The holidays are here and the days are moving fast. Every year at Christmas time I visit my childhood church. I love the church I grew up in and all the memories it holds. The church is "La Placita Olvera" or it's formal name is "La Iglesia Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles" (Our Lady Queen of Los Angeles). It is located on 535 North Main Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The church itself is known for people coming to seek miracles and hope in loss causes. Across from the church is "Olvera Street" a plaza with many vendors. In the plaza you can find all things from the Mexican culture. There is candy, candles, clothing, shoes and restaurants. The shops bring a taste of Mexico without you leaving the country. If you walk around you can hear Mariachi bands playing in the restaurants.
For me it all brings back great memories of my mom and dad. Spending time at "La Placita Olvera" brings me happiness, because it reminds me of all the fun times I had with my parents at our church. It also reminds me of the traditions that my mom and dad handed me. "La Placita Olvera" is a spiritual place where I can leave my worries and all my fears and hand them over to God. Visiting "La Placita Olvera" gives me peace and comfort.
I consider "La Placita Olvera" a holy place, because here no one is turned away. Everyone is welcomed to come in and worship. Most people come to light a candle and request a miracle. The request for miracles is visible everywhere you go within the church. You see pictures, gifts, flowers and candles in every corner with the hope that a miracle may be granted. "La Placita Olvera" is tangible, visible church that has stood for helping the most needed. If you find yourself in need of a miracle you may want to come and light a candle at "La Placita Olvera" to lift your spirit and your hopes.
"La Placita Olvera" is very unique in that the Mexican culture and the Catholic culture come together here. Right across the street is a plaza filled with vendors selling Mexican Art, handmade Mexican clothing, leather sandals, leather handbags and more. It is a Mexican culture marketplace filled with sights, sounds and smells of Mexico. My favorite is the food and the art pieces.
My tradition of visiting a place of hope and miracles gets me looking forward to the New Year. The New Year brings the hope of new beginnings and the promise of great adventures. What are your traditions? What are you hopes? Are you looking for a miracle? Here is a great prayer for those seeking hope and miracles:
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.
Happy Holidays,
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.downtownla.com/0_01_eventDetail.asp?EventID=3973
Olvera Street
Los Angeles St.
at Alameda St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
12/16/2011 - 12/24/2011
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
