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Friars’ centennial celebration begins

By Raiza Canelon/Staff Writer

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Father Gerald Barron carries the Our Lady of Angels statue into the Old Mission Santa Inez church during the Saturday evening Mass. //Ian Gonzaga/Staff

Carried by the Rev. Gerald Barron, a statue of Our Lady of Angels, Mother of Vocations, entered the sanctuary at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang on Saturday.

The statue’s arrival marks the start of events this year that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the presence of Capuchin Franciscan Friars in California and other western states.

The mission’s pastor carried the statue during a procession at the opening of Saturday evening’s Mass and placed it near the altar. After about a month on display at the mission, the statue will travel to San Lorenzo Seminary on the outskirts of Santa Ynez before returning to the mission permanently in May.

The Capuchin Franciscans intend to highlight vocations — the need for men to become Roman Catholic brothers and priests — during their celebratory year, which also will include a special Mass at the mission in April.

“Being a priest is one of the nicest vocations a man can have. They have to be ready for it and want to accept the lifestyle. I hope we get more like Father Gerald,” said Catherine Mulholland of Solvang.

Barron and Father Peter Banks, the mission’s vocational director, were both born and raised in Ireland, although in different parts of the country. They both said that religion was a heavy influence in their lives before they joined the Capuchins, and it was an honor to become a priest.

“I wanted to make a difference in the world and I continue to tell people to search for meaning in their lives, whether it be religious or not,” Banks said.

Barron said the theme of vocations will continue throughout the year, including at the mission’s annual fiesta in August.

For more information on Old Mission Santa Ines, log onto www.missionsantaines.org. For information on the Franciscan Capuchins, go to www.olacapuchins.org.