It’s a mission, so there must be a church. I find it very interesting that although secularized in 1834, it was President Lincoln who returned many of the missions to the Catholic Church, today most of them are once again religious in nature.
The church was build and destroyed 3 times, final time in the Sylmar earthquake of 1972, so the building we see today is very new, 1974. Although it is adobe, I’m guessing there is a lot of earthquake retrofitting inside those thick walls. The 1994 earthquake damaged the convento but not the church.
I don’t know how much of this is old or original from the previous churches. It certainly is ornate. When I arrived for my visit, I was told to view other parts of the grounds since a funeral was taking place in the church.
Exiting the back door and looking through the church back to the green garden.
And I stepped into the Bob Hope Garden. There is a large cemetery connected to the mission. I think the only requirement is to be Catholic. When Bob Hope died at age 100 he left his burial place up to his wife Dolores, she chose the out of the way San Fernando mission. She is buried beside him as well.
They were given prime realestate right next to the church and the area is a lovely garden, with a mural of Bob Hope.
When I visited, the Magnolia tree was in bloom.
As were these lovely white lilies.
Water is the most important element anywhere in California. The mission used to have it’s own water system and this fountain is a replica of the original.
What used to be the main gathering point for all the women is now simply decorative. 
Along with other fountains on the property.
The Archival Center of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is here on the property. Both an historic museum as well as a research center. You know me, I love mosaic, and am thrilled to see the Piczeck Tableaus which show the development of the Archdiocese, from the original one that was established with the Spanish.
Through the Monterey – Los Angeles Diocese that lasted 93 years, covering five Archbishops.
Finally to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as it is today. Of course all that other large area has been split into smaller more manageable archdioceses as well.
Well worth a visit, for the serenity, for the history, for being an important living part of the valley today.
Leah