New curator for California mission a descendant of American Indians

Published: 2004-02-10

SAN FRANCISCO (CNS) -- Mission San Francisco de Asis, fondly called Mission Dolores, has made history: the responsibilities of curator have passed from a Franciscan brother to a descendant of American Indians. Andrew Galvan, who succeeded Brother Guire Cleary Jan. 24 as curator, is the first person of American Indian heritage to hold the position at any of the 21 California missions. San Francisco Auxiliary Bishop John C. Wester and Father William Justice, pastor of Mission Dolores Basilica, presided at the ceremony called "La Paz Y Bien Day in San Francisco." The sixth oldest of California's missions was overflowing with well-wishers and history enthusiasts. "It's a dream come true," said Galvan, whose mission roots reach as far back as 1801 when his ancestor, Liberato, an Ohlone man, was baptized in the mission at age 14. "He was the 2,322nd baptism," he said.

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