The Sodality of Garcia Diego

The Sodality is a group of "young adult" Catholics in the Santa Barbara area. They come together for prayer, for companionship, and for mutual edification in the Faith. They seek to be different from many young adult groups by placing a greater emphasis on tradition and history.  They get together periodically for social gatherings (often at Harry's Plaza Cafe, a local restaurant whose walls are covered in historical photographs of Santa Barbara), for monthly sodality Masses, and for day trips.  Young adults can request to join their mailing list to receive announcements about planned events.

The Origin of the Sodality Name
 A sodality is a group of lay Catholics who gather in what may be called a union of prayer. Sodalities were quite common in the United States as Catholic youth movements in the first half of the twentieth century.  Bishop Francisco Garcia Diego y Moreno (1785-1846), after whom a local high school is named, was the first bishop of the Diocese of the Two Californias in the early 19th century. The seat of this bishopric was in Santa Barbara.

The Sodality Patroness
The Sodality places itself under the patronage of Nuestra Señora Refugio de Pecadores (Our Lady, Refuge of Sinners). Painting by Michael Aberle.

Explore the Sodality's blog here