Church of the Holy Family in Malibu, Catholic church in Agoura Hills, California.
The Church of the Holy Family is a Catholic chapel behind guarded gates on Mulholland Highway near Malibu, California, featuring a tall crucifix on its main altar. The building serves a small congregation of about 70 members and operates with support from the A.P. Reilly Foundation.
The chapel was founded in 2003 and deliberately maintains Catholic practices from before the Second Vatican Council held between 1962 and 1965. This traditional approach represents a conscious choice to preserve earlier liturgical forms.
Services here follow Latin traditions with priests facing the altar and women wearing head coverings during worship. These practices reflect a connection to pre-modern Catholic customs that shape the experience for visitors.
The building sits on private property behind gates, so visitors should contact ahead before coming. Daily morning masses provide opportunities to experience the place, though arrangements may be needed in advance.
The chapel received financial backing from actor Mel Gibson and operates independently from the Los Angeles Archdiocese. This separate status allows it to continue its specific traditional practices without external oversight.
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