The Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) hosted a powerful candlelight vigil on July 25, shining a light on the fears and challenges faced by immigrant communities. Over 70 community members, local officials, and religious leaders gathered on the steps of Fullerton City Hall, united in a spirit of solidarity and hope.
Among the notable attendees were Assembly Member Sharon Quirk Silva, former Fullerton Mayor Jesus Silva, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles, Council Member Dr. Ahmad Zahra, Fullerton School District board member Vanessa Estrella, Fullerton Police Officer Lieutenant Pulido and Father Dennis Kriz, alongside Jay Williams from OC United.
Lieutenant Pulido speaking in Spanish assured the community that the job of the police is to make the community safe. The police department is there for every community member in their time of emergency.
The vigil aimed to foster community connection amidst the challenges of othering experienced by many immigrants in recent weeks. OCCCO, a multi-faith, faith-based organization, empowers individuals and congregations to advocate for positive change within low-income communities of color.
As candles illuminated the night, participants embraced a collective call for unity and support, reflecting the resilience and strength of our communities in challenging times.
Please remember if you see ICE report it to the OC Rapid Response Network at (714) 881-1558. They are connected to the ACLU and help get loved ones the help they need.
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Categories: Community Voices, Local Events, Local News
Thanks Fullerton Observer! IMHO attendance was “a bit higher” than the FO reported 😉 (though some of our own people laughed at my “estimate”, that I was looking at the crowd “with a Pastor’s eyes” 😉).
Also it was a true community / group effort: Lifelong Fullerton resident Blandy Morales of OCCCO was the event’s chief organizer.
Neither I, nor Jay actually had speaking roles. That was happily distributed across the community:
The opening prayer was led by Fr. Steve Correz, Pastor at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Speakers included:
Deacon Isidro Sesmas decades long parishioner at St. Philip Benizi, who began serving only a few months ago at St. Joseph’s in Placentia,
Gaby Garcia organizer for OC United in Southwest Fullerton,
Autumn Overton of CLUE representing the Jewish Community.
Representing the Muslim Community was a young speaker of Bosnian descent.
Music was provided by:
Jose Luis Mesa of St. Philip Benizi,
Ellios Chung of One Life City
And one of the youth ministers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Speakers also included Officer Pollido of Fullerton PD speaking in Spanish, as well as representatives of City, County and State government. (We happily had more elected than we could deal with … a good sign though of the care of our local elected officials are taking with regard to this matter).
Closing prayer was given by Deacon Tom Saenz of St. Juliana Parish and the head of the Diaconate Program for the R.C. Diocese of Orange.
A lot of the leg work behind the scenes work was done by:
Volunteers and staff at OCCCO,
Jason Philips of Sojourners,
Rev. Jennifer Garcia of 1st Lutheran Church of Fullerton,
Debbie and Harry Langenbacher (Universalist and Unitarian Congregation of Fullerton),
and Elizabeth Martinez (St. Mary’s) and Enedina Clements (St. Juliana’s) of the Tri-Parish Collaborative.
Again it was truly a group effort.
And hopefully showing the depth of commitment within the community to support our immigrant community. Thanks.