Pulling into the parking lot at Saint Lawrence

  On Saturday, December 10th, at 10:00 AM, two huge articulated trucks, full of love, rolled into Watts from American Martyrs Parish in Manhattan Beach. This has been a sister parish to Saint Lawrence since 1974.

 They bore gifts for 250 families. Young men, who are seeking Gods will in their lives, joined the local Saint Lawrence teenagers in unloading the trucks and setting all the gifts in their appropriate space. One could feel the atmosphere of love, of joy and of community.

 At 1:00 PM, the families began to arrive to receive their gifts. One little girl exclaimed, "This feels like heaven."  Indeed, Heaven was created for many families by the generosity of our brothers and sisters from American Martyrs. We all felt, "oh, if all year could be like this?"  But, for this day, this Christmas, grinding poverty was replaced by exultant joy. "Where there is love, God is."

God was so present on this beautiful sunny day in the heart of Watts. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.

On this bright day the gentle breeze, mixed with the bright sun,
filled Watts with a sense of hope! 

Look at these beautiful new bikes!!	They seem to be saying, "Aren't people so wonderful and kind."			A smiling Avel (who is looking into our order) carries a bag of love.
So much love packed into this truck!?
A Joyful sight in the middle of Watts!! The light of Jesus shines in the face of ALL.			All lined up and ready to go.
Our beautiful mural over looks the new bikes!			From left, Avel, Victor, Nicholas, Doug, Matt & John. One day, we hope soon, some of them will be wearing Capuchin Franciscan habits.
A parking lot full of LOVE			Father Matt, Our Provincial (director) listens to the stories of those, like St. Francis, saying "Lord Tell Me What To Do"
Father Matt, Ron, Peter & Br. Nemesio join possible future friars.

 Last updated December 16, 2011