Old Mission San Juan Capistrano Postcard

An old mounted postcard — view of the once Old Mission San Juan Capistrano Visitor’s “Front Entrance”. It was definitely an Early California Spanish Mission “grand entrance” that attracted and welcomed the many Old Mission visitors and parishioners alike. It was a place where our old historical families would gather for many local special ceremonies and occasions. I’m sure you all share many good memories connected with this once “grand entrance” — which was at one time the heart and soul of old San Juan Capistrano!

The 12^th 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.

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 was 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.”

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.

We proudly and humbly honor: