Virgin Mary's Place in the Desert Sun

Each month, crowds gather to be with woman who claims link to the divine
Paloma Esquivel, Los Angeles Times

California City, Kern County --
Even as the early morning chill lingered in this spot of desolate desert most frequented by dune buggies and dirt bikes, the sunlight was fierce, highlighting every shadow and making even the faintest color bright...

...Gaines and nearly 1,000 others assembled recently at a barren site known as Our Lady of the Rock. On the 13th of every month, they say, the Virgin Mary appears and speaks to a woman named Maria Paula Acuna. Crowds have gathered here, about 10 miles north of California City, for nearly 20 years.

Some visitors photograph the sun, saying they see Mary in the images. Some are just curious, some seek miracles, and some say they want to feel closer to God. Each 13th, they create a fleeting community of faith in the desert.