The Running Of The Saints
A tradition on the rebound here in The States?
Helmet tip to Former Altar Boy

From St. Anne's Catholic Church (TLM only) in San Diego, California. My hometown!

On Sunday July 25 2010 about 60 men of the parish "ran with the saints" as the high point for the parish's two day fiesta in honor of Saint Anne. There were two biers, one for St. Michael and one for Saint Anne. They weighed 400 and 350 pounds respectively. Eight men carried the bier itself while others on the team jogged nearby ready for their turn.

Irving Street, which the church fronts, was closed for one half of a mile to Caesar Chavez Boulevard. The men carried the biers from the church to Caesar Chavez Boulevard and back for a round trip of one mile.

The purpose of the exercise is to make a public statement of devotion to the saints. The Running of the Saints is like a tradition parade-like procession, but with a greater element of public devotion and penance.

The music being played during the video is a recording of the parish choir during Mass.

One last thing: it was NOT a race.