Local Clergy Leaders March and Pray for Pasadena, New Year

“We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response from faith leaders in our community to join together once again,” said Pastor Mayra Macedo-Nolan, as she welcomed nearly 100 clergy from Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley to a packed Rose Room at Tournament House, for the second Annual “Faith Leaders Unite” prayer event, to usher in the new year.

The prayer meeting was moved indoors as a steady rain fell outside dampening plans for an outdoor lawn event.

Echoing the 2023 Rose Parade theme, Pastor Macedo-Nolan continued, “Turning the corner into another year, we believe it is our privilege and responsibility to go ahead of this community in prayer over the land, the people, the events, the needs, and our highest hopes for a more safe, just, and prosperous Pasadena.”

The second annual prayer event was formed through a collaboration last year between local clergy, elected officials and Tournament of Roses leaders. The Clergy Community Coalition (CCC) and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA), who represent over 250 local faith communities, sponsored this year’s event.

Incorporating a theme of local, regional, state and global prayer, the gathering opened with a “Land Welcome” by leaders of the Gabrielino (Tongva) Band of Mission Indians and prayers by several local clergy, including the exuberant Pastor Kerwin Manning of Pasadena church, who charmed the gathering with his gentle humor before leading the half-mile march, bullhorn in hand.

“Each new year,” added State Assemblymember Chris Holden, “the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game usher in an opportunity for the world to celebrate together; new hopes and great expectations for peace and goodwill.

“Starting the year in prayer and gratitude across the different faiths,” he continued, “demonstrates our unity and belief that even a global pandemic would not deter our community celebration from marching on.”

Adding to the gathering of voices, Maranatha Head of School, John Rouse,” said, “Although we are internationally known for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, which happens once a year, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses prides itself in celebrating the diverse cultures, values, and beliefs of our outstanding community on parade day and beyond.”

2023 Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Amy Wainscott, who also took part in the march under a colorful oversized Rose Parade umbrella, told the group, “Through the 2nd Annual Faith Leaders Unite Prayer Event, the community has an opportunity for a fresh start, turning the corner together with hope and celebration to unlock the unlimited potential this new year.”

Following the prayer meeting, the group then assembled in front of Tournament House in a steady rain, and escorted by Pasadena Police, walked, with prayers and puddles, north to the Rose Parade’s “TV Corner”—Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards—where they gathered once again for additional prayers.