Yosfina Menjivar welcomed everyone to the 250th Fiesta held on September 4th on the Mission grounds.  This year we are having a Mini-Celebration because of the Pandemic. We have changed the format to include a Golden Court in our event.

Michelle Luna, a member of the Royal Courts also welcomed the guests to this very special day.

She introduced the Golden Court members: Princess Mary Cammarano, Queen Lupe Ramirez and Princess Sybil Brown.

She explained that these three women were nominated and voted on by members of the parish for their services to the Mission Church.

Queen Phyliss Battaglia, Princess Jenny Moreno and Princess Abigail Platon from other Royal Courts crowned the new Royal Court and presented them with their royal sash and flowers.

Princess Mary Cammarano said she was honored to be part of this celebration. Her family has attended the San Gabriel Mission Church for the last 55 years after their moved from New York.  The parish welcomed them with opened arms. Thank you. We are all family. She thanked everyone for helping with the Fiesta.

Queen Lupe Ramirez said she is humbled and very blessed. She thanked all of the current and previous workers for the successful Fiestas. She thanked everyone for being here. God bless you!

Princess Sybil Brown thanked everyone for this honor. God bless you!

Members of the Knights of Columbus, Mission San Gabriel Council 3517 were honored to participate in the 250th Fiesta.

San Gabriel Councilmember Jason Pu, Councilmember Denise Menchaca and Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined in the celebration.

Father Gabriel Ruiz, Father John Molyneux and Father Gerald Kumar were on hand to Blessed the 250th Fiesta.

Father John said the Fiesta has been going on for 250 years. They are the new guys. They are very happy to serve the San Gabriel Mission. This has been a difficult time for us. We are a resultant people. We have suffered the death of members with the virus and the death of the Mission Church.

He thanked God for the 250th celebration of the Mission. We celebrate our past and moved forward to our future.

We thank God to be able to resurrect the Church.

Father Gerald prayed to God in Vietnamese.

Father Gabriel prayed to God in Spanish.

Algis Marciuska introduced Fiesta Executive Director Xavier Vargas to the audience and thanked him for his service. He also introduced the Elected Officials.

Senator Susan Rubio who was a 4th grade teacher before she ran for the State Senate.  She always had her students visit the Mission. She thanked everyone for keeping the Mission going. It represents the pride of the San Gabriel Valley.  250 years represents a mile stone.

She presented a Proclamation to Father John Molyneux, Father Gabriel Ruiz, Father Gerald Kumar and Fiesta Executive Director Xavier Vargas in honor of this Special Fiesta.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger who thanked all for being here. She stated the she saw the fire burning the Mission while she was on her daily walk. She is happy we are rebuilding the Mission that has been here for 250 years. It will still be here in another 250 years.

She presented a Proclamation to Father John Molyneux, Father Gabriel Ruiz, Father Gerald Kumar and Fiesta Executive Director Xavier Vargas in honor of this Special Fiesta.

San Gabriel Mayor Chin Ho Liao, Vice Mayor Tony Ding, Councilmember Denise Menchaca and

Councilmember Jason Pu presented a Proclamation to Father John Molyneux, Father Gabriel Ruiz, Father Gerald Kumar and Fiesta Executive Director Xavier Vargas in honor of this Special Fiesta.

Mayor Chin Ho Liao read the whole proclamation to the audience. He said the City Council is very happy to have the San Gabriel Mission in our city.

State Senator Susan Rubio and Supervisor Kathryn Barger enjoyed the event.

The Royal Court posed for pictures with family and friends.

A DJ played Rock and Roll music to the enjoyment of all of the guests.

The Mini Celebration also included a Beer and Wine Garden, International Food Booths, Information Booths, Bingo Games and Carnival Games for the children.

Hopefully the 251st Fiesta at the San Gabriel Mission will be a three-day weekend event in 2022.