News Summary
Saint Victor’s Catholic Church in West Hollywood recently held its third annual Municipal Government Service, honoring local leaders, including Mayor Chelsea Byers. The event, organized by Richard Maggio and attended by various city officials, aimed to promote community inclusion and foster relationships between leaders and residents. Following the service, a community breakfast allowed for further engagement between citizens and their government representatives. The church has a long-standing commitment to diversity, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, exemplified by its historical significance and AIDS memorial chapel.
West Hollywood Hosts Municipal Government Service at Saint Victor’s Catholic Church
West Hollywood’s Saint Victor’s Catholic Church held its third annual Municipal Government Service on a recent Sunday morning. This event commemorated the city’s civic leaders, particularly honoring Mayor Chelsea Byers, City Commissioners, and various guests from the local government. The church is located at 8634 Holloway Drive, a historic site that embraces the LGBTQ+ community.
Richard Maggio, a longtime resident of West Hollywood and a former Rent Stabilization Commissioner, organized the gathering. The service began with welcoming remarks from Father John Paul Gonzalez, who expressed the church’s ongoing commitment to community inclusion. Maggio, along with Commissioner Catherine Eng, originally proposed the concept of this annual service three years ago, aiming to provide government leaders with a moment of reflection and prayer in the midst of their busy schedules.
A Diverse Attendance
Mayor Chelsea Byers attended the service alongside Councilmember John Erickson and several city appointees, including members of the Planning Commission, Facilities, Historic Preservation, and the Older Adult Board. Notable attendees included Andrew Solomon, Nicole Payton, Lola Davidson, and John Allendorfer, as well as Commissioners Anthony Vulin, Kevin Barry, Jackie Steele, Brandon Blau, and Kali Rogers. The presence of former Commissioner Marquita Thomas also added to the event’s recognition of past efforts in governance.
Additionally, specially invited nuns from two religious orders attended the event. The Daughters of St. Paul are known for their work in media evangelism, while another group from San Gabriel focuses on outreach efforts on Skid Row. Their participation underscored the collaborative spirit of community service represented at the event.
Community Breakfast and Engagement
Following the service, the church hosted a community breakfast that provided attendees an opportunity to engage directly with Mayor Byers. During this session, residents expressed their desire to become more involved in local government initiatives and decision-making processes. The Mayor emphasized the significance of fostering inclusive environments that encourage participation, praising the welcoming nature of Saint Victor’s and the support it provides for the city’s leadership.
Historical Context
Saint Victor’s Catholic Church has served the West Hollywood community since its founding in 1906. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in relation to the LGBTQ+ community. A standout feature of the church is its AIDS memorial chapel located in the vestibule, which serves as a poignant reminder of the historical struggles faced by many in the community. The church’s long-standing mission is to promote Christian love, participation, and unity among its diverse members through the celebration of the Most Holy Eucharist.
By respecting its rich history while actively engaging with the contemporary community, Saint Victor’s Catholic Church continues to play a vital role in the cultural and spiritual landscape of West Hollywood. The annual Municipal Government Service exemplifies the church’s commitment to supporting local governance and fostering connections between community leaders and residents.
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Additional Resources
- WeHo Times: Annual Government Service at Saint Victor’s Catholic Church
- Legacy: Marcela McKenna Obituary
- Angelus News: Monsignor Jeremiah Murphy
- Legacy: Jeremiah Murphy Obituary
- Wikipedia: West Hollywood
