What an amazing sight: God the Father holding the crossbar of his son’s crucifix! Here, in the Basillica at Capistrano (New Church of Mission Capistrano), the exquisite, handmade, Italian Retalbo presents an image that is so powerful… today on December 26th, just the day after the Feast of Christ’s birth.
No photos in this post, just some thoughts on the missionary zeal that formed this Franciscan community in Southern California nearly three centuries ago. In the original mission complex next to the basillica, Fr. Junipero Serra’s “Capistrano Chapel”, the oldest standing building in use in the Golden State, inspires with a meticulous preservation of the early mission spirituality.
This mission and the Pius V Catholic Church across from our hotel in Buena Park… reinforce the nearly limitless reach of the Christian missionaries, as I pray Morning Prayer today among Asian, Hispanic and worshippers with indigenous background. All us… in the hands of God.
Filed under: Reflections, Religion | Tagged: Capistrano, Francisan, mission, Pius V
