Chapter 14

Only 45 minutes from our next Mission, Mom and I continued on 'Our own Mission' which led us to Mission San Miguel Arcangel, also known as "Mission on the Highway".  We hurried quickly, but when we made it to the Mission, the tour opportunities were closet.  However, our spirits were not dampened, because we were able to walk around the site and the church sanctuary was still open. 

Mission San Miguel Aracangel, established July 25, 1797 in San Miguel, CA.

Mission San Miguel Arcangel celebrated its Bicentennial in 1997, 6 years prior to the San Simeon earthquake in 2003.

Founded on July 25, 1797, Mission San Miguel Arcangel is the 16th of the 21 California Missions.  We were fortunate to see it in that it is undergoing an enormous restoration project due to disrepair as well as the result of the San Simeon earthquake in 2003.  Despite the state of the Mission, it still had quite the Old World Charm,. which is why Mom and I both were so attracted to it.

The simple front of the Mission San Miguel Arcangel church on August 5, 2011. 

According to Mission San Miguel Arcangel's website (http://www.missionsanmiguel.org/), many of the paintings as well as the wall murals are all original to the Mission.  In addition, Mission San Miguel Arcangel's sanctuary boasts the largest 'All Seeing Eye', a symbol that is on our USA currency, and was symbolic to Indians that they now had a God that saw all, and kept His eye on them. While that may sound 'Big Brother-ish', it served as comfort to the Indians.   Following secularization of the Mission, and exile of the Salinan Indians and the Franciscan Monks, the Mission was purchased by Petrinillo Rios and William Reed, who (after the death of family members) used the Mission almost as a mini-mall (hotels, retail centers, saloon, etc.).  The Mission was returned to the Catholic Church in 1878.

The corridor facing the front highway of Mission San Miguel Arcangel, #16 of 21 California Missions.

More of the corridor with the famous arches that are so traditional to many of the Missions.

The beautiful and rustic fountain in front of Mission San Miguel Arcangel, "The Mission on the Highway".

While Mom and I were unable to tour the entire complex (which was surrounded by a wall), we were able to see the La Campanario, the first stone one I had seen and rustically beautiful.  I'd say it was my favorite part of the Mission.  Hopefully, we'll be able to return to this sweet Mission in the future and tour the entire thing.  It not only represents the Mission heritage of California, but is also representative of our 'Wild West' history.

The best way to spend a birthday is doing what you love with who you love.  Outside of my favorite La Campanario of all the Missions I've visited yet - Mission San Miguel Arcangel.

Mom and I were suprised that we could simply walk into the cemetary.  Rich with history on the Mission's inhabitants, including the Salinan Indians, the cemetary was most interesting.

Thus concluded my Mission tours for my birthday - 7 Missions over two days, up the California Coast.  It was a most wonderful two days and so special to share with my Mom.

The original painting on the walls (and the Padre at the front) in Mission San Miguel Arcangel.  Notice the 'All Seeing Eye' at the front of the Sanctuary over the alter.  Apparently, this is the largest 'All Seeing Eye' of the Missions.

Simple, bright, beautiful and ORIGINAL.  The podium where the Padre stands (on the right) is very similar to the one at Mission La Purisima de Concepcion. 

The lovely sign that greets you immediately when you get off El Camino Real.  Notice how 'deserty' this site is  - that is why Mission San Miguel Arcangel reminds me so much of the Wild West.