A year and a half-long celebration of the 225th anniversary of Mission San Buenaventura concluded March 30 in the streets of downtown Ventura.

There --- on Main Street, one day before the actual anniversary of its founding by Blessed Father Junípero Serra --- parishioners celebrated an anniversary liturgy amidst a wide representation of cultures and languages from the community.

Participants included the Saticoy Native American Turtle Clan, ceremonial music of the Crooked Hat Drummers in a Chumash blessing ceremony and Ballet Folklorico. The diversity reinforced a tradition of welcome at the ninth oldest of California's 21 original missions.

"Our mission is more than a building and more than a church," said parishioner and event co-chair Rick Cole. "As it was for Father Serra, so it is for us. Our mission remains a spiritual home at the heart of our community. Wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are welcome here."

This "mother church" of the region, Cole continued, is "a place where the legacy of our rich native and immigrant cultures comes to life. Our mission is more than a place. It is something inside each of us - and it is our mission to seek the peace of our Lord. Our lives and our world cry out for that peace. As it was for Father Serra, so it is for us, and we remain committed to his mission and his motto: 'Siempre Adelante, Forever Forward!'"

The liturgy, with Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding, was dedicated to the memory of Msgr. Patrick O'Brien, beloved pastor of the parish for 25 years who died in 2005. "If Msgr. O'Brien were here he would be smiling," noted event co-chair Mary Yurichisin, a 40-year parishioner and president of the Guadalupanas. "I love our mission. It is my second home."

John Eggler, a 20-year parishioner, docent trainer and co-chair of the anniversary celebration, said he has quickly become enamored with this parish. "It's a holy place," he said, "and it has a tremendous history especially since it blends the Hispanic and English cultures."

Eggler noted that sometimes homeless people ask if they can go inside the church. "And I say, 'Yes.' We always welcome people here. When I go to Mass I somehow feel that people gathered at the altar are people who have gone on but are still with us. They are around the Eucharistic table and I feel their presence."

In his homily, Cardinal Mahony spoke of the gift of peace, forgiveness and mercy that Jesus extended to his apostles after his resurrection, the same gifts that Father Junípero Serra, the mission's founder, extended to the Native Americans through the sacraments, education in the faith, and food and shelter.

In that vein, Father Jim Anguiano, pastor of Mission San Buenaventura, spoke in Spanish and English as he expressed gratitude for the assistance of so many in the planning and execution of a year of celebration - a celebration that will take the mission into the next era. Or, the words of Father Serra, "Siempre Adelante, Forever Forward!"