THE HISTORIC GROUNDS OF Mission San Juan Capistrano provided the perfect setting for the annual Romance of the Mission benefit gala. This year’s event, titled “A Legacy of Tradition,” was especially meaningful as the Mission celebrates its 250th anniversary, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of our nation and the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Orange.
MISSION SAN JUAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MECHELLE LAWRENCE ADAMS, HONOREE NATHAN K. BANDA AND MISSION PRESERVATION FOUNDATION PRESIDENT GEORGE O’CONNELL. PHOTO BY LISA RENEE
Nearly 500 guests attended the Sept. 18 event and joined the Mission Preservation Foundation to honor the Juaneño Band of Indians, Acjachemen Nation. The Mission’s executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams reflected on its long and lasting legacy.
“In my mind after working here for so long,” shared Lawrence Adams, “the Mission is far more than Fr. Serra ever envisioned. Its history is shaped by every single person that comes here; whether they walk the path or they’re learning from one of our teachers or docents or they’re studying a book or taking a pause to reflect on the beauty of the place history is transformative; learning about the past can help make us more informed for the future.”
A special proclamation was presented to the Tribe by Mission Preservation Foundation Board Chair George O’Connell. The proclamation reaffirmed the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to promoting, recognizing and preserving the history and contributions of the Juaneño people, the original builders of the Mission. O’Connell thanked the Tribal members in attendance for sharing their heritage and partnership, and “for allowing us to continue to learn from your story.”
Nathan K. Banda, Tribal Chairman of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation, accepted the honor.
“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,” said Banda. “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, Banda’s family has been connected to the parish for more than 11 generations.
The night also featured a concert in the Ruins of The Great Stone Church by Tony Award-winner Sutton Foster, patriotic reenactors and stilt walkers representing President Abraham Lincoln, the Statue of Liberty, and Uncle Sam, and gospel choir Singers of Soul.
STILT WALKERS REPRESENTING UNCLE SAM AND THE STATUE OF LIBERTY GREET ATTENDEES OF THE ROMANCE OF THE MISSION GALA HELD ON SEPT. 18. PHOTO BY PATTY MAHONEY
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 Sept. 17, 2027, contact Mechelle Lawrence Adams at (949) 234-1311. All proceeds are directed to education and preservation programming.