The marchers came on foot, with dogs on leashes, elders in wheelchairs and babies on shoulders --- more than 1,300 of them, not a bad turnout. Especially on a Labor Day when they could have been sleeping in, heading for the beach, or otherwise taking it easy.

But not this Labor Day. Starting at St. Benedict Church in Montebello, these men, women and children from many faiths gathered to walk their city streets --- a "Walk of Faith," sponsored by four local churches --- as a response to the recent violence in the community.

At St. Benedict, they were welcomed by Augustinian Father Joseph Gallardo, pastor and one of the main organizers for the walk. He was spurred on, he explained, by a recent funeral he was asked to arrange.

"It was a young boy and the mother wanted the funeral on Christmas," he said with a heavy sigh. "She didn't want to admit that this was related to gang violence, but we later discovered that it was. We certainly have had our share of burying our young people way too early. But this request seemed particularly emotional."

Realizing that violence was a "city-wide problem," Father Gallardo met with local officials and organizers who contacted neighboring churches to see how everyone could unite for a common cause. With Montebello's city council and police department on board, organizers quickly set into motion the details of the 2 ½ mile walk around Montebello.

The churches that finally ended up participating in the walk included the Catholic parishes of St. Benedict and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, plus Montebello Four Square Church and Praise Chapel of Montebello.

"The bottom line is that we are a city of faith and we are expressing ourselves as that while we walk," says councilwomen Kathy Salazar who added that the hope is to make the walk an annual event.

Boy Scout troops, confirmation groups, parishioners and citizens gathered early in the morning inside St. Benedict's to hear clergy stress the importance of the local community addressing the needs of families whose lives are touched by violence.

"We are on a pilgrimage today, we will see holy places and we will join in prayer," announced Father Gallardo. "We ask God to bless our city and our efforts."

After singing "How Great Thou Art," marchers proceeded out into the overcast day; some in silent prayer, others with rosaries in hand. Cars honked horns, curious homeowners peeked out windows and two women waiting at a bus bench, leaned over and remarked, "How many more of you are there?"

Indeed, the peaceful line of walkers followed a path throughout the city that included busy commercial streets and quiet residential homes. Bottled water was supplied at participating churches and marchers got a "halftime break" at City Hall for an ecumenical prayer service.

There, children did cartwheels on the grass and walkers got to stretch their legs. L.A. County probation officer and Lion's Club member Frank Berumen said he came out to walk because "I want to see the other side of what I've been dealing with for 27 years. I think all the different faiths here today is inspiring."

Socorro Lopez convinced her daughter Anna Marie to join her on the walk, even though she did it from her wheelchair. "It was that important for my mom to do it, and her doctor said she could be here," said Anna Marie.

Likewise, the Garcia family of Montebello saw the walk as a family-friendly event. "We want to support ways to stop the violence," said 19-year-old Jacqueline who was with her mom and 8-year-old sister Bianca, a student at St. Benedict.

The prayer service featured reflective moments, a group recitation of a decade of the rosary, a sign of peace and thunderous prayers from Pastor Mario Moreno of Praise Chapel and Pastor Andy Couch from Four Square Church.

Finally, the walkers headed back to St. Benedict where they enjoyed a BBQ lunch and entertainment from local choirs and Christian musical groups. "We want to enjoy ourselves with our neighbors and thank everyone for their support," said Father Gallardo. "This is one problem that we need to work on together, as a family. It doesn't stop here."