Buona Ventura

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Buona Ventura
2150 Main Street, Suite A
Cambria, Ca 93428
805-927-8747

Mission San Diego de Alcala to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Our journey begins with San Diego de Alcala, the first of Alta California’s Missions. We’ll learn about Blessed Junipero Serra’s arrival and time in the area, the construction of the original structures, the move inland, Indian attack, and the 1803 earthquake which destroyed the mission. We then follow the reconstruction and rebuilding of the missions assets and culture, and look into the effects of Mexican Independence, and secularization.

Next we visit San Luis Rey de Francia Mission. With its extensive water system, substantial Indian population, and subsequent land and livestock holdings, San Luis Rey became one of, if not the, most prosperous of all the California Missions.

From here, we visit San Antonio de Pala Asistencia, a “sub-mission” of San Luis Rey de Francia. Here, we examine the role of this, and other, “assistants” to the primary missions, and how they became important to the overall success of the mission system.

Finally, we visit the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano. We’ll find out why the 7th of the California missions has become known as the “Jewel of the Missions.” Our trip ends as we ponder the contributions of the missions over their 200 (+) year history. Reflecting on the fact that this, and the sites of many other missions, continue to serve their communities with schools, holy services, and as central gathering places, we understand that they are living testament to their purpose and necessity.

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