Ever wonder about the meaning behind the name La Purisima? It refers to the Immaculate Conception. This means the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from Original Sin from her conception. She was in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. December 8th is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. La Purisima is its patroness. The Church declared the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception a holy day.
Welcome to La Purisima Roman Catholic Church in Los Angeles. The faith community of La Purisima welcomes you.
La Purisima’s story began in 1924. It started as a mission parish. Mr. Remedios Mares donated land on Center Street. A frame building was then erected. This was the beginning of La Purisima Mission. The seating capacity was about 80. In 1927, more property was purchased on Center Street. The original building was moved. An additional room was added to seat about 200 people. Fr. Jose Origel took over spiritual care. He was a priest with Our Lady of Guadalupe in Santa Ana. He celebrated mass each Sunday from 1927 to 1957.
In October 1957, the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity arrived. They became the new spiritual care-takers of La Purisima. Many residents recall the first “Fiestas” beginning in 1958. The Missionaries brought a wonderful sense of community. The aerospace industry brought new residents. The parish flourished as a bi-lingual community. This included English and Spanish speakers.
The early missionary priests began groups and organizations. These included the Holy Name Society and Altar Society. Chi Rho and Lumen Christi were also formed. The Sisters of St. Joseph taught religious education classes. The Sisters of the Company of Mary opened the School in 1964.
In 1872, Stephen and Robert McPherson bought eighty acres. They extended Chapman Avenue. Two other land developers acquired a large area of land. They extended Chapman Avenue eastward. They then parceled out land and sold it for farming. The land of La Purisima Parish is within this tract.
Orange became a thriving farming community. Farmers began planting orange groves. A railroad was constructed in 1887. It connected Orange to Modena. The railroad opened in January 1888. The fare between the towns was five cents.
In 1962, the old church was built on Hewes Street. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles gave La Purisima Parish status on May 8, 1964. Pope Paul VI established the Diocese of Orange on June 18, 1976. The Trinity Missionaries continued to serve La Purisima. The Vietnamese people immigrated. They became a vital part of the La Purisima community. In 1983, the Trinity Missionaries left.
The Claretian Missionaries arrived. They cared for the people of La Purisima. There was a large population growth of Mexican individuals. Many settled in La Purisima Parish. Housing development brought in more parishioners. The people of La Purisima worked together. They had a tri-lingual liturgy. Parishioners saw a need to enlarge the old church.
In late 1999, permission was granted for a larger church. Bishop Tod Brown wanted seating for at least 1,200 people. A 3-year capital campaign began in the year 2000. It was named “The Jubilee Project.” La Purisima parishioners promised to raise $3 million. They also pledged another $1 million in fundraising revenue.
July 1, 2002, brought a new chapter. The Claretians were reassigned. Diocesan priests took over pastoral care. Fr. Christopher Heath became the new pastor. Fr. Anh Nguyen and Fr. Ismael Silva became parochial vicars. On June 4, 2005, the new 1,200-seat church was dedicated. It was dedicated by Bishop Tod Brown.
La Purisima is thankful for the Trinity Missionaries and the Claretian Missionaries. La Purisima parishioners became stewards of their parish. As we approach the 100-year anniversary in 2024, we reflect on the past, present, and future.
Mass times here are Saturday at 8:00 am and Sunday at 8:00 am. Weekday masses are Monday through Friday at 8:00 am. La Purisima is a Eucharistic family. It welcomes all. It serves others in the spirit of the Gospel. La Purisima is a joyous, united family of faith. It celebrates diversity. It is committed to spiritual growth.
Remember La Purisima as a place of faith and community. It is a beacon of hope. It welcomes all who seek spiritual nourishment.