Fittingly, it was three Chumash Indian women --- whose ancestors welcomed the Spanish missionary friars to the Santa Ynez Valley two centuries ago --- who symbolically welcomed Cardinal Roger Mahony, Santa Barbara Region Auxiliary Bishop Thomas Curry, dignitaries and fellow parishioners to their spiritual home Sept. 19.

The ceremony at the closed doors of Mission Santa Inés, on a bright late summer afternoon, was followed by a blessing and sprinkling with holy water. Finally, the church doors were opened and the Liturgy of Thanksgiving for the 200th anniversary of the founding of Old Mission Santa Inés began.

Throughout the liturgy prayers for the Dedication of a Church were used, and interwoven into the gifts procession was the history of the Old Mission. Using themes from the day's Scripture readings, Cardinal Mahony spoke of the values necessary to be a good and faithful disciple, and how the world today, more than ever, needs trustworthInéss and faithfulness.

"Fidelity is something we must work at day after day," said the cardinal. The Scriptures "continually call us back to faithfulness." For 200 years those who have come to Mission Santa Inés "have been called to this faithfulness" --- from the early Chumash to the present. It is a continuing call that everyone must answer.

During the gifts procession, Chumash women Luisa Salas, Rosa Pace and Bea Marcoe carried water from the Santa Ynez River and an early baptismal bowl dating from the beginning of the 1800s --- symbols of the faithfulness of the Chumash people. Symbols of the works of the old mission, a branding iron, a painting done by an early Chumash Indian, an early baptismal register, and a monstrance from the late 1800s were carried in procession. Jesuit Father Bob Fabing, accompanied by family members, carried the monstrance in honor of their grandmother, Evelyn Hanley Fabing, the mission's first sacristan.

A photograph of Father Alexander Buckler (pastor, 1904-24), the priest who baptized Luisa Salas, was carried to the altar. A portrait of Father Albert Bibby, the mission's first Capuchin pastor, was carried by Capuchin Father Robert Barbato, previous pastor; he was preceded by Joe Dickerson, an Irish bagpiper who played in honor of the Irish community of Capuchins who have served the parish since 1924. Items from the Old Mission Museum were processed as were symbols of the mission today: a parish cookbook, Roman Missal, a pyx used for taking Eucharist to the sick.

Today Mission Santa Inés counts close to 2,000 families in its registry, and its ministries reflect the parish's many needs: Men's and Women's Clubs, the Youth Group and parish outreach programs, including the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Parishioners credit the influence of the Capuchin priests and brothers with the spirit of giving and generosity that pervades the parish.

A parishioner since 1978, Sharon Kelly describes Mission Santa Inés as "a special place. It's warm, friendly and an extension of the family --- a combination of the people, the location, and the atmosphere of the parish." The Capuchin spirit "is very much alive," she added. "And one thing you hear most from people is that the Capuchins are very welcoming and non judgmental. They are very good at making all feel welcome. They are very aware of the needs of the people --- very accessible."

Hospitality and generosity enveloped the weekend's anniversary activities, the result of many hours of volunteer labor. "The Mission here is not just for the Catholic," said Kelly. "It's the heart of the whole valley."

Parish archivist Sheila Benedict, involved in much of the planning of the celebration, called her fellow parishioners "very giving people and a very spiritual group. We do great things here."

Since parishioners come from all over the Santa Ynez Valley, Mission Santa Inés Parish is comprised of families that have spanned generations as well as newcomers. Nadine and Paul Melancon, parishioners for the last eight years, serve as Eucharistic ministers and take Communion to the sick. The couple have experienced Mission Santa Inés as "a faith-filled community that feels like a family --- it's more than just 'hello' and 'good bye,'" said Nadine.

At the end of Sunday's celebration Capuchin Father Michael Mahoney, pastor, called the anniversary "an expression of love and faith which so typifies our community here at Mission Santa Inés --- a beautiful expression of the community."