Los Angeles Archbishop Gomez leads La Misa del Presidente for Old Spanish Days

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – In the most religious moment for the 99th Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara, a special mass took place at the Old Mission with Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez.

It took place the morning after Fiesta Pequeña drew about 5,000 top the mission for the kick off Wednesday night.

The back to back events are part of the missions role as an important piece of Old Spanish Days with its place of community spirit and gatherings.

Archbishop Gomez spoke in his sermon about St. Barbara, her goodness and happiness. He also spoke to those attending about the unique bondings he sees in Santa Barbara when he visits and the mix of cultures coming together in love and peace.

About 250 attended the mass in a full church.

The processional was marked by a female mariachi band, the Spirit of Fiesta Jack Harwood and Junior Spirit Olivia Nelson along with El Presidente David Bolton.

Afterwards there was a special reception in the courtyard interior of the mission with light foods and more music.

(More details, video and photos will be added here later today.)

For more from John, follow him on Twitter below: