During a March 29 Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels to honor the memory of the late Catholic labor leader Cesar E. Chavez, his son Paul Chavez and Cardinal Roger Mahony exhorted parishioners to follow the deceased leader's example by advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and improvement of workers' rights.

The liturgy in Spanish was celebrated two days before Chavez's birthday, March 31, an occasion that workers' organizations and community and church leaders use to renew the legacy of the founder of the United Farm Workers (UFW), the first union started in the United States to protect farm workers' rights.

"When we fight for an immigration reform, we honor his legacy," said Paul Chavez during a short speech after the Eucharist. "When hospital, hotel and factory workers fight for their families, they are honoring his legacy. The hard work of farm workers honors his legacy."

After saying he felt honored by all rallies and events scheduled in April throughout the country in honor of his father's memory, he called the community to remember that "more important than commemorations is to remember my father's legacy."

Chavez's speech echoed the message of Cardinal Mahony's homily at the packed Cathedral.

"We need to push our new president to fulfill his promise of a new comprehensive immigration law this 2009," the cardinal said. "We cannot wait till next year, or two or three more years. We need it now," he said emphatically.

He said the bishops will send a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, asking her an end of the raids, which are "against the dignity of our people, and only create fear among our families."

In recalling Chavez's strong Catholic faith, Cardinal Mahony noted that when Chavez organized farm workers, he faced difficulties and obstacles, "but he had faith that Jesus Christ was walking with him. He carried the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe in his rallies, and held Masses to gather all the people to remind them of the importance of Christ's presence in their efforts."

"Our crosses are opportunities to grow in God's grace in our lives," said the cardinal. "And today we celebrate the birthday of Cesar Chavez, a man who taught us this same principle with his own life."

He invited parishioners to imitate Chavez's values. "His personal values were part of his beautiful spirituality," he said. "He called the farm workers to surrender to Christ crucified, whose life was ended by violence, and to focus on non-violent efforts."

On March 31, the creation of a new committee that will pursue the extension of the National Labor Relations Act, to include protection for farm and domestic workers, was announced.

The National Labor Relations Act was approved in 1935 to protect the rights of most workers in the private sector to organize labor unions, to engage in collective bargaining, and to take part in strikes and other forms of concerted activity in support of their demands.

The act does not cover those workers who are covered by the Railway Labor Act, including agricultural employees, domestic employees, supervisors, independent contractors and some close relatives of individual employers.

Cardinal Mahony said he will make his priority participating in the campaign to approve that law, earning strong applause.

Present at the Mass was Dolores Huerta, co-founder with Chavez of the UFW. She is the author of the famous motto "Sí se puede" (Yes, you can,) widely used in the U.S., including by President Barack Obama during his election campaign.

"'Can't quit' was Chavez's main legacy," said Huerta, Cesar Chavez's sister-in-law who recalled meeting him for the first time in 1955. "Cesar's faith was very strong. He kept going forward."

The longtime activist said she believed it is important to press for acceptance of President Obama's economic stimulus package, improved health care, and in gaining support for immigration reform in Midwestern states before pursuing approval of immigration reform.

"We can work together with the Church on this effort," said Huerta.