Catholic Students Threatened with Arrest at Catholic Cathedral in Los Angeles

US NEWSWIRE ^ | 07/1/05

[murphE]

To: National Desk

Contact: Amber Dolle of the American Life League, 540-903-9572 or adolle@ALL.org

LOS ANGELES, July 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- "Today's attempted arrest in Los Angeles of the student participants in American Life League's Crusade for the Defense of our Catholic Church is beyond scandalous," said Judie Brown, president of American Life League. "Since when is it against the law for Catholics to defend the Catholic faith at a Catholic Cathedral? We are outraged at the situation."

Today's scene occurred when more than a dozen young people attempted to attend the inauguration ceremonies of Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor-elect of Los Angeles, who is a pro-abortion Catholic. The young adults are part of American Life League's 2005 Crusade for Life walks in which they are trekking from San Diego to Sacramento spreading the truth about the incompatibility of Catholicism and support of abortion.

The group planned to attend the inauguration ceremonies, beginning at the Cathedral, and peacefully protest with shirts and signs that read: you can't be Catholic and pro-abortion.

"It is an outrage that an event honoring a pro-abortion Catholic public figure that openly supports the killing of the preborn would occur at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral," said Brown. "It is even more shameful that Cardinal Mahony and others would attempt to censor faithful Catholic students from proclaiming the truth."

"American Life League calls for the immediate resignation of Cardinal Roger Mahony in light of his continued defiance of Church teaching," said Brown. "His coddling of pro-abortion Catholic public figures in California is beyond reproach and should not be tolerated by the hierarchy of the Catholic Church."

The young activists were eventually allowed inside of the Cathedral, but only after the Los Angeles Police Department intervened in the situation. "How ironic that the Cathedral security guards wanted to arrest the students and the LAPD had to step in and point out that such an act would be unconstitutional," said Brown. "The truths of the Church will always stand strong, regardless of who attempts to stifle them...even a cardinal."

For more information about American Life League's Crusade for the Defense of Our Catholic Church, see http://www.CrusadeForLife2005.com.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

[kenth]

"pro-abortion Catholic"

You're either one or the other, not both.

[WOSG]

Hmmm, they were protesting and they were *not* leftwing maggot-infested neer-do-wells ... yes, surely that is illegal!

[murphE]

ping

[darkangel82]

It is an outrage that an event honoring a pro-abortion Catholic Catholic In Name Only (CINO)

[muawiyah]

That's what I was thinking ~ that the Catholic Church had the C.O.Jones' to make sure that what was happening in the church was happening in the alleged followers.

Guess in California, it's Fur Shur not going down that way.

[GSlob]

"...student participants in American Life League's Crusade..."
Crusades, even Crusades of the Children [students in this case] are supposed to be conducted in the lands of infidels, not in the cathedrals. And as a fringe benefit, the Crusaders get the stay of debts and taxes due from them. Thus if these students do not have an IRS ruling to that effect, they cannot be considered Crusade participants.

[murphE]

me too.

[maryz]

the inauguration ceremonies of Antonio Villaraigosa, mayor-elect of Los Angeles,

Does Los Angeles inaugurate all its mayors at the cathedral? Isn't this something like the crowning of the goddess Reason in Notre Dame (only tackier)? What's going on?

[Conservative til I die]

Crusades, even Crusades of the Children [students in this case] are supposed to be conducted in the lands of infidels, not in the cathedrals

And what happens when the infidels are being honored in the cathedrals? Or what if the infidels are running the show in the cathedrals?

[muir_redwoods]

"...who is a pro-abortion Catholic."

In other news, a pro-peace pacifist assaulted three people, A meat-eating vegetarian was caught rustling cattle and a celibate chastity advocate fathered 6 children.

[GSlob]

Even if the infidels are running the show in the cathedrals, one should first apply for, and get, tax-privileged status to be a Crusader.

[NYer]

God bless these young people for their defense of the defenseless. I am sick of these 'catholic pretenders' and their 'catholic' supporters. Ahhhhnold, Gore and all the other elected 'catholic' politicians who parade their catholic faith in public while denigrating the very faith of the church into which they were baptized, by their support of abortion.

AP - Fri Jul 1, 4:14 PM ET

Antonio Villaraigosa, left, Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony, and former Vice President Al Gore, smile before Villaraigosa is formally inagurated as the city's 41st mayor on Friday, July 1, 2005, becoming the first Hispanic to hold the office since the 19th century. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

My prayers for Roger Cardinal Mahony that he will have a change of heart.

Thank you, MurphE, for posting this thread! Please remember this shepherd in your prayers and ask our Lord to send the Holy Spirit to guide him to the Truth.

[old and tired]

And as a fringe benefit, the Crusaders get the stay of debts and taxes due from them. Thus if these students do not have an IRS ruling to that effect, they cannot be considered Crusade participants.

I don't understand what you mean by this. These kids aren't earning money on their walk. And who is giving them a stay from debts?

Can you please clarify. I've read your post a few times but I'm still confused by it. Thanks.

[BurbankKarl]

Are these the people that were booing the Mayor?

[BurbankKarl]

The Cathedral is relatively new. It was envisioned as a place for "LA to Celebrate" Yesterday there was a funeral for an LA Sheriff's Deputy.

[little jeremiah]

later pingout.

[little jeremiah]

That picture is one of the most horrible things I have ever seen.

The face is the mirror of the soul - usually said that the eyes are, but you can see the hyprocacy, self interest, and shallowness on the faces.

People can change, one can always hope. But being a phony religious person is worse than being a regular wrongdoer. It's harder for them to admit their wrongdoing, and they mislead others.

[BurbankKarl]

The son of poor Mexican immigrants, Antonio Villaraigosa (L), became Los Angeles' first Hispanic mayor in 130 years, imploring citizens to share his dream of a renaissance for the troubled city

Troubled City?

Note the Crusade placards in the rear.

[sitetest]

Dear NYer,

"...Ahhhhnold, Gore and all the other elected 'catholic' politicians who parade their catholic faith..."

Mr. Gore is not, nor has ever been, a Catholic. I believe that the former vice president, current psychotic, is a Baptist.


sitetest

[NYer]

People can change, one can always hope.

Conversion comes from the heart and through the prayers of many. For years, St. Monica prayed for her apostastate son, who is now St. Augustine. We must follow her example and pray for this new mayor, Cardinal Mahony and Gov. Schwarzenegger. That is the essence of our faith.

AP - Fri Jul 1, 3:22 PM ET

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, center, is congratulated by Cardinal Roger Mahoney, left, as former vice president Al Gore, second left, and California Assembly speaker Fabian Nunez, far right, look on after the inauguration ceremony at City Hall in downtown Los Angeles Friday, July 1, 2005. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

AP - Fri Jul 1, 1:07 PM ET

Lead by Cardinal Roger Mahony, right, Mayor-elect Antonio Villaraigosa, center, his wife Corina, and family enter the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels for a pre-inauguration Interfaith Prayer Service Friday, July 1, 2005 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

My shackles are at full stance! My prayers for all of these men and their families. Prayers of gratitude to the young catholics who took a stance and held their ground in support of catholic teaching on life issues, even at the risk of arrest. May God richly reward and bless them!

[dangus]

You mean Hackles. When they put shackles on you, that means the gestapo have taken over.

Oh, wait... nevermind.

[Desdemona]

Does Los Angeles inaugurate all its mayors at the cathedral?

Good question.

[Salvation]

The mayor never should have scheduled anything for the Cathedral. He is not a true Catholic.

And Roger Cardinal Mahoney should deny him Communion.

[Siobhan]

"American Life League calls for the immediate resignation of Cardinal Roger Mahony in light of his continued defiance of Church teaching," said Brown.

Finn

[Luddite Patent Counsel]

My prayers for Roger Cardinal Mahony that he will have a change of heart.

I join you in praying that Roger Cardinal Mahony will have a change of heart. I add prayers that Benedict XVI will see to it that he also has a change of hat, preferably something not red.

[little jeremiah]

former vice president, current psychotic

LOLOL!!! Good one.

[little jeremiah]

I agree. Those who make a show of being religious while acting and speaking against the basic tenets and morality that is the very foundation of religion need everyones' prayers.

[murphE]

I join you in praying that Roger Cardinal Mahony will have a change of heart. I add prayers that Benedict XVI will see to it that he also has a change of hat, preferably something not red.

Indeed. However, regarding the prayers for changes of heart, there are cases such as when one is perfectly possessed, that there is very little even an exorcist can do for them.

[GipperGal]

Is somebody sending this story to Rome?! Are they seeing this in the Vatican?

[nonsumdignus]

I'm thinking some Catholics should get together and ambush Mahoney with a bucket of blessed Exorcism water. It's not a baptism by submersion as he would prefer it, but it may be just what his Soul needs.

[DLfromthedesert]

Imagine Mahony's surprise at the end of this life when he meets up with Hitler and Atta.

[BnBlFlag]

Is your religion IRS approved?

[Barnacle]

Cardinal Roger Mahony must be recalled.

[GSlob]

"Is your religion IRS approved?"
But of course! I belong to The First Church Of The Almighty Dollar!

[Deo volente]

The only consolation I can take from this atrocious spectacle, which was televised live on local TV here in Los Angeles, is that tomorrow His Eminence will be one day closer to retirement.

Five years, 7 months, and 26 days until the liberation of the Archdiocese begins.

[Coleus]

you can't be Catholic and pro-abortion.

Pro-abortion Catholics should not politic or be allowed in a Catholic Church.

Archdiocese of Los Angeles
3424 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010-2202
213 637 7000

info@la-archdiocese.org, mediarelations@la-archdiocese.org

See the ALL ad:
http://www.all.org/hp8.htm

See the Cybercast News coverage:
http://www.cnsnews.com/Politics/archive/200310/POL20031001a.html

[fatima]

Pro-life bump Coleus.

[Pyro7480]

I met the Crusaders for Life from last summer. They had just finished walking from Maine to DC. They were a great bunch of young people. They stopped in front of St. Matthew's Cathedral on a Sunday afternoon, and they had their bright red "You Can't Be Catholic and Pro-Abortion" t-shirts on. They got some shameful treatment from people coming out of Mass there (then again, the infamous Dupont Circle neighborhood is within walking distance, and the "Human Rights Campaign" headquarters is just up the street from there.) I know one of the employees at ALL who coordinates these activities (I see he is walking with the California group.). God bless them!

[Iris7]

I have a source within the Church whom I trust totally. His description of Mahoney is very clear. Mahoney should be defrocked. Immediately. Not exaggerating.

[NYer]

Do you have the link handy for that LA Catholic blog?

They're all over this story. Posted on the blog .... from the LA Times ....

At the first event, readings and prayers were recited from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths.

The cathedral was infused with incense burned during a Native American prayer. Clerics in turbans and flowing orange gowns sat next to those in traditional Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Rite robes.

Attending were Jerry Brown, mayor of Oakland; former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and his wife, Nancy Daly Riordan; U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi; California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez; Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante; United Farm Workers official Dolores Huerta; former Vice President Al Gore, and state Treasurer Phil Angelides.

The service ended in a prayer circle, with religious leaders surrounding Villaraigosa, and a concluding benediction by Cardinal Roger M. Mahony.

Mahony urged Villaraigosa to show "special concern for those residents of our city on the margins of life, of society and most in need," and "to strive for what is right and just."

To mariachi music, Villaraigosa then strode out of the sanctuary and onto the downtown streets at 9:09 a.m. for the short walk to City Hall.

"All of us were so moved by the spirituality of giving the strength to the mayor and his wife as they take on this unbelievably challenging role," said Nancy Riordan during the procession.

In his benediction back at the Cathedral, Mahony entreated:

"We pray for a new kind of politics -- focused on moral principles, not on the latest polls, on the needs of the poor and vulnerable, not the contributions of the rich and powerful."

AP - Fri Jul 1, 6:25 PM ET

Joining LA Cardinal Roger Mahony, at left, are various religious leaders representing the many faiths of the people of Los Angeles during the Interfaith Prayer Service for the Inauguration of Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa in Los Angeles, Friday, July 1, 2005. Villaraigosa formally took his oath as the city's 41st mayor on Friday, becoming the first Hispanic to hold the office since the 19th century.(AP Photo/Al Seib, Pool)

LA CATHOLIC blogspot.

[NYer]

Mr. Gore is not, nor has ever been, a Catholic. I believe that the former vice president, current psychotic, is a Baptist.

Sorry ... I meant to write Kerry.

[Pajamajan]

"I join you in praying that Roger Cardinal Mahony will have a change of heart. I add prayers that Benedict the XVI will see to it that he also has a change of hat, preferably something not red"

LOL. Well put. I'll join the change of heart and hat prayers for Mahony. I recall hearing something about him being involved in moving several pedophile priests to different parishes, and that he also tried to block, or stalled LE investigation into abuses. But, he seems to have escaped any culpability for his actions.

I can't see where he has been anything but a burden for the Church. He certainly is not a help. The Catholic Church in America is in shambles thanks to him, and people like him, with their wishy washy watered down Catholicism- All it does is confuse people.

I can't believe pro life protesters were arrested at the Catherdral for promoting life. We really need to start asking-"What's wrong with this picture?" and do something about it, before it's too late.

[maryz]

It was envisioned as a place for "LA to Celebrate" Yesterday there was a funeral for an LA Sheriff's Deputy.

I'm sorry -- that sounds funny!

Even politicians, though, have always been permitted to have funerals in churches. Political inaugurations are different.

[maryz]

Too showy? The classic black-and-white stripe seems to be no longer available.

[Desdemona]

The cathedral was infused with incense burned during a Native American prayer. Clerics in turbans and flowing orange gowns sat next to those in traditional Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Rite robes.

And we all wondered why that "cathedral" really doesn't look Catholic.

More and more, Mahoney is looking like an impostor of some sort. The more I read this it's sounding like a coronation.

[Unam Sanctam]

While these protesters are the good guys and Cardinal Mahoney ought to be ashamed of himself, I don't think there is or shoudl be a constitutional right to disrupt religious services. I'm thinking Rainbow Sash, ACT-UP or Voice of the Faithful here. I think demonstrations of any kind should be required to take place outside of the Church building.

[Conservative til I die]

And Roger Cardinal Mahoney should deny him Communion.

I think Mahoney should deny himself Communion while he's at it, apostate that he is.