Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts Romance of the Mission benefit gala

Nearly 500 guests attended the Romance of the Mission benefit gala on Sept. 18 at Mission San Juan Capistrano. The event, titled A Legacy of Tradition, honored the Juaneño Band of Indians, Acjachemen Nation.

Mission Preservation Foundation Board Chair George O’Connell presented a special proclamation to the Tribe to reaffirm the Foundation's commitment to preserving the history and contributions of the Juaneño people, the original builders of the Mission.

The annual event coincided with the 250th anniversary of the Mission, the 250th anniversary of the nation, and the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Orange. Mission executive director Mechelle Lawrence Adams said the history of the site is shaped by every person who visits.