Traditions, Hope and Miracles.

Each year around the holidays, we visit La Placita Olvera, aka Our Lady Queen of Los Angeles, in the heart of Southern California. My family and I visit early in the morning and light a candle for our loved ones. This historical place is known for miracles and reviving hope. The birth place of Los Angeles has many more reasons for you to visit. Continue to read and we will share our list.

We visit the church during the happiest times of the year to offer prayers for our loved ones. This is our way of sending a gift with love to those we care about. Many in the Hispanic community have told stories of miracles taking place after placing a candle in the church while rejoicing in prayer. We think that miracles are possible and this is a holy site.

Sometimes, we leave prayer requests for friends and families who we know are having a hard moment. Other times, we will light white candles and pray for miracles to shine upon us and others. You could say that it is a religious road trip. 

There are so many other reasons why you should visit this cultural mecca. The church hosts many special events throughout the year. These events include Virgin de Guadalupe Celebration, Los Posada, Blessing of the Animals and Dia De Los Muertos celebrations. All these events celebrate a rich Mexican history within the Catholic Church. 

Another reason for visiting the church is the rich history that it holds. La Placita Olvera known for being the birthplace of Los Angeles. It is the first Mexican market plaza in Southern California built and created in 1930. The Market place has now been in business for over 80 years. 

Nearby, you can also visit other historical buildings that offer a peek into Los Angeles’ past. Within a short walking distance of La Placita Olvera is the Chinese-American museum and Los Angeles’ first fire-station, now a historical museum. It is very thought provoking that everyone can visit a holy site and feel its history. We suggest that you visit this historical place with family or friends.

The prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; 

to be understood as to understand; 

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; 

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; 

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Source:http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/stfrancis.htm

If you do decide to visit "La Placita Olvera" look with your heart not with your eyes when you enter. May God keep you well and bring much happiness to you this holiday season.

Merry Christmas, 

Alma

The small business owners of Olvera Street share their beloved holiday tradition annually with all on Olvera Street, preserving the best of both cultures with their children and grandchildren, as well as the public.

Las Posadas runs on Olvera Street from December 16 to 24. The children's piñata breaking and entertainment begin at 6 p.m. Processions starting at the Avila Adobe at 7:30 p.m.

The public is invited to participate at our Las Posadas on Olvera Street!

http://www.olvera-street.com/Calendar/Las-Posadas/las-posadas.html
Olvera Street
Los Angeles St. at Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
12/16/2015 - 12/24/2015
6:00 PM

Las Posadas on Olvera Street

Las Posada is the name given to the traditional way of celebrating Christmas in the

villages and homes of Mexico and other Latin American countries. This celebration of

the holiday season is presented by the Merchants of Olvera Street for nine nights

beginning December 16th and ending on Christmas Eve, December 24th.

In Spanish, Las Posadas means “the inns” or “shelters.” The journey of Joseph and

Mary to Bethlehem is depicted each night in a candlelight procession, led by the

Merchants of Olvera Street. Each night the procession stops at a different shop, or puesto

on the street serving as the posada or inn where the group asks for shelter.

The procession starts from the historic Avila Adobe and winds its way around Olvera

Street with the merchants leading singing traditional hymns and holiday songs in

English and Spanish. Free champurrado and pan dulce is served after the procession

as well as a piñata for the little one to enjoy.

Many of the founding Merchant families continue to preserve this wonderful event,

sharing the joy of the season with their children and grandchildren. We warmly invite

you to make our tradition a part of your own Christmas celebration and we thank you
for joining us and being a part of one of Los Angeles oldest and Christmas events.
Las Posadas