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Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
DONE Newsletters 2007
March 8, 2007
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To:
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Neighborhood
Council Leaders |
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From:
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Lisa Sarno, Interim General Manager
....Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) |
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E-mail:
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done@lacity.org |
Re:
Blessing of the Animals 2007
77th ANNUAL
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
ON OLVERA STREET
Cardinal Roger M. Mahony
To Preside Over Traditional Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Kopczynski
El Pueblo Historical Monument
Tel: (213) 485-8225 |
LOS ANGELES – The Olvera Street Merchants present the annual Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, April 7, 2007. The event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at El Pueblo Historical Monument, with a procession on Olvera Street commencing at 2:00 p.m. and blessing to immediately follow. Musical entertainment is free to enjoy throughout the afternoon and non-profit animal organizations will be available to provide general information to the public. In addition, there will be a petting zoo complete with camels, llamas, cows and other animals.
The centuries-old ceremony of Blessing of the Animals dates back to the fourth century when San Antonio de Abad was recognized as the Patron Saint of the Animal Kingdom. In those days, the people would take their animals to the priest to receive a blessing and ask for fertility and health. Today, Blessing of the Animals is held in grateful recognition of the tremendous services given to the human race by animals.
This colorful celebration has delighted visitors to Olvera Street for generations. Over the years many animals have been blessed - from cats and dogs to more exotic pets such as snakes and iguanas. A cow covered with a blanket of flowers will lead the elaborate afternoon procession down Olvera Street because it is the animal which provides the most to humanity. After the procession, Cardinal Roger M. Mahony will individually bless all pets; however, you do not need a pet to enjoy this beautiful event.
Olvera Street is part of El Pueblo Historical Monument and is located between Main and Alameda Streets in downtown Los Angeles. Public parking is available at nearby lots on Main, Los Angeles and Alameda Streets. Public transportation is also available via the Metrolink, MTA rail and bus service to Union Station. For more information on the Blessing of the Animals please call (213) 625-7074 or (213) 485-8372. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Lisa Sarno, Interim General Manager
done@lacity.org
Department of Neighborhood Empowerment
334-B E. 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
866 / LA HELPS
213 / 485-1360
213 / 485-4608 fax
done@mailbox.lacity.org
email
www.lacityneighborhoods.com
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