Community Resilience in Boyle Heights
Residents gathered at Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights on a recent Wednesday evening. They came equipped with candles, rosaries, posters, and N-95 masks, ready to unite in prayer and determination. This 103-year-old Catholic parish remained a source of comfort and resistance for many in the historic heart of Latino Los Angeles.
The recent fire at a Lineage warehouse, located a mile from the church, continued to affect the area. Each morning, the church endured the foul smell of decomposing food. At the vigil, Sofia Quinones addressed the crowd, highlighting the environmental challenges Boyle Heights has faced for years.
A helicopter’s loud instructions briefly interrupted her, yet Quinones resumed, urging for compassion from those in power. Attendees prayed and later participated in a plática on the Lineage issue, singing verses inspired by the 118th Psalm.
Resurrection Church gained fame for its resilience against numerous challenges. The community has long tackled issues like proposed prisons, pollution, gang violence, gentrification, and the pandemic. The recent fire added to their woes, aggravating daily life and attracting pests.
Father Jorge Moncada, new to the parish, recognized its storied history of battling injustices. Learning under Monsignor John Moretta, he admired the church’s ongoing fight for social justice. Moretta, present since 1983, helped parishioners testify about the fire’s impact.
He said, “Every problem that arises gets addressed,” indicating his commitment despite many challenges.
Resurrection’s influence extends beyond its pews. It served as a birthplace for groups like the Mothers of East Los Angeles, who fought against harmful developments. Government figures often sought guidance from Moretta in their quest to aid the community.
Wendy Carrillo, a former Assemblymember, recalled a well-attended community forum about a nearby plant’s closure at Resurrection. She credited Moretta’s leadership for fostering organization and activism.
Moretta planned to continue his work, stressing the need to actively engage with community issues. Moncada supported this view, emphasizing the priestly duty to serve where needed.
Alma Marquez, founder of the Protect LA Now coalition, witnessed the strong sense of faith among the community. She and her daughter faced personal struggles since the fire, but their faith provided strength and unity.
Inside the church’s multipurpose room, around 90 attendees engaged in discussions about their health concerns related to the warehouse fire. People took notes, shared personal experiences, and organized efforts for change.
Cynthia Rios, motivated by her involvement in the parish community, expressed her intention to mobilize a march against the handling of the warehouse fire situation. She believed in leveraging community strength to make a difference.
Maria E. Morales, a long-time attendee of Resurrection Church, reflected on past actions and voiced enthusiasm for future growth and activism. Her belief in the community’s ability to expand its efforts resonated with many.
Overall, the evening solidified Resurrection Church’s role as a sanctuary and rallying point for the Boyle Heights community, advocating tirelessly for justice and relief from enduring challenges.