Some call running 26 miles-plus an adventure, a novelty, a lark --- and then there are the descriptions by those who actually run the race. But in Los Angeles --- where the L.A. Marathon has been run by thousands each year for two decades --- the race has become a public statement on behalf of the Catholic Church and, in particular, its effort to generate vocations awareness.

Once again in 2007, the archdiocesan Run for Vocations, coordinated by the Office of Vocations, enlisted dozens of participants adorned in bright green T-shirts bearing the pledge, "I do not run aimlessly." The participants --- including priests, religious and laity --- were strengthened in their journey from Universal City to downtown Los Angeles by thousands of prayer pledges they had collected.

Whether they ran, walk, rode or watched, the Run for Vocations faithful made their statement, positively and prayerfully, that the Catholic faith lives and flourishes in Southern California.