"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 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.”