In one of last year’s violently powerful Southern California’s wind storms, the gusts ripped dangerously loose part of the stainless steel  backing of the ten-foot cross atop the church’s 85 foot bell tower. The large piece was not completely detached but jutted out precariously at a right angel from the cross itself and presented a potential hazard to those who might be passing below.

The Montebello Fire Department, alerted of the danger, surveyed the damage from the ground, but regretfully was unable to offer a remedy since none of their extension ladders   was long enough to reach the tower.

The parish accordingly called in a private company which had the proper equipment, and, after an afternoon’s work, supervised by a host of curious onlookers and passers-by, the experienced workmen had completely undone the damage wrought by the storm’s fury.   The members of the three-man crew claimed to be devout Catholics and asked for a blessing before undertaking their somewhat dangerous task.

Fr. James McGuire, OAR