What is a Columbarium?
A columbarium is a cemetery wall with niches for placing the cremated remains of loved ones.

Why have we built a columbarium at San Gabriel Mission?
Many people feel very close to San Gabriel Mission and would like to have their final resting place here in the Mission.  However, burial space is no longer available in the Cemetery.  A columbarium is a way of granting the wishes of many who want to come home to San Gabriel Mission.

Does the Church allow Catholics to be cremated?
It’s been over twenty years since the Church removed restrictions on cremations, as long as the mortal remains are treated with proper dignity and respect.

How large are the niches?
Each niche is 10” by 10” by 10” and is big enough to hold two urns that fit within the dimensions listed above.

What is the cost of a niche?
The cost per niche is $2,530.  This cost is through the first quarter, 2010.  On April 1, 2010 the cost will go up by at least 5%.  The cost per niche will continue to go up yearly until it sells out.

What does the cost include?
The cost will include:
1.    Opening and closing the niche for the placement of one or two urns.
2.    Etching an inscription of up to 70 letters (23 Chinese characters) on the niche covering stone.
3.    Placing one or two urns (the remains of one or two people) in the niche.  The cost is the same whether one urn is placed in the niche or two.

May photos be included on the niche stone cover?
Yes, photos can be engraved at an additional cost.

May niches be purchased and then sold to a third party?
Once a niche has been purchased, it can be used only by the family that owns it.  It can be sold only to San Gabriel Mission at the original purchase cost.

Will we be able to visit the niche of our loved ones regularly?
Yes, the Mission Cemetery is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and visitors are welcome.  Matching benches have now been installed.

Is the Columbarium only for Catholics?
The person or family who purchases the niche must be Catholic, and at least one of the people whose remains are placed in the niche must be Catholic.

Will there be a dedicated section?
At evenly spaced intervals, there will be seven tile murals depicting the Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Anthony Mary Claret, Saint Dominic, Vietnamese Martyrs San Lorenzo Ruiz.

How do I purchase a niche?
By contacting Business Manager, Al Sanchez on (626) 457-7291.