By Miriam Raftery

September 29, 2018 (Santa Ysabel) – Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego presided over a mass on September 16, 2018, commemorating the bicentennial celebration of the Santa Ysabel Asistencia. The ceremony was held at the outdoor site of the historical Santa Ysabel Indian Mission,  recently discovered through excavation work.

Parishioners gathered for the outdoor religious ceremony, with music provided by St. Stephen’s, Valley Center.

After the service, the Bishop gave an episcopcal blessing to the restored “Our Lady of Visitation” shrine, at “Ellykwanan” (the Native American name for the Santa Ysabel area) honoring Mary, mother of Christ.