Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features permanent exhibits with original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits. Orange County’s only Mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, The Ruins of the Great Stone Church and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing and promotes faith, education, preservation and cultural event programming. Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junípero Serra as the seventh of twenty-one California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance. Learn more.

Conveniently located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, close to the freeway and airport and walking distance from the train depot.

Press Releases

September 23, 2026
Mission San Juan Capistrano Proclaims Appreciation and Commitment to Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation During 250th Anniversary Gala

San Juan Capistrano, Calif. (September, 2026) – The Mission San Juan Capistrano marked 250 years at its annual Romance of the Mission gala held on the historic Mission grounds on September 18. The coveted black-tie affair, “A Legacy of Tradition,” drew nearly five hundred guests joining the Mission Preservation Foundation to honor the Juaneño Band of Indians, Acjachemen Nation.

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening occurred when a one-of-a-kind proclamation was presented to the Tribe by Mission Preservation Foundation Board Chair George O’Connell. The proclamation stated the Foundation’s continuing promise to promote, recognize, and preserve the history and contributions of the Juaneño people, the original builders of the Mission. O’Connell thanked the Tribal members in attendance for their heritage, partnership, and “for allowing us to continue to learn from your story.”

Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams stated, “This evening’s recognition reflects more than two decades of listening, learning, friendship, and having a shared commitment to ensuring that the contributions and history of the very people who built the Mission are recognized daily.” She noted that the moment joins the Remember the Builders education program, the annual Day of Remembrance, and a first of its kind Native American history audio tour to premier later this year. “I am particularly proud of our relationship sustained by mutual respect, admiration, and dialogue.”

Nathan K Banda, Tribal Chairman of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, accepted the honor by saying, “Long before the United States came into existence, our people had our own nation, our own communities, our own governance, and our own way of life. We are blessed today to still have lineal descendants of that nation—people whose ancestors survived earthquakes, epidemics, and generations of hardship. Tonight, I cannot help but think about the hands of my ancestors who helped build this very place…still standing 250 years later.”

As the Mission Bell Ringer for the past 15 years, his family has been connected to the parish for more than 11 generations. He recognized Mechelle Lawrence Adams for over two decades of hard work, dedication, and commitment in bringing the Tribal Nation’s voice to the forefront, saying “I am incredibly proud to not only call you “mi buen amiga,” but your work has helped create opportunities for our history, our people, and our voice to be recognized and respected. On behalf of our Tribal Nation, our Tribal elders, our Tribal members, and especially our youth, I accept this honor with tremendous gratitude.”

The public’s response to the recognition was overwhelming as attendees cheered and following a long applause in appreciation of the moment.

The awards program was followed by a concert by the renown Tony Award-winning actor and singer Sutton Foster in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (circa 1796). Foster performed renditions of The Nearness of You, Singing in the Rain, and When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano while a backdrop of an incredible digital images designed by Brite Ideas was projected onto the walls of the historic Ruins.

In celebration of the Mission’s 250^th birthday, live musical performances were presented throughout the Mission in addition to a vintage photo booth and patriotic reenactors and stilt walkers representing President Abraham Lincoln, the Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam. The award-winning gospel choir Singers of Soul kicked off the evening program with Higher Love, God Bless America, and Go Tell it on the Mountain.

Mission bell ringer Michael Gastelum rang the historic Mission Bells as guests made their way to the Central Courtyard for an exquisite candlelit dinner curated by Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Chef Adrián Hernandez and served by the hotel team led by General Manager and Mission Preservation Foundation Board Member Matt Harrison. Reverend Monsignor J. Michael McKiernan offered the dinner blessing.

Leadership gifts for the gala were underwritten by The O’Connell Family Foundation, The Moiso Family, Jon E. Cobain Trust, Winston’s Crown Jewelers, Kelly and Justin Alvarez, The Alvarez Firm, Brite Ideas, Laurie and Darren O. Aitken, Bette and Wylie A. Aitken, EJ and Michael Farrell, Dame Connie and Dr. Peter Spenuzza, Chris and Bill Griffith and Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Wine pairings for the evening were provided by Kyle and Sylvia Franson of Rancho Capistrano Winery and Chris A. Lobo of Native Hands Winery.

Highlighting the gala’s opportunity drawing was a $35K, 14K White Gold Burmese Ruby Heart Diamond Tennis necklace gifted by Winston’s Crown Jewelers; a Discovery Cube Foundation VIP Birthday Party Package and a Stay and Play Package at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Napa Valley and Hyatt Regency San Francisco provided by Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc. and Terri and Doug Pasquale. Other items were an outdoor speaker system donated by the Sonance Foundation; a Stay and Play package at Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano; a six-night stay in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico donated by Gabriel Serrato-Buelna and Byron Rabin; an Ultimate Weekend Drive with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric bus donated by Capistrano VW Mazda; and an 18K yellow and white gold bracelet gifted by Karen Thorp and Richard Goul.

For a complete listing of gala supporters or for more information about Mission San Juan Capistrano, visit MissionSJC.com. To support next year’s gala on September 17, 2027, contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311. All proceeds are directed to education and preservation programming.

About Mission San Juan Capistrano
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that features exhibits, five-language audio tour, festivals and public programming. As Orange County’s only mission, the site is home to Serra Chapel, the Ruins of The Great Stone Church (circa 1796) and original padres’ quarters.

Founded on November 1, 1776, by Saint Junipero Serra as the seventh of 21 California missions established by Spain, Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and receives no church or state funding. The Mission Preservation Foundation, comprised of business and community leaders, is its fundraising entity committed to ensuring education, preservation and its long-term historic and religious significance.

Media Contact

For media inquiries, including a press kit, press photos or media trip requests, please contact:
Kristin Bolda, Marketing Brand Director
kbolda@missionsjc.com
(949) 234-1313
For general photography bookings, please book here.

If you are an influencer and are interested in attending an influencer event, please contact:
Kristin Bolda, Marketing Brand Director
kbolda@missionsjc.com
(949) 234-1313

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Press Releases

September 23, 2026
Mission San Juan Capistrano Proclaims Appreciation and Commitment to Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation During 250th Anniversary Gala

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Artifact of the Month: Books written about the Mission Chinigchinich, Capistrano Nights and Little Chapters

Día de los Muertos Altar

Artifact of the Month: Acjachemen Baskets (early 1900s)

Día de los Muertos Altar

Artifact of the Month: Acjachemen Baskets (early 1900s)

Press

Press Releases

September 23, 2026Mission San Juan Capistrano Proclaims Appreciation and Commitment to Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation During 250th Anniversary Gala

Archives

Media Contact

September 23, 2026
Mission San Juan Capistrano Proclaims Appreciation and Commitment to Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation During 250th Anniversary Gala