"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 8

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

A WORD – Christmas

The Birth of Christ, on the west wall of the quadrangle at the San Antonio Mission de Padua.

It is a beautifully painted frame for the birth of the Christ Child. The colors are brilliant with Mary, Joseph, the Baby and a Wiseman, complete with angels in their appropriate places.

What is unique about this presentation is the fact that it is three-dimensional in the adobe wall.

A quiet piece of art done beautifully in this setting, looking out onto the Rose Garden.

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 7

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

A WORD-Quadrangle

A quadrangle is a four-sided enclosure surrounded by buildings such as the Padre’s Garden at San Antonio Mission.

It is a marvelous place to sit or just walk and feel tranquility all around you in the safety of the quadrangle. Birds sing, roses are fragrant and colorful in the summer sun and the winter’s snappy air.

A wonderful gathering place for family and friends, a wedding or a baptism.

Pictured is the walk-way on the north side of the quadrangle. From the back of the structure looking out to the parking lot and the statue of Father Serra, (front of the Mission.)

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 6

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

A WORD - DOOR

A door. Just a door but what words it could tell. It is a side door on the north side of the Mission.

The door leads into the Chapel. If you are walking to the kitchen from the front of the property you will see it on your left.

The entrance has the old olive trees on the left and an old, old redwood on the right.

The Franciscans introduced many plants and olive trees to the Mission. The Indian women pressed grapes for wine and olives for oil. Some of the men crafted furniture out of the oak trees.

The photographer, Vance MacDonald made a beautiful shot of this door. It is intriguing as is the foliage around it. Look for it when you visit San Antonio Mission.

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 5

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

(Click on the above picture to get a better view)

A WORD - FOUNTAIN

A massive Spanish style fountain stands today in the center of the Rose Garden at the San Antonio Mission de Padua.. It was designed and built by Brother Alexius Wagner and completed in July, 1965.

In years past it had become overgrown with weeds and brush but some 12 years ago the underbrush was cleared away and the water began to flow again. After years of dormancy it now elicits joy to those who see it and the birds that live by it. One lovely evening each year the fountain is in its glory. That is in November when the garden is celebrated with the annual EVENING IN THE GARDEN. The entire garden is lit by candlelight and the fountain is in all it’s splendor that evening with candles flocking it from every side and perspective. Gathering of friends will always be ‘by the fountain.’

Here the photographer has captured it as never seen before. Enjoy the picture and come to the Mission to enjoy its beauty.

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 4

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

(click on the picture above to get a better view)

A WORD-CRUCIFIX

On July 14, 1771 when the first Mass was held at the site of San Antonio Mission, Father (Padre) Serra rang the big bell as a call to worship. At that time the huge bell swung from an oak limb. The zealous Padre called the Gentiles to the holy Church of God. One could see that a large cross had been constructed of wood. It was raised, blessed and venerated and all was being readied for the first worship service.

That first crude wooden cross was no doubt as beautiful to the worshipers at that first service as a crucifix might seem to one visiting the Mission in 2011.

Pictured here by our photographer is a beautiful crucifix in one of the hallways in the Mission quadrangle.

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 3

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

(click on picture above to get a better view)

A WORD – CHANCEL

From the book “Inland Valleys Missions in California” it is noted that “in 1810 the population of San Antonio had grown to thirteen hundred. The mission of San Antonio had seventeen thousand cattle and sheep. The Mission was well known for its strong horses.” It is also noted that the people had begun a major building project. It took three years to finish the Chapel and the building had beautiful high ceilings. It was a source of pride at the Mission.

The photographer has captured the true natural beauty of the interior of the Church here as it stands today. Mass is said every Sunday morning at 9:00am and every soul is welcome. As a member of the military said recently as he and two other officers from Fort Hunter Liggett roamed the Mission grounds, “We have churches back home……..BUT………NOTHING like this. This is unbelievably beautiful.”

"A PICTURE" and "A WORD" - Series 2

"A PICTURE" by Dr. Vance MacDonald

"A WORD" by Barbara Starkey

(click on picture above to get a better view)

THE WORD – Serra

Father or Padre Serra held the first Mass at San Antonio de Padua Mission on July 14, 1771 according to some historical publications. Padre Serra communicated “I trust in God and the favor of San Antonio Mission that this mission will become a great settlement of many Christians.”

This statue at the present day stands in front of the San Antonio Mission. You will note how the facial features are excellent in this picture. The photographer notes that the picture was done in the dark with flash and flashlight. A form of “painting with light.”