Mary Immaculate Church

Monica Brambila Anthropology Dr. Leanna Wolfe 12/09/13

The Entrance

The Mary Immaculate Church is located in Pacoima. Its exterior is made of bricks and it is surrounded with palm trees. After mass, there are people from the church who pass out papers promoting upcoming events associated with the church, such as family therapy sessions or just the weekly schedules. Near the entrance of the church there are people selling food and drinks after mass.

The Inside of the Church

When first entering the church, there is a container made of tile and cement that holds the holy water. Before mass, people dab the holy water on there bodies in a cross form.

The Inside of the Church

The main part of the inside of the church contains the statue of Jesus, a picture of the Virgin Mary, and the alter. During December, the church members decorate the church with purple flowers and dress in purple. Unlike many churches, Mary Immaculate Church uses projectors to show the passages of the bible and song lyrics of that mass.

The Band

During mass, there is a band that plays guitars and sings religious songs. As well as the purple decorations they put up for December, the church members also wear purple to represent the waiting of Jesus' birth. Some of the songs they sing are Gloria and Hallelujah.

The Virgin Mary

To the side of the alter there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue is decorated with many bouquets of flowers from the people who ask for guidance or protection.

The Outside of the Church

On the right side of the church there is a statue of St. Jude. St. Jude is a saint that people praise to for miracles. As well as the Virgin Mary statue, it is decorated with flower bouquets.

St. Jude

Catholics leave candles near the statue of St. Jude to represent their hopes and wishes. They also rub the statue's foot and knee to help them with medical issues or to help them receive a miracle. Catholics pray to him in desperate situations.

The Outside of the Church

This statue is in the front area of the Mary Immaculate Church. This statue is of the Virgin Mary and her son, Jesus. This scene was when Jesus falls from his cross and she cries because of his suffering and death.

A Mural of the Virgin Mary

To the left of the church there is an office where all the arrangements of the church take place. On the side of the office there is a mural of the Virgin Mary. This scene was when the Virgin Mary appeared to a man named San Diego ( in spanish).