Originally published at Orange County Catholic
A SICKLY PRIEST FROM Kentucky, a little gray songbird and St. Joseph saved the once-crumbling Mission San Juan Capistrano, one of Orange County’s most revered historical landmarks. More than a century later, the Mission still celebrates how God can work miracles even through His most humble creatures.
OFFICIAL BELL RINGERS MICHAEL GASTELUM, RIGHT, AND NATHAN BANDA, MEMBERS OF THE ACJACHEMEN PEOPLE, RING THE HISTORIC BELLS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH AND THE SWALLOWS’ RETURN DURING ST. JOSEPH DAY AND RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS FESTIVAL ON MARCH 19. PHOTOS BY JEFF ANTENORE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
In July 1910, Fr. John O’Sullivan made his last stop on a long trek through the Southwest to find a place to minister in a climate conducive to someone with Tuberculosis, a deadly respiratory disease. As a last resort, he was told to go to the Mission San Juan Capistrano, which was so decrepit that it was not even considered a parish. But he pitched his tent and began rebuilding the ruins.
MISSION BASILICA SCHOOL 8TH GRADERS MUKAELA CLERKIN, LEFT, AND JOCELYN WOOD, SHOW OFF THEIR ELABORATE DRESSES BEFORE PERFORMING WITH THEIR CLASSMATES DURING THE ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH’S DAY AND RETURN OF THE SWALLOWS FESTIVAL.
