Established in 1776 by Father Junipero Serra, OFM, Mission San Juan Capistrano is known as the "Jewel of the Mission."

In the year 2000, His Holiness, John Paul II named this special place of pilgrimage a Minor Basilica. In recognition of its unique place in California history and in light of the blessings received by thousands of  pilgrims each year, Mission Basilica was named a National Shrine by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.

We welcome you to this holy place and greet you with the welcoming presence of Christ who calls each of us to His life-giving Eucharistic table.