Community Resistance in Boyle Heights Amid Environmental Challenges

Candles flickered, rosaries were held tightly, and N-95 masks were distributed as about 50 people gathered in front of Resurrection Church in Boyle Heights. Determined to confront yet another challenge, the community came together on Wednesday evening to pray and take action for the Eastside.

For over a century, the 103-year-old Catholic parish has served as a beacon for residents facing injustices in the historic heart of Latino Los Angeles. Recently, the Lineage warehouse fire erupted a mile away, leaving a stench of decomposing food lingering around the church daily.

“We pray because we have suffered for a century due to environmental racism,” Sofia Quinones proclaimed at the podium during the vigil. As she spoke, attendees wore T-shirts with an illustration of Boyle Heights portrayed as a phoenix rising from the warehouse’s ashes. A voice from an LAPD helicopter interrupted, ordering a shooting suspect to surrender. Quinones continued, “We ask that you open the hearts and mind of the powerful. We ask you, Lord, to help us.”

The group recited prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer and a Hail Mary, before marching from the church entrance to a school multipurpose room for a plática on the Lineage fire. They sang a song based on Psalm 118, expressing joy and seeking the Lord’s guidance.

Resurrection Church is renowned in Southern California for its activism. Its community has withstood challenges akin to tales from the Bible — urban development threats, environmental hazards, gang violence, gentrification, pandemic impacts, immigration raids. Now, it faces the aftermath of a devastating warehouse fire that has disrupted daily life.

“It’s kinda crazy what this parish has gone through,” commented Father Jorge Moncada. “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.”

Father Moncada, new to Resurrection, is learning from Monsignor John Moretta, affectionately known as Padre Juan. In the dining room before the vigil, Moretta reflected on his parish’s enduring struggles since he arrived in 1983. He characterized ongoing issues as relentless, continuing despite past victories.

“Sin never stops,” Moretta stated, emphasizing the recurring challenges faced by the parish. His hope remains steadfast despite difficulties.

Resurrection’s history parallels modern Latino political movements in Los Angeles. The Mothers of East Los Angeles emerged from its pews, combatting plans for toxic waste sites and advocating for community well-being. Political figures frequently sought Moretta’s counsel and support for their causes.

Former Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo recalled a 2016 community forum at Resurrection addressing the government’s inadequate response to the Exide battery plant closure. She noted the parish’s proximity to unincorporated East Los Angeles as contributing to its activist spirit.

At 10 years past the usual retirement age, Moretta remains active in his calling. “But you gotta get your hands dirty out there,” he quipped, emphasizing hands-on involvement.

Moncada expressed a priestly commitment to serving in representation of Christ. “And if our people are in need, that’s what we should do — because that’s what Jesus would have done.”

Both priests joined the vigil but missed the town hall led by Alma Marquez, founder of Protect LA Now. A longtime Resurrection campaign participant, Marquez is deeply engaged in community advocacy against the Lineage fire’s impact.

Marquez commented, “I’m holding space for people’s pain, but also we’re able to hold on to the hope that our faith gives us.”

Marquez and her daughter have not returned home since the fire. Her personal and public battles rekindled her religious faith. During the town hall session, attendees addressed health concerns, organized collaboratively, and expressed unity despite diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

As Cynthia Rios from Our Lady of Victory Parish vowed to organize a march against Lineage, she highlighted the devotional community’s power to mobilize for justice as they have done for religious events.

Maria E. Morales, active in protest actions, noted ongoing community awakening efforts. “We have awakened so many people, but there’s so many more people to awaken.”

Morales emphasized growth potential as she stood in the now-empty room, the church choir practicing nearby. “It’s small now, but I guarantee: we’ll grow.”