Father John Moneypenny of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Santa Ana leads the Blessing of the Streets march. The annual event, which began 18 years ago, is a show of resolve against gang violence. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Ariana Torres, left, Francisca Nino, right, and others stopped at altars along the march route. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Parishioners file back into St. Joseph’s Catholic Church after the procession. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
Father John Moneypenny prays during the Palm Sunday event. He said the deep recession has left many young men idle, raising fears of a reprise of deadly gang rivalries. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
