Gomez Speaks to LA Faithful at Vatican Mass
Former California Gov. Gray Davis is among those in attendance at Tuesday's gathering
LA faithful travel to the Vatican to celebrate their new Archbishop, Jose Gomez, and talk part in his pallium ceremony.
His words to the faithful: "You are never alone... God loves you and God is in your life."
That was part of Archbishop Jose Gomez's message Tuesday to the faithful who followed him to Rome from L.A.
He celebrated a special mass for the Southern California contigent in the Basilica of St. Peter.
Wednesday is the big day for Gomez and the more than 250 Angelenos who made the trip to Rome.
The faithful locals traveled to the heart of the Catholic church not only to celebrate their faith, but to be a part of the Archbishop's pallium ceremony. A pallium is a special garment given to newly appointed archbishops by the Pope.
In true Gomez fashion, the archbishop injected humor into his homily.
"The celebrants were worried that my homily would be about every single moment of the last six years of my life," he said.
Among those in attendance was Jackie Ibarra of Pasadena, who served as cantor. "This is definitely an honor," she said. "I'm going to remember it forever."
Former California Governor Gray Davis also made the pilgrimage.
Davis said he's been to the Holy Land four times, but this was his first time at the Vatican.
"I'm thrilled to be here," Davis said. "It's a wonderful time to fellowship and a wonderful celebration."
