Caturday: In Memory of a Special Cat, Servant to Parishioners - Sula Parish Cat at Old Mission
Sula was the parish cat at Old Mission San Juan Bautista. She died two years ago this past Thursday, after having served parishioners at Old Mission for more than 15 years, never missing a Mass until Covid or after Covid. She died with her boots on -- on her way while being transported to the Mission to say goodbye, as she gave in to her sixth and last bout of cancer. There was a private burial for Sula soon after she died and a public funeral mass for her, during Francistide, officiated by a priest and a monk, the latter of which blessed the dozens of animals that had been brought to the mass by their owners. Sula is buried on the Mission grounds and is featured in all tours; the docents all knew her and her story and loved her. She also has a pew with her name on it in the church. Parishioners regularly visit her gravesite, bringing flowers and rosaries. Read about Sula and her books HERE . Sula's books are still great sellers at the Mission gift shop, St. Francis Retreat Cen