Old Mission Santa Barbara is a community of many parts, but one spirit. The Mission has served as a gathering place and spiritual home for many since its establishment in 1786. Today the Mission operations include a museum, gift shop, cemetery and mausoleum, and several historic gardens, as well as being the home to a […]

  For the final edition of our “Sharing Our Artistic Gift” series, this month features the photography of Giovanni Dominguez, staff member at Mission San Luis Rey and Parish in Oceanside, California. For Giovanni, photography is a way to relax, slow down a bit, and appreciate the scenery around him. See below for a few […]

This is a Catholic retreat and conference center which provides the space, in a beautiful setting, for peace, serenity and reflection. Located between the mountains and the ocean in Malibu, California, the Franciscan Friars continue the ecumenical tradition begun in 1943 for welcoming group and private retreats, as well as workshops. Serra Retreat provides a […]

  This month features the sewing of Maria Cabrera, a volunteer at Old Mission Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, California. For Maria, sewing is a way to be active within the community and serve others.     How did you start sewing? I’m originally from Colombia and my mother owned her own sewing school near […]

The final video in our series by the Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province’s Leadership Team/Definitorium features Fr. Dan and Fr. Joe’s thoughts on St. Clare.

Sr. Dawn Kling, former Army air traffic controller and current Abbess of the Poor Clares in Duncan, British Columbia, shares how the life of the Poor Clare sisters is changing and how she responds with hope and love. For more on the Path of St. Clare, read this reflection by John Aherne OFM, of the Holy […]

Many teenagers have run away from home, but few have run away so they can better follow the gospel. Gwyn Grimes, Executive Director at Mission San Luis Rey, shares her experience of being in Assisi and walking the path Clare took.

Poor Clare Sister, Frances Teresa, provides a glimpse into the attraction people (including a pope!) felt toward St. Clare and her steadfast life of prayer

The fourth video in our series by the Franciscan Friars of St. Barbara Province’s Leadership Team/Definitorium features Fr. Tom and Fr. Anthony’s thoughts on St. Clare.

Donna Foley, Secular Franciscan and former FST employee, shares a brief but telling account on how St. Clare helped a frantic mother.