More than 400 people gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels March 31 to show their respect for a man who spent his life fighting to improve conditions for laborers working in the United States.

The Mass honoring labor leader Cesar Chavez began with a procession of workers clad in hardhats and orange reflective vests, maids' uniforms and colorful union t-shirts. They represented workers who have benefited from Chavez' efforts and "whose legacy reminds us of the need to fight and struggle for the rights of workers," San Gabriel Region Auxiliary Bishop Gabino Zavala told the assembly.

"Cesar's gift was to recognize the anger that raged in the heart of those who witnessed the abuse of farmworkers --- the malnutrition of children, their exposure to pesticides --- and anger he effectively transformed by organizing participation in the non-violent response to the grape boycott," said Bishop Zavala. "His greater gift was to articulate the belief that with sacrifices, organization, patience and endurance small hope would give birth to an unstoppable force for change."

That Cesar Chavez was much more than just a leader for immigrant farmworkers was reflected in the multicultural makeup of those who came to pay their respects. People from all races, economic and professional backgrounds attended, each for whom a particular aspect of Chavez' work which resonated.

Thirty-five year old Daniel Fierro, who came to the Mass with members of his therapeutic community, noted that Chavez' struggled inspired him to continue to make changes in his life and be a productive member of society.

Union organizer Christina Navoa said Chavez set an example on unity that is still important today.

"Cesar Chavez is not just a leader for farmworkers," said Navoa. "He said that race and class doesn't matter in human dignity and he along with leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. set the foundation for today so that workers can have a voice."