Archbishop José Gomez will preside over a “Mass for the Nation” at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Friday in downtown Los Angeles, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The public celebration is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Friday on the Cathedral Plaza, followed by Mass at noon inside the cathedral at 555 W. Temple St., according to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
“We all share this beautiful vision — the vision of God, the vision of Jesus, the vision of America’s founders,” Gomez said. “This beautiful vision of every man and every woman as a child of God, made in God’s image, with a sanctity and dignity that must be cherished and fostered.”
The plaza program will feature singer and actress Andréa Velázquez, along with youth and families from throughout the Archdiocese. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell was also expected to attend.
The program will include a procession honoring American saints and candidates for sainthood, including St. Junipero Serra, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Venerable Fulton Sheen and Servant of God Dorothy Day, officials said. Images of the figures will be carried into the cathedral before the Mass.
Organizers said American flags will be distributed to attendees, a life-size replica of the Liberty Bell will be displayed and youth from Scouting America and Scholas USA will participate in the program and liturgy.
The program and Mass will be livestreamed on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles website at lacatholics.org/america.
Gomez said the celebration is intended to reflect the nation’s founding ideals and Christian principles.