This is an old postcard photo of the life-sized Nativity, that for many years, graced our Old Mission San Juan Capistrano during the Christmas Season — sadly, it’s no more. It was a Nativity scene that once drew pilgrims from all over. Many historical families will remember this Nativity display! It definitely brings back many fond and happy memories of a once much simpler Old Mission San Juan Capistrano. Real clothing attire was lovingly and carefully hand-made for this unique Old Mission Nativity by Mariruth Nieblas, Carmen Oyharzabal, and “Butchie” Porter.
The shed for the nativity was carefully put together by men who were born and raised in San Juan Capistrano. Some of these old-time San Juan Capistrano men were: Frank Velasquez, Rafael Guiterrez, Tony Salas, Paul “Mocho” Arbiso, Jesus Bravo Sr., Chapo Valenzuela, and Mike Gastelum. The men would annually build the shed, carefully trim and cut the palms that were throughout the mission grounds, and use the branches to create the backing and top of the shed. Then the local ranchers would bring in straw to fill the nativity scene. Enjoy!
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wishing all of our historical families, friends, and supporters a very happy holiday season as we enter into Christmas and a New Year! May the joy of this season fill your hearts with laughter, and love, and bring you peace.
The 12th Annual Mass of Remembrance was a huge success!
Thank you to all those who volunteered, donated, and participated to make this such a memorable day. I was pleased to see the over 230 people that were in attendance this year to honor those who have gone before us, our treasured ancestors, families, and friends. We also enjoyed visiting the over 200 families, loved ones, and friends who gathered with us for our annual reception at The Blas Aguilar Adobe.
Thank you to all those that came out prior to this special day, and took care of the grave sites of your loved ones, friends, and family. Those little touches of respect and love made this day such a beautiful one. I know that all the generations of loved ones buried on this sacred site gathered with us that day and celebrated with us the gift of their lives.
Celebrating Use of the New City Seal
The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee is thrilled to see the City of San Juan Capistrano fully using the new approved, supported, and fully endorsed city seal. The seal was designed by Kimberleigh Gavin and was approved by so many of our historic families.
Mission Statement
“With integrity, the Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee proudly recognizes, respects and honors ALL the historical elements of San Juan Capistrano – its lands, its structures, its families, and its traditions.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12th is the great Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She has been declared the Patroness of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange. However, long before there was even the thought of a Diocese, we the historical native families of Old Mission San Juan Capistrano were already venerating and paying homage to this great Lady we lovingly called our “Mother”.
The early Old Mission founding Franciscan Friars brought an early image of her to our Mission and our people. They taught us everything about this Holy Woman and from that a deep respect and reverence for her developed. For many generations, Our Lady of Guadalupe was honored each year with a procession and sung Solemn High Mass. Rita Lobo would carry the large banner of our “Mother” in the procession. When Rita could no longer do that, the tradition and responsibility were carried on by Viviana Ricardes-Oliveras, Rosa Aguilar, and Ventura Yorba Garcia Nieblas. Her image was carried in every Holy Day religious procession that occurred at the Old Mission. The local historical women also formed a spiritual group called the “Guadalupanas”. These women were strong Catholics who always came to the assistance, in prayer and deed, of our beloved Old Mission, Priests, Sisters, and local community when needed. This went on for many years and for many generations. They never asked for anything in return.
Thank you to our early Old Mission founding Franciscan Friars for bringing this great “Lady” into our lives. Many of our historical families still have her image in a noticeable place of honor in our homes. To Her, we loving forever say “Mi Casa es Su Casa.”
Donate Today
Join us as we strive to make a difference in San Juan Capistrano by donating today.
We Care
Your donations help us to continue our good work in our community as we preserve what is important.
We Preserve
We strive to preserve the structures, land, and traditions that make up San Juan Capistrano for generations to come.
We Honor
We honor the historical elements that make up our community along with its families, structures, lands, and traditions.
Thank you for helping us make a difference.
Please mail your donations to:
Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee (A Non-Profit Organization)
P.O. Box 1293
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693
Tax ID#35-2419216
Articles – We are making a difference every day
Watch Indigenous Land Stewardship on PBS as they give perspective and voices from Indigenous from CA
Enjoy! This “Tending Nature” special features multiple perspectives and voices from Indigenous communities across California who are striving to keep the practices of their heritage alive. From coming-of-age rituals to seasonal food harvests, basket weaving, and...
Jerry and Gigi Nieblas Invited to Speak at Vanguard University
Jerry and Gigi Nieblas were honored to be invited to be speakers in front of a student group recognizing Native American Heritage Month on November 9, 2022. Sharing our rich history with these young adults was their pleasure and honor. Vanguard University is a top...
Junipero Serra’s Legacy: Indigenous Descendants, Southern California Community Members Reflect on Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Founder
To read the article in full and review all of the images, please read this article on The Capistrano Dispatch website:...
San Juan Capistrano Council Selects New City Seal Design
By Capo Dispatch On September 7, 2022 SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM The article you’re about to read is from our reporters doing their important work — investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational...
Letter to the Editor – CHAC’s full support of the new City Seal
Good morning, Collin: A little bit long — but this is something so long overdue and something uniquely outstanding for our community! *Finally, some great news this week, and hope we’ll soon be reading more about it in the Capistrano Dispatch. The majority of our City...
Photo Gallery
Let this picture begin your journey of historically rich San Juan Capistrano…
View our Board Members in action
We are always working for the historic families of San Juan Capistrano.
View Historical Images
These images make up who we are as a people, celebrating our families, our heritage, and our traditions.
Our Ancestors
Those who have gone before us and have prepared the way for us to keep doing what we do.
Who We Are
We are the chosen! In each family, there is one who seems called to find the ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and make them alive again, to tell the family story, and to feel that somehow they know and approve. Doing Geneology is not a cold gathering of facts, but instead, breathing life into all who have gone before. We are the storytellers of the tribe.
This statement, by an anonymous person, describes the very being of Jerry Nieblas, Historian of the Old Mission and San Juan Capistrano.
So Many Memories and Contributions, Yet So Little Recognition
The Capistrano Historical Alliance Committee wishes to remember and honor the pre-Mission, Native American, early Californio, and very early European settlers who lovingly dedicated and sacrificed most of their lives to the building, survival, and care of our Old Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The Mission stands today as a constant deep reminder, a tribute to those who gave so humbly of themselves, never asking for recognition or anything in return. Because of their devotion and love of our Mother Catholic Church and beloved Old Mission, it rests on an indestructible foundation.
We proudly and humbly honor:
~ Vaya Con Dios, y que su viaje sea feliz! ~
Go with God, and may your journey be happy!
Your descendants remain here, our historical bloodlines unbroken, in this, our great and historical San Juan Capistrano community. We thank you with our deepest love and respect for all your years of difficult, selfless, dedicated devotion to our Old Mission San Juan Capistrano. We are proud to be members of these families.