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Our Lady of the Rock
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
In 2009, the American Festivals Project traveled to California’s Mojave Desert for a ceremony at Our Lady of the Rock, where a religious gathering has taken place on the 13th day of each month since 1989. Followers from California and Nevada congregate at the site for a rosary service hosted by Maria Paula Acuna, who claims the Virgin Mary first appeared to her while she prayed at a Los Angeles canyon for the health of one of her children.
Here, a follower holds a rosary before the arrival of Acuna, who claims to regularly see the Virgin Mary and began hosting worship services at the desert site after Mary led her there.
Read more about Our Lady of the Rock on the American Festivals Project blog.
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Our Lady Founder
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Maria Paula Acuna (center, with sunglasses), founder of the site now called Our Lady of the Rock, is not a recognized nun in the Catholic Church
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Our Lady Cross
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
The location of Our Lady of the Rock is roughly ten miles (16 kilometers) from California City and only accessible by car. At the site, a giant white cross towers over parked vehicles.
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Followers
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Many followers at Our Lady of the Rock believe the Virgin Mary reveals herself in photographs when the camera is pointed at the sun. Taking pictures of the sky is a common activity during worship.
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Saintly Photo
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A follower believes that St. Francis, patron saint of animals, is revealed in this photograph of the sky.
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Our Lady Procession
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Maria Paula Acuna and her followers carry a statue of the Virgin Mary in a procession around the worship structure. A small church stands a hundred yards (90 meters) away.
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Prayer at Altar
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
At the end of the service, followers pray at an altar devoted to the Virgin Mary. Workers who built at the site claimed in interviews that they had been witness to numerous miracles and now believe it to be a holy site watched over by the Virgin Mary.
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Healing Touch
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Some followers travel long distances to be touched by Maria Paula Acuna, who is believed to channel healing powers from the Virgin Mary.
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Welcome Sign
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A sign welcomes Spanish-speaking visitors to the site.
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Seeking the Virgin Mary
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
A woman takes a photograph of the sky in the hopes of seeing a sign of the Virgin Mary’s presence.
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Service in the Sun
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
When the 13th day of the month falls during the week, Our Lady of the Rock attracts a modest crowd. On a weekend, the Mass may increase from hundreds to thousands, and the celebration includes parades and music.
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