The Claretians and seminary alumni will celebrate the founding of Dominguez Seminary with a special Centenary Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Members of the pioneering Dominguez Family gave 17 acres and historic rancho family adobe to the Claretians in 1924. Dominguez was the Claretians’ first seminary in the United States, forerunner to St. Jude’s, Claretville, ClaretKnoll, and even the adjacent Del Amo Seminary. The Claretians had come to Los Angeles in 1907 and ministered to members of the Dominguez family, prominent Catholics and civic leaders. Their rancho was the first Spanish land grant in California, a gift from the King of Spain to a retiring solider who had accompanied Fr. Serra in creating the missions. The land grant, known as Rancho San Pedro, encompassed the southwestern corner of Los Angeles County, some 75,000 acres.

Seminary classes immediately began in the family adobe with the adjacent two-story seminary building built in 1927. The property has served as major seminary, minor seminary and novitiate over the years. In the 40s, Del Amo was built to the west. In the ‘90s, the purpose changed to serve as the retirement center for the Claretians USA.

While alumni have gathered for reunions at Dominguez for more than 40 years, the August Centenary Reunion will be a special celebration. Mass in the Chapel will start the day. A short presentation by the Dominguez Rancho Museum will follow. Lucille’s BBQ will be grilling a special meal on-site and fellowship will follow at the Upper Garden. Attendees will be entertained by a live band featuring Songs of the 50s and ‘60s. Maybe even a hootenanny! Winners for the Dominguez Seminary Alumni Raffle will be drawn in the afternoon.

Sponsorships opportunities are available, ranging from $5,000 to sponsor the BBQ meal to $100 to sponsor a Claretian participation for the day. The reunion registration packet and tickets for the Alumni Raffle will be mailed soon. Dominguez/Del Amo Reunion Classes of ’63, ‘64, ’65, ‘66, and ’67 will be celebrating their 60th anniversaries. Graduates from all Claretian seminaries are welcome and are encouraged to join in.

Alumni interested in helping the Claretian Alumni Association with its dual mission — supporting alumni fellowship and aiding retired Claretians — are invited to join the Alumni Council. The 20-person group serves as the governing board of the Association. Meetings are monthly and are held on Zoom, allowing participation from throughout the nation. If interested in learning more, contact John Crowe ’64 at [email protected]