<p>In 2009, the <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/american-festivals/">American Festivals Project</a> traveled to <a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/california-guide/">California</a>’s Mojave Desert for a ceremony at Our Lady of the Rock, where a religious gathering has taken place on the 13th day of each month since 1989. Followers from California and Nevada congregate at the site for a rosary service hosted by Maria Paula Acuna, who claims the Virgin Mary first appeared to her while she prayed at a Los Angeles canyon for the health of one of her children.</p> <p>Here, a follower holds a rosary before the arrival of Acuna, who claims to regularly see the Virgin Mary and began hosting worship services at the desert site after Mary led her there.</p> <p>Read more about Our Lady of the Rock on the <a href="http://americanfestivalsproject.net">American Festivals Project blog</a>.</p>