The Black Madonna traveled to Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Wilmington, CA which is a historic church and one of the first established in Los Angeles in 1865. During the Jubilee year 2000 it was recognized as a Pilgrimage Church and Historic Faith Center. To this church the Black Madonna arrived on August 14 and was received enthusiastically.
Pedro Diaz Ruben was the organizer for this church and is an active organizer of pro-life events. The Black Madonna was processed into the church, venerated, and followed by a Mass that Fr. West concelebrated. Fr. West also preached the homily and the Mass was followed by more veneration of the Black Madonna as the number of people had swelled who attended the Mass.
After Mass the Black Madonna was processed and reposed in Sts. Peter and Paul Adoration Chapel for the night where others who wished to continue praying with the icon had the opportunity to remain as long as they liked. The next day a Mass was celebrated with the Black Madonna on the Feast of the Assumption at 8:00 am which was a special gift celebrated at this historic church. Fr. West said that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the preeminent example of one who hears the word of God and puts it into practice and that she always points to Jesus, her divine son.