Mission of San Juan Capistrano



Pictures documenting a mission would not be complete
 without the shot down the long corridor



The chapel in the next pictures are the original chapel used by Fr. Serra.

It is a charming Spanish chapel.

The high altar is original and spectacular
craftsmanship.

St. Teresa statue in the sanctuary.

Beautiful statue of St. Clare

Lovely Sacred Heart by the pulpit

Two special boys lighting candles for special people.



Painting of St. John Capistrano



You would expect the stations to be superb as well.

These are the bells that graced the very large stone church
that had been at the mission.  It was destroyed in an earthquake.

These are a couple of the different brands for each of the different missions.

The old vestments were a work of art.

Oh, sorry folks, there was a nice display of very old artifacts from the original church.  I did try to take some pictures for you but I got in trouble from the security guard with my little ones thought was funny.

These were in another gallery where we could share
the pictures with you. 

Spanish uniforms

Spanish barracks.  Those beds do not look very comfortable at all.

These baskets were made by the indians indigenous to the area. 
It is amazing that the weave is so tight that they can hold water.

Father's kitchen

Layout of the original mission.  It is very similar to the french style.



This is the original stone church that was destroy by an
earthquake.  Several Indian parishioners sadly lost their lives as well.




Fr. Serra's bed is very humble and uncomfortable looking.




Many of you know that the swallows return to the mission
each year on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph..



Even in the rain, the gardens were full of color and very welcoming.