A couple walk into the church for Mass at Mission San Miguel as the moon sets over the horizon. The 1818 building was shut down by an earthquake six years ago and has since been undergoing repairs. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Father Larry Gosselin, the friar in charge of Mission San Miguel, prays during Communion at the church, which reopened for services only a couple of months ago. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
A painting at San Miguel Mission is flanked by cracks in the wall. The mission continues to undergo repairs in the wake of the 2003 earthquake. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Father Tom Frost walks into the church at Mission San Miguel. Among work done since the quake: Structural repairs have been made; 500 termite-damaged, water-stained pine ceiling planks have been meticulously taken down, preserved and put back up; and precious murals done by Salinan Indians are slated for restoration. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Father Larry Gosselin greets worshipers after Mass. Mission San Miguel will be celebrating its first Christmas since a magnitude 6.5 earthquake not long before the holiday in 2003. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Worshipers walk to the church at Mission San Miguel. Their numbers dwindled over the years since the 2003 earthquake, as services were held in various other locations. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
A nun walks by a doorway before Mass in the church at Mission San Miguel. “It’s like a rebirth,” said one parishioner. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
