Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano |
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(2019)
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Roman Catholic Church |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Minor basilica National shrine |
| Leadership | Rev. Msgr. J. Michael McKiernen, Pastor Rev. Msgr. Arthur Holquin, Pastor Emeritus |
| Year consecrated | 1987 |
| Location | |
| Location | 31522 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California |
| Territory | Diocese of Orange |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | John Bartlett |
| Architectural style | Mission Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1984 |
| Completed | 1986 |
| Specifications | |
| Dome(s) | 1 |
| Dome height (outer) | 85 feet (26 m) |
| Spire(s) | 1 |
| Spire height | 104 feet (32 m) |
| Website | |
| www.missionparish.org | |
The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano is a special Catholic church in San Juan Capistrano, California. It's a "parish," which means it serves a local community of Catholic families. This beautiful church was finished in 1986. Later, it was given two important titles: a "minor basilica" in 2000 and a "national shrine" in 2003.
The church is located near the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. The people of the parish help their community in many ways. For example, they run "Serra's Pantry," which gives food and hygiene items to hundreds of local families. They also have the Mission Basilica School for kids from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade.
Contents
History of the Mission Basilica
The story of the Mission Basilica begins with St. John O'Sullivan. He took charge of the original mission in 1910. At that time, the old buildings were in ruins, and the community was spread out. Father O'Sullivan worked hard to rebuild both the community and the mission buildings.
In 1918, the mission became a full parish church. Services were held in the Serra Chapel. This chapel is the oldest church building still standing in California. It's also the only place where Saint Junipero Serra is known to have celebrated Mass. The mission's first stone church was destroyed in an earthquake in 1812.
Over the years, people tried to fix the old church, but sometimes their efforts caused more damage. Father O'Sullivan wanted to build a new church that looked like the original stone church. However, he passed away in 1933 before he could make his idea happen.
Building a New Church
Years later, in 1976, Father Paul Martin became the new pastor. By this time, many more Catholic families lived in the area. The small Serra Chapel was no longer big enough for everyone. So, Father Martin decided it was time to build a new, larger parish church.
People started raising money for the new church in 1981. They held pledge drives and collected donations from visitors to the mission. The very first Mass in the new building was held on Christmas Day in 1984. However, the construction wasn't fully finished until two years later.
The first official Mass in the completed church was on October 23, 1986. The building was formally dedicated on February 8, 1987, by Cardinal Timothy Manning.
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Design and Art
The Mission Basilica was designed to look like the mission's original stone church from 1806. However, it's not an exact copy. The architect who designed it was John Bartlett. Joseph Byron, Jr. helped build it.
The inside of the church was designed by Norman Neuerberg. He was a historian and also painted much of the beautiful art on the walls.
The Grand Retablo
One of the most amazing parts of the basilica is the Grand Retablo. This is a huge, decorative screen behind the altar. It's about 42-foot-high (13 m) and 30-foot-wide (9.1 m). It weighs 16 tons! The Retablo is carved from cedar wood and covered in shiny gold leaf. Its style reminds people of old Spanish and Mexican art from the 1600s and 1700s.
The main focus of the Retablo is the Trinity. This shows the crucifix, God the Father (looking like an old wise man), and the Holy Spirit (shown as a dove). Below the Trinity is Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Retablo also features four important saints:
- Saint Francis of Assisi: He is the patron saint of the Franciscans, the religious order that founded the mission.
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Junípero Serra: He was the founder of the original mission.
- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: She is important to the Native American people of the area.
The Grand Retablo was created by 84 skilled artists. They made it in many different pieces at a workshop called Talleres de Arte Granda in Madrid, Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Misión Basílica de San Juan Capistrano para niños
