Traditions

For over thirty years, Mission Basilica School has celebrated the tradition of United Nations Day.  Throughout the month of October, each class studies a country’s culture, geography, people, and traditions.

The month of study culminates at the end of October with a school-wide celebration.  The students arrive in costumes depicting their nation of study and attend the United Nations Day Mass.  The MBS choir sings throughout the Mass and the saints of each country are honored.  The parents provide festive decorations and authentic foods for each class to enjoy at lunchtime.  Directly following the meal, the students come together for the Parade of Nations and entertain the crowd with singing and dancing from the different countries.

CLICK HERE to view photos from UN Day 2022!

First - Eighth Grade Christmas Program
Traditions, which abound at Mission Basilica School, are also a huge part of our annual Christmas Program.  Set on the altar steps of our beautiful Basilica, the Christmas Program takes place on a school evening, in mid-December.  The first through eighth graders participate in singing special songs about the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  The 7th grade has the privilege each year to portray the Nativity of our Lord in a musical setting.  The 8th grade angels help to welcome Baby Jesus with a liturgical dance, complete with the “building of a star!” (If you’ve attended our school, you will know what this means).  Beginning in 2011, all Mission Basilica School Alumni were invited to join the students for a grand finale of “Joy to the World.”  Although the theme and songs change from year to year, the story is always about the birth of God’s greatest miracle, His Son, Jesus Christ!

St. Joseph’s Day celebrates the miracle of the “Swallows Return to Capistrano” on March 19th.  To commemorate the return of these special little birds to our historic walls, the costumed students of Mission Basilica School attend the St. Joseph’s Day Mass in the morning.  Immediately following the Mass, the MBS students, led by the Royal Court, process to the Mission grounds where they perform traditional dances.

The tradition of naming a St. Joseph’s Day Royal Court began in 1953 to represent Spain’s King Carlos and Queen Isabella, who were reigning monarchs in 1769 when the California mission system was founded.  The Royal Court consists of eighth grade students who embody “excellence” on all levels, academically and spiritually.  The crowning ceremony takes place during the conclusion of the St. Joseph’s Day Mass celebration.

CLICK HERE to view photos from St. Joseph's Day 2023!

The tradition of naming a St. Joseph’s Day Royal Court began in 1953 to represent Spain’s King Carlos and Queen Isabella, who were the reigning monarchs in 1769 when the California mission system was founded.

Each year, the Royal Court consists of eighth grade students who embody “excellence” on all levels, academically and spiritually. The crowning ceremony takes place in the morning at the conclusion of our school’s St. Joseph’s Day Mass celebration. The court also represents Mission School each year on our award winning float in the Swallow’s Day Parade.

Each year, students from MBS have the privilege of representing their school while walking in San Juan Capistrano’s Swallows' Day Parade.  It is a truly memorable event where our students, parents, and staff are able to come together outside of our school grounds.

The Swallows Day Parade is usually held on the Saturday after St. Joseph’s Day.  Parents are also welcome to walk in the parade with their child. 

One of the highest honors for an 8th grade student is to be chosen to participate in the crowning of Mary at the school’s annual Marian Mass.  This Mass is held in May, the month traditionally dedicated to the devotion of our Blessed Mother.  She is crowned to symbolize the dignity and beauty God bestowed on her as our heavenly queen and spiritual mother.

Only 8th graders who have exemplary Christian behavior are considered for this honor.