Weekly Update | July 19, 2026

Dear Beloved St. John’s Cathedral,

Thank you so much for graciously welcoming the people of Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and our new bishop, The Rt. Rev. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena to St. John’s to be installed in the cathedra last Sunday! Thank you for all the ways you gave generously.

Special thanks to Nazario and his team who made the grounds of the Cathedral look beautiful. To Nate Hicks, the amazing master of ceremonies, as well as our fabulous vergers and acolytes who led processions and served at the altar, we give thanks. Special thanks to the ushers who welcomed, guided and kept a watchful eye on those gathered. To the choir, who sang with glorious voices, under the direction of Dr. Christopher Gravis and the talented Dr. Zachery Neufeld on the organ, let us sing praise.

I give thanks to each and every one of you, who showed up lovingly and gave of yourself for St. John’s to be the Cathedral in this diocese. For Jules who made time during the week to meet with our guest sound tech, and the altar guild who works faithfully every week of the year preparing for worship; to Canon Bob William and Dr. Lo Sprague who invited and welcome our multi-faith partners, and to Canon Gaines who makes all things possible.

There are many more who worked behind the scenes to welcome Bishop Antonio to his cathedral home. New faces and trusted friends at the diocese, such as Samantha Wylie and Co-chairs of the Transition Committee Sheira Smith and Greg Larkin, who organized and planned for months in advance. Of course, everything takes a team, such as the wonderful staff we have at St. John’s. Even a few planned vacations were squeezed in the midst of it all. Stepping into action, I give heartfelt thanks for the helping hands who worked tirelessly to get it done.

This is not to say that everything went perfectly. I would invite us all to focus on the grand achievement of a glorious installation, the first of its kind at St. John’s, and the first installation in decades in the diocese. Everyone navigated the challenges with grace. It is what we are called to do, as a living, breathing community that shows up for each other and for our neighbors. Let us always lead with love, speak truth with love, allowing the light of Christ to shine.

We are now on the other side of significant discernment and transition in the diocese and in our cathedral. I expect that change will continue to unfold as we grow in community. Let us celebrate this new chapter of God’s call of us. Let us trust that God is at work in our lives and in this place. Thank you for giving. Thank you for blessing us. Thank you for showing up.

With love and blessings,

Anne+

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