Welcome from Father Robert Barbato, OFM Cap. the pastor of Mission Santa Inés Parish. Our goal is to deepen your spiritual life in the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church in the spirit of our founders, St. Francis of Assisi and Sr. Ida Peterfy.
With a storied history dating back to 1804, the Capuchin Franciscan Friars have shepherded the Catholic community in the valley since 1924. As a vibrant parish of both English and Hispanic communities, I invite you to explore the many liturgical and apostolic opportunities that Old Mission Santa Ines has to offer you and your family.
We have about 1400 families registered in the parish and many thousands of visitors come through each year. We have a historical museum and also a parish hall, classrooms, and meeting rooms for our many parish groups and activities. We have many different groups active in the parish. Our Saint Vincent de Paul Society local conference is active in our outreach to those in need, both from the valley and those passing through.
A Brief History
Mission Santa Inés is the nineteenth of the 21 California missions. It was founded on September 17, 1804 by Fr. Esteban Tapis, OFM, to serve the Chumash people of the Santa Ynez Valley. It has continued to serve the many different people of this valley, including those from Mexico, Denmark and many other lands who have settled here over the years. The mission is both a parish and a historic monument and serves the city of Solvang and the towns of Santa Ynez, Buellton, Los Olivos and Ballard.
The Capuchin Franciscans were invited to take the pastoral care of the Mission Santa Inés in 1924. We have served as pastors and brothers to the people, praying with them, celebrating the sacraments, and sharing the faith. The friars also have continued restoration work on the Mission, which became a National Historic Landmark in 1999. Our friary is on the second floor of the convento building.
Because of the generosity of the parishioners, San Lorenzo Novitiate was founded near the mission in 1962 and continues to serve all the Capuchin provinces in the United States, Canada, and Australia as a novitiate.
Together in Mission
The Sisters of the Society Devoted to the Sacred Heart minister with us at the Mission.
We receive no government funds for upkeep of our historic buildings, and so donations are very welcome and necessary to continue our “mission.” Donations may be made in person, by mail, or online at our website (missionsantaines.org).
In November 2024, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the coming of the Capuchins to the Mission. Stay tuned for updates, fun facts and events at Mission Santa Inés!
– Father Robert Barbato, OFM CAP
