Meet the Friars of Old Mission Santa Inés

Not far from San Lorenzo Seminary and Prayer Center, is one of the original California Missions, Mission Santa Ines. Now staffed by the Capuchin Friars, it is often a favorite place for professions and ordinations.

 

 

History of the friars at Old Mission Santa Inés

Not long after their arrival in Watts, the friars were asked to take on another commitment in the Los Angeles diocese. They were offered charge of the Old Mission Santa Ines, located in Solvang, northwest of Los Angeles and near Santa Barbara. This church is l9th of the 21 missions founded by Junipero Serra and the Spanish Franciscans. Dedicated in 1804 by Esteban Tapis, the hidden gem of the missions had been abandoned for many years until it was administered by Fr. Alexander Buckler. The mission was located in Solvang, a town populated mostly by Danes. There were, however, many Catholics in the Santa Ynez Valley who were cared for from the mission. In 1924 there was an opportunity for the mission to again be staffed by brown-robed pardres.

After settling legal matters with the bishop and the Franciscans of Santa Barbara, the Capuchins officially accepted the mission. The Tidings, official Catholic paper for Los Angeles, announced the news on November 15, 1924, and later described the arrival of the friars.

"On November 20, Fr. Joseph and Fr. Albert drove to Santa Ynez (sic) old mission in Solvang. A large group of parishioners met them and rang all the bells in the mission tower as a token of their joy at the coming of the friars."

On November 23 the formal function of installation took place. Bro. Joseph preached on the history of the mission and its people. It was a joyous day for all concerned.

The first Capuchin pastor of the old mission was Albert Bibby, assisted by Reginald O'Hanlon and Colmcille Cregan. Albert, a hero in Ireland, had come to California for his health. He was not long at his new charge, however, when he became seriously ill and had to be taken to St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara. He patiently bore his illness, but, despite some progress, he died on February 14, 1925. He was the first Capuchin to be buried in the mission cemetery. His remains were exhumed and returned to Ireland for burial at the Capuchin cemetery in Rochestown.

Bro. Albert was succeeded by Bros. Stephen Murtagh and Casimir Butler. In 1929 Reginald O’Hanlon took over as pastor of the mission. He was very close to the people. Of his departure from there a local paper said that "during his stay Fr. Reginald has endeared himself to all...he is a man of God and a true son of the seraphic Francis."

Mission was a very good place of ministry for the friars. Besides being a parish with a widely-scattered flock, Santa Ines was also a historic treasure which had to be cared for. The friars constantly busied themselves in an effort to restore the mission to its past beauty, sometimes obscured by modern 'improvements. In 1947 it was discovered that the Mission had originally had a second story which had been damaged in an earthquake and then covered over. Bro. Cyprian O’Leary, then pastor, decided to restore the second story to provide the parish with more living quarters and office space. He did much of the work himself, and in the process of restoration discovered many treasures of the old Mission.

Parochial matters were not the only duties that took up the friars time. Because it was a historic building, the Mission Santa Ines attracted tourists. In the early days these were few, for the Mission is somewhat off the beaten track. At that time visitors were given a personal tour by whichever friar was available, often Bro. Alexius Paolucci, who was stationed there for many years. The situation changed, however, when nearby Solvang was 'discovered.' The town had been founded by Danes, who had tried to preserve as much of their culture and architecture as possible. When this quaint setting was discovered by the people of Los Angeles, the quiet Santa Ynez Valley became a bit more noisy. As the tourist trade increased, Bro. Irenaeus (Timothy) O'Sullivan, who came to Santa Ines in 1951, realized that personal tours were an impossibility. He therefore set up a museum and a tour of the mission, guided by a set of recordings which automatically 'followed' tourists through Santa Ines.

As the parish grew, the friars also looked to the needs of the local people. In 1957 Timothy O'Sullivan established a school of religion for the Valley. He built a convent and brought in sisters who taught C.C.D. not only locally but in neighboring parishes as well. The people of the Valley were grateful to their Capuchin brothers and the work they did.

 
  Updated: September 9, 2010