One of my favorite tours in Texas
is the string of five missions along the San Antonio River. Most people have
heard about, or even seen, the Alamo (1718)
in downtown San Antonio because of the famous Battle of the Alamo on March 6,
1836. Yet there are another four magnificent missions in the area.
From north (upstream of the San
Antonio River) to south (downstream), you can follow the Mission Parkway with fifteen
miles of hiking, biking, paddling trails, and culture bus routes. The Park connects
Mission Concepcion, Mission San Jose, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada to
the San Antonio Riverwalk through a series of park portals (http://www.lsjunction.com/facts/missions.htm)
San
Jose
(1720), San José y San Miguel de Aguayo, was once a major social and cultural
center, as well as the strongest garrison of the five missions. San Juan (1731), San Juan Capistrano, supplied agricultural and other products
to the region. Concepcion (1731), Nuestra
Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña, became the center of local
religious celebrations. Espada (1731),
San Francisco de la Espada, was renowned for its unique bell chapel and stone
entry.
When I recently made my way to Southern
California, I had San Juan Capistrano on my mind because I knew there was
another mission in the area with the same name as the one in Texas. I quickly found
the mission famous for its returning swallows in the lovely village of San Juan
Capistrano.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
California (1776) (https://www.missionsjc.com)
is an inspirational historical, cultural, and religious site. The adobe wall enclosed
compound consists of outstanding architecture, stunning oil paintings,
religious artifacts, agriculture implements, horse tack, and rich landscape. Restoration
and preservation is ongoing as public contributions fund this exceptional educational
site for current and future generations.
Did I compare San Juan Capistrano
Texas with the sister mission in California? I couldn’t help doing just that. I
even met a lady in the gift shop who was buying—wouldn’t you know it?—a gift
for a friend in Dallas. After hearing my Texas accent, she wanted my opinion on
her choice. I assured her the present was perfect. And so we parted ways, even
as she kept her connection to Texas and I kept mine to California.
 |
| Mission San Juan Capistrano California (1776) |
I must admit there is definitely more
glitz and glamour in the Golden State mission, but San Juan Capistrano sparkles
big and bright in the wide open spaces of the Lone Star State. And yet, the missions
in Texas and California—even after almost three hundred years—exhibit the same
peace, serenity, and beauty deep in their heart of hearts.
Kim Redford's Smokin' Hot Cowboys
Kim Redford is an acclaimed,
bestselling author of Western romance novels. She grew up in Texas with
cowboys, cowgirls, horses, cattle, and rodeos for inspiration. She divides her
time between homes in Texas and Oklahoma, where she’s a rescue cat wrangler and
horseback rider—when she takes a break from her keyboard. Visit her at http://www.kimredford.com.
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