Hsi Lai Temple Joins Interfaith Prayer to Honor the Homeless Who Died on the Streets of Los Angeles

Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple
January 13, 2026

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles held a Homeless Person’s Interreligious Memorial on Dec. 21 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, bringing together about 500 clergy and faithful from Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist communities. The gathering honored and prayed for the 1,564 individuals who died while experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles over the past year. Representing Fo Guang Shan Hsi Lai Temple, Venerable Huize led an 11-member delegation led by Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Los Angeles Chapter President Echo Tsai.

The service coincided with National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, observed annually on the winter solstice—the longest and coldest night of the year—since 1990. The date serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by people experiencing homelessness and affirms the inherent dignity of every life.

The ceremony opened with the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Students from Catholic and non-Catholic schools entered the cathedral carrying candles inscribed with the names of those who had passed away, symbolizing hope and a shared responsibility across generations and faith traditions. Led by Archbishop José H. Gomez, representatives from multiple religions then processed into the cathedral to begin the interfaith prayers.

Speakers from various faiths offered reflections, including Rev. Tim Compton of the Hollywood Church of Christ, Rabbi Susan Nanus of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Br. Omar Ricci of the Islamic Center of Southern California, and Pravrajika Saradeshaprana of the Vedanta Society of Southern California.

In his address, Archbishop Gomez referenced the Parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that true neighborliness is defined not by identity or belief, but by compassion in action—by those willing to help when others suffer. He and other faith leaders invited attendees to reflect on how society can truly “see” and accompany people experiencing homelessness, renewing a shared commitment to compassion, solidarity, and concrete action.

The service concluded with a moment of silent prayer, followed by the lighting of candles—each representing a person who had died while homeless. Attendees were invited to take the candles home as a continuation of remembrance and prayer, wishing that the departed find peace according to their respective faith traditions. Venerable Huize noted that the day coincided with the opening of Hsi Lai Temple’s Seven-Day Amitabha Chanting Retreat, where Fo Guang members would further dedicate their merits to those who had passed away.