By Alejandra Molina (This story was originally published by Boyle Heights Beat on Feb. 2, 2026)
(Boyle Heights, California) – Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez is holding a special Mass for Peace on Wednesday amid violence from immigration raids that have separated families and traumatized neighborhoods in LA and across the country.
“We need prayer in this time of fear and uncertainty that is hurting so many of our immigrant families,” Gomez said in a statement. “It is also a tense moment in our country; people are angry and deeply divided. So we will come together as the family of God to pray for our people and to pray for our leaders, and to pray for one another, that we can all work for peace and seek the common good.”
The day is for immigrants and their loved ones “who are carrying heavy burdens and living with anxiety about the future,” according to an LA Archdiocese news release.
“In this moment of pain and disruption, the Church seeks to walk closely with those who suffer, offering the assurance that they are not alone and that they are held in prayer by the wider community of faith,” according to the release.
The special Mass and Holy hour come as federal immigration raids in LA and recent killings by federal agents in Minneapolis have sparked widespread outrage. The events also follow reporting by Boyle Heights Beat that Catholic leaders want Gomez to be more actively engaged in protests, vigils, and press events. Catholic leadership, one Catholic organizer said, is often absent from interfaith actions.
In his recent weekly column, Gomez offered prayers for those who have died or been injured by immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, in LA, and across the country.
On Jan. 24 vigil, Gomez attended a vigil — organized by the multifaith organization LA Voice, Clery and Laity United for Economic Justice, and other groups — to stand with families impacted by violence.
He spoke about treating one another with respect and dignity.
“Because God created us, our lives are sacred, and we have rights that no one can deny or violate. Those rights come from God, they do not depend on a government decree,” Gomez said.
Day of Prayer for Peace
What: Special Mass presided over by LA Archbishop José H. Gomez and Holy Hour led by Cathedral Pastor Fr. David Gallardo
When: Wednesday, Feb. 4
Time: Special Mass begins at 12:10 p.m., followed by Holy Hour
Where: Special Mass and Holy Hour will be at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 555 W. Temple St., LA, CA 90012. Parishes across the archdiocese will also hold Holy Hour in their communities.
What if I can’t attend? The Archdiocese encourages participation through personal prayer, including the Rosary, reflecting on Scripture, or offering any Catholic prayer for peace
Source: Boyle Heights Beats
