Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

On a mission to see all the California missions. An often overlooked mission is in Oceanside, Mission San Luis Rey.

Although the mission was established by the Spanish, this one is named for King Louis IX of France, who lived in the thirteenth century. His mother was Spanish so I guess that merited his having a mission named for him.Once again, we have on of Mrs. Forbes mission bells outside. This building was completed in 1815 and has gone through some more modern renovations. A nice bell tower, it was a little hard to see the actual bell.This is a Franciscan monk, with a robe and rope belt, but what is the guitar doing here? It certainly looks like a modern addition.This Church is the largest of all the CA missions, it is also quite active, people were praying during my visit.  It has the traditional brightly painted decorations.The wonderful wood beams were brought down from what is today the Cleveland National Forrest. Many unique features in this church,  a wooden dome. I love how the rays of the sun are coming through.
As well as a wooden cupola.After looking up, it was worth looking down at the smooth polished Mexican tiles. 200 years gives them so much warmth.The main altar.This Church also has two side altars, one dedicated to St. Francis.Clearly an active Church, a lot of candles being lit.As well as a Madonna Chapel. I think of this image as the Madonna of Guadalupe, but she isn’t, no roses around her, she is simply the Madonna. Although the style she is painted in is the same as many of the Guadalupes.More votives in her chapel.An interesting motif above the window, a small star of David. I doubt it has any Jewish significance here, I think the motif fits in with the design. There are also two Shamrocks, and not too many Irish were here at the time.Today there is an active Franthean School of Theology on the premises, actively training professional ministers for the Church.  I think this is one of the things I love about these missions. Each has a long history and yet each one has found an important purpose in the present day. These missions are very much alive and thriving.Then, I paid a visit to the cemetery, which warrents it’s own post.

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