After two missions yesterday, Mom and I, accompanied by Dad, headed to the first mission I ever visited - Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, California (mission #7 of 21, est. Nov. 1, 1776). I first visited Mission SJC in 4th grade, and I remember it being excellent. As a child, I very much enjoyed history, how the ever illusive past could, for a moment in time, be grasped tightly in my hand as if I was a part of something greater than my current life. Never having been to a mission, I remember it being one of the most wonderful field trips in which I had ever participated.
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| Mission San Juan Capistrano, California Mission #7 (est. Nov. 1, 1776) |
Now, 20 years later I was revisiting the same place once again with my Mom and now with my Dad. What a special experience this was, being able to relive a bit of my own past, but also be in a position to change my own future. Through my current 'eyes', the mission was different - greater and more vast than I remember. Discussing with my Mom, we both remembered there being fewer areas to see due to restoration, and today I was able to experience those things that I hadn't been able to. Most impressively was the Great Stone Church, the ruins of what was once the main sanctuary, destroyed in a California earthquake, and never rebuilt.
Known as the 'Jewel of the Missions', Mission San Juan Capistrano lives up to its nickname. Well-manicured gardens, restored grounds, an audio walking tour, as well as the Swallow nesting sites, Mission San Juan Capistrano is truly the gem of the city. Since the mission is fully enclosed by a wall (built in the early 1900's), you cannot experience its full beauty without entering its gates. Upon entrance, I was overwhelmed by the sites to see and the amount of history that were enclosed - the mission staff have done an incredible job of providing as much information as possible, both visually and verbally.
Speaking of MSJC staff, I was glad to run into Meg Dukett, a Saddleback Kids KSG leader whom I served with a few years. She is a wonderful team member to their staff as she has a great way with kids, and making history exciting.
I was glad to have relived a bit of my childhood today. I will always appreciate Mission San Juan Capistrano as the first mission to catch my eye and peak my interest in such a poignant part of California history.
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| The view upon entering the mission grounds. |
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| Examples of Swallow nests. The Swallows return to the mission from Argentina in March. |
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| Good to see Meg Dukett, Mission San Juan Capistrano expert. |
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| "Jewel of the Missions" |
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| The Alter in the Sanctuary. Very ornate compared to Mission San Diego. |
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| A special day to experience with Mom - 20 years after we first visited. |
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| Ruins of The Great Stone Church, destroyed by a California earthquake. |
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| Mom and Dad outside of the "Jewel of the Missions", Mission San Juan Capistrano (#7 of 21). |
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What Mission San Juan Capistrano may have looked like in 1776 -
notice the cross like shape of what was once the Great Stone Church.
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