Gathering of Christian Women: June 17
The third gathering of women under the leadership of the Immaculate Heart Community takes place June 17, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Immaculate Heart High School, 5515 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles.

"Hope is the Memory of the Future: Have a Hand in It" is this year's theme, which seeks to recognize the gifts of women in the church, past, present and future. Speakers include M. Shawn Copeland, associate professor of Theology at Boston College and past-president of the Catholic Theological Society of America, and Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, Lutheran pastor and executive director of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE).

The fee is $30 ($10 for students, group rates available). To register: (323) 466-2157 or immaculateheartcommunity.org.

Cuban Cardinal in L.A.: June 18
Cardinal Jaime Ortega Alamino, archbishop of Havana, Cuba, will celebrate Mass with the greater Los Angeles Cuban community June 18, 12:15 p.m. at Holy Family Church, 209 E. Lomita Ave., Glendale. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Cardinal Ortega was installed as Havana's archbishop in 1981 and was elevated to cardinal in 1994. He welcomed Pope John Paul's visit to Cuba in 1998.

Cardinal Ortega has criticized restrictions on religious liberty in Cuba and has opposed the U.S. economic embargo against the communist island nation. Described as a kind, gentle man by other priests, he is a frequent traveler to Miami where a large Cuban community resides. This is his first visit to Los Angeles.

"Even though we are refugees in another country, we are still connected with his flock in Cuba," said Cuban-born Father Marcos Gonzalez, associate pastor of Holy Family in Glendale, in welcoming Cardinal Ortega's visit.