UPASES Then &
UPSES Now


In 1920 Mr. Manuel Oliver Medina saw the need for a common place for the community to gather to celebrate the Festa do Espírito Santo, “Festival of the Holy Spirit,” and developed a committee to begin gathering the funds needed to build a ‘Capela’ or Chapel and a community hall. He led his committee throughout California to procure donations although roads were very difficult to travel at the time.
To complete construction work on the Capela, boat owners would leave a crewmember at home paying him 25 cents a ton for his efforts. In 1922 the Portuguese community of San Diego proudly inaugurated the União Portuguesa Açoreana Sociedade do Espírito Santo, which translates to the United Portuguese Azorean Society of the Holy Spirit, Capela or the U.P.A.S.E.S. Chapel and Hall. The Chapel is 1 of only 2 original Portuguese chapels in California.
As more and more Portuguese immigrated to San Diego in hopes of finding better lives for their families, the need for a larger hall was recognized. There were immigrants from the Azores, Madeira, and the mainland continent of Portugal. No matter from what region of Portugal they were from, they were all Portuguese and all were welcomed. The community pooled together resources and acquired financing. The original hall from 1922 was then moved and a new hall was constructed. In 1948 the current União Portuguesa Sociedade do Espírito Santo, which translates to the United Portuguese Society of the Holy Spirit, or U.P.S.E.S. Inc. Hall was opened. Mr. Medina served as the first President and remained so for 51 years.
Helping Today. Helping Tommorow
To our community, I want you to know you are all appreciated and welcome to our Hall, and all our Festas, which we all hold close to our hearts to honor our faith and Portuguese heritage. This Hall is our anchor, not just for us in the present, but for generations to come.
Please continue to support us and encourage the younger generations to join us.
Please join us for all upcoming events.
In closing, I am here to serve you and I am truly honored to do so.

Together we can do great things.

Babita Souza
PRESIDENTWhat Make Us Different
We Educate
We partner with Portuguese Heritage Center and help in its scholarship grants.
We Help
We help individuals and our thriving local community grow as active members of scoiety.
We Build
We build a healthy commune were people stay connected within San Diego.
We Donate
We donate and support campaigns that drives the community's growth.
Years of
Foundation
monthly
donors
incredible
volunteers
successful
campains



More then 345 000+
People Were Helped
Become the One Who is Considered a Hero
We have numerous events throughout the calendar year and expect our members to help in their own way in ensure its success. You’ll find most of our member of the Board of Directors and their families volunteer to make things happen and have fun being part of our community.
Meet Our Amazing Team
Annette Balelo

Ashley Barandiaran

Barbara Hosaka

Berlyn Balelo

Bridget Schoeffel

Cici Drummond

Darlene Byrne

Deo Holmquist

Dinisa Valadao

Grace Rosa

Jaquelyn Neves

Jeanette Finete

Jenna Lacoco

Kelly Madruga

Marissa Bagaso

Mary Jane Warren

Ricardo DaRosa

Sean Cerny

Tamy BransTetter

Tyler Goulart

Yvonne Siragusa

