The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has developed a wonderful tradition where the community gathers together with Archbishop Jose Gomez, Auxiliary Bishops, priests, deacons, religious and faithful in the month of January to celebrate the Shantigarth Requiem for the Unborn, a special musical setting for the Mass composed specifically for the important event. At the invitation of Archbishop Jose Gomez, on January 18, 2025, the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian participated in the moving service.

The service is an opportunity for all to come together and to affirm and to proclaim our belief in the sanctity of all human life. 

The Liturgy was celebrated by the Most Reverend Jose Gomez, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. At the conclusion of the Mass, a moving Ceremony of Light was held during which members of the assembly brought forward candles - one for each life lost to abortion that day in the County of Los Angeles. These candles, each representing a life no longer with us, will remain lit and displayed in the Cathedral Colonnade for a week as a vivid reminder to the greater Southern California community of our continuing commitment to life.