Mahony Says Mass, Decries L. A. Violence

An overflow audience of well-wishers greeted newly elevated Cardinal Roger M. Mahony with hearty applause Sunday at his first public Mass since he returned from Rome with a red hat and a message that Pope John Paul II is gravely concerned about escalating violence in Los Angeles.

About 1,500 people jammed downtown St. Vibiana Cathedral for the colorful rites. Hundreds stayed afterward, shuffling in a long line that snaked through the church patio to shake Mahony’s hand or kiss his new cardinal’s ring. Some of the faithful snapped photos and asked him to autograph their prayer books or church programs.

Mahony, 55, is the first California native to become a cardinal and the only active cardinal west of Chicago. Two cardinals have preceded him as head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which covers Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and is now the nation’s most populous, with an estimated 4.5 million Catholics.

The Pope is “very, very concerned about the level of violence here in our community as well as across this country,” Mahony related at a brief post-Mass press conference. “It’s very sad . . . that that’s what our city is becoming known for around the world.”

Mahony added that counteracting gangs and violence is now a top priority for the archdiocese.

He said his agenda includes working closely with other churches, synagogues and community groups like the United Neighborhoods Organization and East Valleys Organization “to link people together at grass-roots level.” The archdiocese should also help people to respect one another and “learn that violence never solves anything,” he said.

To end violence, parents need “to take control once again of their own blocks and our neighborhoods and to spot those signs that their sons and daughters may be leaning toward gangs,” he continued. “Parents . . . have a primary role in that whole formation process.”

In an earlier interview, Mahony said he is planning a broad-based meeting on violence this fall that will include leaders of opposing gangs.

The tall, smiling cardinal, who was elevated to the College of Cardinals on June 28 during elaborate ceremonies at the Vatican, still seemed dazed by his new status.

The reality of becoming a cardinal, he said after the Mass, has come home to him in the last several days during phone calls when people asked, “Who is calling?”

“And I’ve had to say the words myself, ‘Cardinal Mahony.’ ”

Fay Magraff was one of four members of Holy Name of Jesus parish on Jefferson Boulevard who got up at 6 a.m. Sunday in order to get to St. Vibiana in time for a seat.

“I wanted to see him (Mahony) because I was unable to go to Rome,” she explained, camera in hand. About 500 Southern California pilgrims trekked to Italy in a special tour group for the ceremonies. Few of them were in attendance on Sunday, however.

Dora Santos, 67, was back at St. Vibiana Sunday for the first time since she took her first Communion there at age 10. She wore a “special lace Communion blouse” for the Mass and received the Eucharist from the cardinal’s hands, she said proudly.

Ronald J. Lorenzano of St. Anthony’s parish in Long Beach had come alone to the cathedral Saturday night “to worship in my own way.” But he was back again Sunday because “Mahony is a very personable man . . . and I’m interested in his ascension in the church.”

Lorenzano didn’t linger to talk to the cardinal. “Just being on the premises is enough for me,” he said.

Some who wanted to be on the premises had to settle for the sidewalk outside the steel-gated entrance. About 20 protesters representing gay and abortion rights groups carried placards reading, among other things, “Keep Abortion Legal” and “Queer for Jesus.” They marched and shouted as the cardinal entered the cathedral.

“Mahony’s a murderer,” one yelled. Another called out: “You don’t care who dies if you get a red hat”--apparent references to opposition by Mahony and the Roman Catholic Church to the use of condoms for “safe sex.”

The church’s huge bell, tolling the beginning of the service, drowned out the protests. But Mahony briefly addressed the incident during his 18-minute sermon.

Sometimes, Mahony said, the press asks him if he isn’t bothered when people demonstrate and oppose what he and the church teach.

“We saw that out here just before Mass today--a few people,” he continued. “No, it never troubles me. I feel sorry for those people whose lives have not been touched by the power of God.”

Mahony gave Communion to a handful of Mass-goers wearing T-shirts bearing the words “Catholics for Free Choice,” an organization upholding the right of Catholics to choose abortion. He treated them no differently than other worshipers.

During the service Mahony wore a red skull cap and dark green vestment over his red cardinal’s robe. He exhorted the crowd, which included several orders of hooded nuns, to be vigilant in their faith.

“We must be strong, unwavering and courageous in our proclamation regardless of whether opinion polls are with us or against us,” he declared.

After Mass, Mahony stood in the courtyard in his red robe and greeted young and old of multiple races and languages.

“His leadership is important,” said Judy Alvarez of St. Pius X parish in Santa Fe Springs, her 16-month-old daughter, Teresa, in tow. “His honor is our honor . . . especially in Los Angeles where we see the diversity of ethnic peoples and diversity of faith. He has a role of influence now, especially with the College of Cardinals” which will elect a successor when John Paul II dies.

After the last autograph was signed and blessing given, a visibly tired cardinal donned his civvies and headed off to his vacation cabin near Mammoth.

He was asked what he was going to do there. “Nothing,” he replied. “Nothing. I’m going to hide in the mountains for a week.”