Pilgrimage Stop #2: Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was the first of the California Missions. It was founded in 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra and named after St. Didacus. It is an active parish, with regularly scheduled liturgies. The San Diego Padres baseball team was named after the hometown Mission.

This Mission is known for its "wings" and its distinctive bell tower (campanario).

This cross marks the site where Padre Luis Jayme was martyred.

The boys enjoyed touring the Mission grounds.

Being Good Friday, this stunning sculpture helped to remind us of the significance of Christ's sacrifice.

The Mission grounds and museum contained numerous artifacts.

Like the church at Mission San Luis Rey, the church was decorated in the original Spanish style.

The gardens included beautiful native plants, flowers, lizard friends, and statues. Each of the 21 Missions displays a statue of ~~Blessed~~ Saint Junipero Serra.