Saint Barbara Parish Celebrates 100 Years at Historic Old Mission Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Echoes of singing voices filled the walls of Old Mission Santa Barbara as Saint Barbara Parish celebrated a centennial milestone.

Rich in history dating back 100 years, Saint Barbara Parish marks this significant anniversary.

“In the last couple of years, I have learned so much about the rich history here," said Majalisa Van Thyne, chair of the Saint Barbara Parish Pastoral Council. "This anniversary of our parish is part of the archdiocese’s and Franciscan history, which gives us much to celebrate.”

A special Mass was led by Bishop Slawomir Szkredka, recognizing January 29, 1925, when Saint Barbara Parish at Old Mission Santa Barbara was officially established under the Los Angeles-San Diego Diocese, a process led by Archbishop John Joseph Cantwell.

“Obstacles are removed when we receive the seed with an open and persevering heart, destined to produce fruit," Bishop Szkredka said during the Mass.

During the Mass, prayers were offered for the local community as well as for oppressed people around the world.

“That would be my prayer for the next hundred years—that as a community, both our faith community here and the city as a whole, we would be people of love, peace, kindness, and mercy, because that’s what the world needs right now," said Dan Thomas, a member of the Saint Barbara Parish Pastoral Council.

When asked what one person’s prayer for the next hundred years might be, the prayer of St. Francis to bring peace was a common answer.

“I would say the prayer of St. Francis—to bring peace and serve the poor and marginalized," said Van Thyne, as tears filled her eyes.

“The Franciscans created an atmosphere of love, mercy, and kindness. That’s what they’re all about—following the way of St. Francis," added Thomas.

The cold and rainy day didn't deter people from filling the mission.