Santo Toribio Romo Gonzalez statue comes to LA

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (KABC) -- The faithful are flocking to a sacred statue of Santo Toribio Romo Gonzalez in Hawthorne. The statue, which was flown here from Mexico, represents a Catholic saint who many believe watches over immigrants, and it's drawing large crowds. The saint was killed during a religious uprising.

They are drawn by their faith and firm belief that Santo Toribio Romo Gonzalez brings miracles.

"It's all about faith ... We have this saint especially for immigrants," said Carson resident Yvette Flores. "It's all about faith."

"Luz y una esperanza, aliento -- it represents the immigrants, and it represents light and hope for us," said Carson resident Edwin Magana.

The fragile wooden statue of the Catholic saint believed to watch over immigrants is drawing big crowds during his first visit to Los Angeles. He's making stops at churches across three counties before returning to his tiny town in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

"It has been reported by more than one person that at different times he's appeared to people trying to get to this country, to the States. And he has helped them in different ways," said Father Gustavo Castillo, St. Joseph Catholic Church.

"It's pretty cool. I know the saint helped a lot of people who come from Mexico over here. He helped them," said Hawthorne resident Tasha Reed.

Whether visitors whisper their prayers or express their gratitude, they all touch his chest, where a bone from Gonzalez's ankle is kept behind a piece of glass. It's the closest many will come to seeing this treasured saint.

"I believe that he's a really big intercessor for all the people, they believe in him. He's not the one that makes the miracles, God (does) -- but he is a big intercessor for all the people that believe in him," said Hawthorne resident Maria Davalos.

The saint will finish his tour of Southern California with a big celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels on July 20.