We saved this until the end for a couple reasons. This was once "home" for Danny. On the grounds, there is a home for the youth. When his mom was going through a very tough time, this became home for him. It was here that he met my Nana, Norma. This was one of her most favorite places to be. She frequented the church many times a week. She would go there to step away from life and step closer to God. She would talk with the kids that were "orphaned", whether it was because their parents had passed, or they just werent present or they were just troubled youths. It was here that she met Danny and saw something special in him. She knew he deserved so much more. Its so funny the way things work out. Ive always said Danny and I were destined to be together. And it all started here, without this place, who knows where life wouldve taken him.
A Little History
The mission was founded on June 13, 1798 and was the 18th of the Spanish missions built in California. The current church was built in 1811 and is a National Historic Landmark. Today the mission functions as a parish church of the Diocese of San Diego, and a museum and retreat center.
In the earliest days, Mission San Luis Rey's structures and services compound covered over 950,000 acres making it one of the largest missions. It was surrounded by agricultural land and raised around 26,000 cattle as well as goats, geese, and pigs. Its hard to think of Oceanside ever being that rural, especially with its growth in the past couple of decades.
The mission closed and reopened many times throughout its 220+ years. Its been apart of many historical notes, whether it be from the first ever planted Peruvian Pepper Tree, which still grows to this day in the garden, to being cast in a few of the shows on the Disney Zorro series.
Today, Mission San Luis Rey is a working mission, cared for by the people who belong to the church, with ongoing restoration projects. Mission San Luis Rey has a Museum, Visitors Center, gardens with the historic Pepper Tree, and the original small cemetery. We got very lucky in timing, as the latest restoration project was just completed recently. They had the doors open to walk through and guided tours available.
We opted for the "self tour"! When we walked into the church, I was in complete awe. The beauty was something out of a fairy tale. There were people in the pews praying. Only lights came through the beautiful original windows and the candles lit to the sides, from people lighting as they ask for their prayers to be answered.
After walking the cemetery area, we ventured back outside the church. In the front there is an area that was once the barracks for the soldiers. Parts of the buildings are still standing to this day. How insane is that?! Heres one of the plaques they had explaining the history of the barracks.
The fact that these buildings were still partially standing astounded me! To think that these soldiers lived in these small rooms, which you could still see the borders of. Im talking 6x6' areas!
Walking out even further, the grounds were just beautiful. The mountains in the fore ground, the plants and flowers, the brick walkways, all original, made you feel like you were walking in the 1800's. If it werent for the highway noise in the background, youd be taken completely back.
All in all, it was a wonderfully beautiful and emotional day. A day thatll Ill remember for ever, a day that is etched into my soul. This church and the grounds really touched me in a way that Ive never had before. The history of the building and the area around it, from the cemetery to the barracks to the garden, is something I think everyone, if given the chance, should experience. This last plaque says a lot...
Now I know why Nana would always need to go by the beach after her trips to church. The emotions run deep and theres nothing like the ocean to leave you refreshed and ready to continue on. So in Nana fashion, thats exactly what we did. One final ride by before heading back to the house.
(All pictures are my own, taken with my Samsung phone!)
Until next time Steemians,
Peace, love and church!
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