facebook.com/archbishopgomez/posts/3760653940643249.
 
“In my own reflections I see God calling us, in a most dramatic way, to realize how much we need him, how we cannot live without him. But I also see God calling us to a deeper sense of solidarity, to realize that we are responsible for one another, that we depend on one another, and we have to take care of one another,” said Archbishop Gomez in his column, “ See how they love one another,” ( Miren cómo se aman).
 
Archbishop Gomez recalls how in the first century of Christianity, when plagues and pestilence overwhelmed the population, non-Christians marveled as they watched Christians show their charity and compassion to others.
 
“And it has been beautiful for me to witness so many of you showing your love for God by serving your neighbors in this time of crisis,” continued Archbishop Gomez. “Although our Catholic school buildings are closed, we are still educating tens of thousands of young people every day through distance learning. And we are feeding thousands of poor children every day, offering ‘grab and go’ meals at our schools. In the past month alone, we provided more than 300,000 meals.
 
“And although our church buildings are closed, our parishes remain ‘open.’ We are helping people in our food pantries and giving financial assistance to our neighbors who need food, clothing, and shelter. Our  Hearts to Serve hotline is assisting hundreds or people seeking everything from help paying bills to mental health resources.”
 
Archbishop Gomez also acknowledged the “beautiful network of compassion” that has been formed between the Archdiocese and agencies such as the  Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the  Knights of Columbus,  Habitat for Humanity, and the archdiocesan  Catholic Communication Collaboration (C3).
 
He encouraged the faithful to intensify their prayers and to keep loving one another “in this time when faith is tested.”
 
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