Resurrection Church: A Beacon of Hope and Activism in Boyle Heights

In Boyle Heights, a community gathered at Resurrection Church to continue their fight for the Eastside. The scene was familiar to the 103-year-old parish: candles were lit, rosaries were held, and poster boards and N-95 masks were distributed. This place has long been a refuge and rallying point for residents confronting injustices.

Environmental Challenges and Community Responses

At the heart of their current struggle is the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire. Situated just a mile away, the fire broke out two months ago. The burning site continues to emit a foul odor from millions of pounds of rotting food, affecting the church and its surroundings.

Sofia Quinones addressed the vigil attendees, noting, “We pray because we have suffered for a century due to environmental racism.” Around her, symbols of hope and resilience adorned T-shirts: a phoenix representing Boyle Heights rising from flames.

A loudspeaker from an LAPD helicopter interrupted briefly, but Quinones persisted. “We ask that you open the hearts and mind of the powerful,” she said, invoking divine aid amidst the struggle.

The group recited prayers and then moved inside for a discussion on Lineage, singing a song inspired by Psalm 118. The event was laden with both defiance and sadness.

A History of Activism

Resurrection Church has faced many battles over the years. Father Jorge Moncada, who recently joined the parish, expressed amazement at its history. “They’ve been through a lot and carried a lot of burden. But they’ve responded, they have risen to fight against injustice again and again.”

Since 1983, Monsignor John Moretta, or Padre Juan, has shepherded this parish through numerous challenges. Proposals for prisons, lead contamination, gang issues, gentrification, and more have tested the community repeatedly.

Moretta has been a constant source of strength. He commented, “Sin never stops. Every time I think the problems are done, they start popping up again.” Despite the relentless challenges, Moretta remains an idealist.

Impactful Community Actions

The parish has played a pivotal role in Latino politics in Los Angeles. The Mothers of East Los Angeles emerged from the church’s pews. They successfully opposed toxic incinerators and power plants.

Prominent leaders, including Gloria Molina, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Ysabel Jurado, have sought Moretta’s guidance in activist efforts. The church is a hub for organizing and community action.

Wendy Carrillo recalled a community forum at Resurrection in 2016, attended by hundreds who were upset about the Exide plant’s impact. “It was both inspiring and surprising to see how quickly [the Resurrection] community organized around this issue.”

A Long-standing Commitment

Despite being past retirement age, Moretta continues his work. He remarked, “It’s easy for me to stay in this nice, air-conditioned room, know what I mean? But you gotta get your hands dirty out there.”

Father Moncada shares this dedication, highlighting their role in representing God and Christ. “If our people are in need, that’s what we should do — because that’s what Jesus would have done.”

Hope and Resilience at Resurrection

The town hall following the vigil, led by Alma Marquez of Protect LA Now, further energized the community. Marquez, deeply connected to Resurrection since her youth, emphasized the need for persistence.

The personal toll of the fire remains significant. Marquez and her daughter have not been able to return home. Yet, she finds strength in her faith, “We have the shared experience of this trauma and the shared experience of our love.”

Images of Guadalupe and Pope Leo XIII watched over attendees as they exchanged concerns and organized plans. Among them was Cynthia Rios, who advocated for a march against Lineage, leveraging the community’s devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Maria E. Morales, another devoted parishioner, reflected on the power of the community. “Without God, we’re nothing and not going anywhere.” Even in small numbers now, she remains confident they will grow.