Our Lady of Guadalupe took center stage as the mother of all people at Holy Spirit Church in Los Angeles Dec. 12.

Each of the parish's Sunday Masses commemorated the Blessed Mother beginning with the overflowing crowd at the 5 a.m. "Las Maņanitas" Mass. Although the tradition of honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe began in Mexico, this early morning liturgy included parishioners from its three main ethnic groups --- Latinos, Filipinos and African Americans.

"The camaraderie of the Hispanic community in celebrating Mary is fabulous," said Linda Watts, an African-American parishioner who was honored during the Mass for her service to the parish. Others honored with the Juan Diego Award for exemplary service were Norlin and Leslie Rubio and Greg Domingo.

Near the altar, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was adorned with mutli-colored rose and flower arrangements. At the 11:30 Mass, the multi-ethnic gospel choir performed heartfelt songs in front of the image. A statue outside was similarly adorned with flowers while parishioners enjoyed a day-long multi-cultural fiesta.

Traditionally it is believed this indigenous image of Mary with the sash around her waist means that she is pregnant. Our Lady of Guadalupe is the only image of the Blessed Mother appearing as pregnant, said Father Paul Sustayta, pastor. Juan Diego, he added, would have felt the presence of Christ upon seeing her.

The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the celebration of the love of a mother for her Christ child and Mary's love for all of humanity in its many cultural and ethnic expressions, he said.

"She is the bridge builder of her children," said Father Sustayta. "And we pray that she will intercede for us as we build bridges."

Temi Johnson, said that as an African-American woman, she had learned to appreciate the Virgin Mary's contribution to humanity by learning about Our Lady of Guadalupe. "She's become something to me. I can look up to her," said Johnson.

For Filipinos, familiarity with Our Lady of Guadalupe goes back to the Philippines where some 400 years of Spanish rule included being introduced to the indigenous Mary. Filipinos celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe and "Guadalupe" is a popular girl's name, said Domingo.

Guadalupe Toscano, whose family comes from Mexico, said she had long appreciated the miracles her family had witnessed through Our Lady of Guadalupe's intercessions. She recounted times when family members had been healed of major illnesses following prayers to Mary.

In the parish, she added, Our Lady of Guadalupe helps to unite parishioners. "We all love our Mother," she said.

Lizet Reyes, a parishioners and mother of two, said she's learned from Mary what it means to have courage and faith. "She inspires me to keep going and reminds me to keep my mind on Jesus," said Reyes. Because of a job transfer, the family will soon be moving to Bakersfield.

Reyes, of Mexican heritage, and her husband, Craig Lark, of black and white heritages, said they will miss this parish community that warmly welcomes each person.

"Here faith is based on a whole bunch of throwing together --- black, white, Latino and Filipino," said Lark, a gospel choir member.

The easy camaraderie, evident throughout the day-long fiesta, is the result of years of work and prayer, said parishioners. Johnson acknowledged there was a time when it was hard for the different communities to even be in the same room together.

But parishioners and pastors persisted in learning about each other's cultures, traditions, foods, fears and hopes.

Relationships have now spilled out from the parish and into each other's homes. For example, Johnson said she appreciated being invited by Filipino parishioners to celebrate their birthdays and baptisms.

Domingo quipped that Filipinos are popular because of their hospitality and hearty cooking.

Mixing together is becoming the norm at Holy Spirit. It leads to interesting and delightful new experiences, said parishioners.

Take Kyle Mosqueda, a 16-year-old Filipino native who plays the saxophone with the gospel choir. "It's not something you see every day," he beamed. "I'm proud of that."

Leola Williams said Father Sustayta was helping parishioners become more culturally aware. He teaches free Spanish and English classes twice a week. "Mucho gusto!" said the African-American choir member and nursing student through a burst of laughter.

Williams added she wanted to serve Latino patients by learning Spanish, "and I like challenges," she added.

A new challenge will be integrating four cultures into the parish, observed Father Sustayta. An Anglo community is growing as families search out more affordable housing in this Pico Park area of Mid-City Los Angeles.

Damian Hanlon, a single father to two children, said he's new to the area. Hanlon said he is pleased his four-year-old boy gets to be a part of this welcoming community.

"The people are incredibly friendly," he said. "This is a great path I was led to."