Mission San Luis Rey – King Of The Missions

Friday wasn’t the greatest day for weather here as we had high overcast skies for most of the day although the sun did peek out for a bit in the afternoon.  So, since we didn’t go anywhere or do anything, I’m going to write about my visit to another Mission located in Oceanside, CA.  I stopped here for a quick tour on our way back from San Diego.

The main entrance of Mission San Luis Rey – King of the Missions

The Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was founded on June 13, 1798 by Father Francisco de Lasuen, successor to Father Junipero Serra.  The Mission was named after St. Louis IX, King of France, who lived in the 13th century.  Known as the "King of the Missions", it is the largest of the 21 California Missions.

This is the main church of the Mission.  This is a no-flash photo

The goal of the missions was to become self-sufficient in relatively short order. Farming, therefore, was the most important industry of any mission. Prior to the establishment of the missions, the native peoples knew only how to utilize bone, seashells, stone, and wood for building, tool making, weapons, and so forth.

I have absolutely no idea what type of flower this is – but it sure is beautiful

The result was the establishment of a great manual training school that comprised agriculture, the mechanical arts, and the raising and care of livestock. In its prime, the San Luis Rey compound covered almost 6 acres, making it one of the most extensive of all the missions.

Part of the Museum exhibit at the Mission

Everything consumed and otherwise utilized by the natives was produced at the missions under the supervision of the padres; thus, they not only supported themselves, but after 1811 sustained the entire military and civil government of California.

More Museum artifacts depicting life at the Mission

Following secularization, no religious services were held at the Mission until 1893, when two Mexican priests were given permission to restore the Mission as a Franciscan college.  Father Joseph O'Keefe was assigned as an interpreter for the monks. It was he who began to restore the old Mission in 1895. The cuadrángulo (quadrangle) and church were completed in 1905.

This is Father Francisco de Lasuen’s small room and bed

In 1931 restoration of the mission buildings was begun, with the result that they are today, with Franciscans again in charge, among the finest remaining examples of early mission architecture.

Have a great Saturday, and thanks again for visiting!