The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano is a Catholic parish. It was opened in 1986 in a Mission Revival architecture and the footprint, albeit larger, was modeled after the Great Stone Church ruins in the adjacent Mission San Juan Capistrano. The centerpiece of the Basilica is the magnificent gold-leafed Retablo, installed behind the altar in 2007. The Retablo was crafted in Spain and is designed in the baroque style that flourished in the 17th century. Statues on the Retablo are from upper left – St Junipero Serra: upper right – Blessed Kateri Tekawitha; lower left – St. Joseph; and lower right is St. Francis of Assisi. “The Grand Retablo”, a book by Rev. William Krekelberg that describes every detail of the Retablo and other find adornments in the Basilica is available in the Mission Book store.

The paintings or motifs on the interior walls were designed and painted by the artist, Dr. Norman Neuerburg over an 18 month period. Dr. Neuerburg was a historical consultant to many of the missions as well as the Getty Museum in Pacific Palisades.

It is worth your while to see the Basilica, its motifs, and the Retablo when you visit San Juan Capistrano.