On a Mission........

California : Carmel-by-the-Sea : Carmel Mission Basilica

After the main highlight of our day, we decided to scurry over to the mission. Our itinerary was jam packed with activities on this particular day, but thankfully we managed to squeeze in an hour to take a self-guided tour of the mission. I didn't get to spend the amount of time I would have liked, to explore, linger, and read into the history of the mission, but we made do with the time at hand.

The Moorish style bell tower holds nine bells.




Just as we pulled into the parking lot, a gigantic charter bus pulled up and began to unload. Determined to stay two steps ahead of the horde, we rushed in past the crowd. The mission was closing at five, so an hour was all we were granted to absorb all the history we possibly could.







Mission Info

• The mission was founded in Monterey on June 3, 1770 by Padre Junipero Serra.
• The location was soon changed to Carmel because of certain issues with the current location.
• Padre Serra also founded eight other missions during his presidency.
• Junipero Serra died on August 28, 1784.
• At his request he was buried beside Padre Crespi before the main altar. *On the right, you'll see Serra's grave.
  

Our tour took us through the Basilica, cemetery, and museum.......throughout the courtyards were many statues, and effigies all weathered by time. To be amongst history of this magnitude was very uplifting.



Each and every detail added to the integrity of the parish. Here I am again talking about the history of our trip. I think that sometimes in my daily life these are the technicalities I tend to overlook. Thinking about where we are and how far we've come, really doesn't mean anything unless we take where we've been into account.......




One of my favorite statues was one that overlooked the cemetery, she was lovely.



*A closer look at her praying hands can be seen in the first photo.


I encourage you to look at some of the other photos belonging to this set so you can see other sights I haven't shown you here.
Carmel Mission Basilica(link)

Extra Details:

• Carmel Mission Basilica Website(link)
  
• This historic Mission has been renovated to it's previous glory as both a Catholic Mission and now a thriving parish and school.
• Info from Wikipedia(link). *Pretty interesting, there's also a photo of the mission circa 1910.
  

Sorry, I couldn't give you more detail myself, but we've had a very busy weekend and I wanted to share this with you sooner rather than later.
-WW