Mission to Present Inaugural Day of the Dead Remembrance Ceremony on February 6
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., January 26, 2009 – Mission San Juan Capistrano will present its first-ever Day of the Dead Remembrance ceremony on Friday, February 6, beginning at 7:30 a.m. The inaugural event honors the ancestors of the community of San Juan Capistrano, especially those with ties to the founding of the Mission. Among those specially honored will be the 42 whose lives were lost in the collapse of the Great Stone Church in an earthquake in 1812. Members of the Juaneno Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, whose ancestors built the Mission, are especially encouraged to attend.
Fr. Arthur Holquin, the Mission’s pastor, explained, “We established this event as a way to build positive relationships with members of the community, particularly among the Native American community.”
The day will begin at 7:30 a.m. with the burning of sage by members of the Juaneno community. A press conference and community greeting will begin at 8:30 a.m., which will include remarks by Fr. Holquin. At the conclusion of the press conference, the historic Mission bells will be rung in memory of those who died in the 1812 earthquake as their names are read. A reception will follow the ceremony.
Participants are asked to RSVP to Megan Caughey, mcaughey@missionsjc.com. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating preference will be given to dignitaries and the handicapped.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The Mission operations are funded by gate admissions – preservation work is funded by grants and fundraising efforts. To reach the Mission, take I-5 to the Ortega Highway exit to San Juan Capistrano. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children ages 3-11, and under 3 free. Price includes self-guided, digital audio tour for adults and seniors. Information: (949) 234-1300. Mission address: 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. Website: www.missionsjc.com.
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