Sunday, February 20, 2011

From the Archives - Mission Sunday

Angel Head, Church Entrance,
Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas  © Doug Hickok

Out Buildings, Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas  © Doug Hickok

Convent, Mission San Jose, San Antonio, Texas  © Doug Hickok


Mission San Jose is the largest of five missions in the San Antonio area. Founded in 1720 by the Spanish colonials, it served as an outpost for preaching Christianity among the native populations. Even though these missions are part of our National Park system today, many still operate as active parish churches. When we visited Mission San Jose, we attended a Sunday Mass, which just happened to be a Mariachi Mass. Yes, a service accompanied by a brightly colored mariachi band! So there was plenty of singing, toe tapping, and swaying from side to side. Perhaps the strangest part of the Mass, which I can still visualize vividly, is that the usher had an uncanny resemblance to the ponytailed action film star Steven Seagal, who you may know is also a 7th dan black belt in martial arts. Needless to say, no one protested where the usher sat them. 

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28 comments:

  1. RandyFebruary 20, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Excellent photos. I have always wanted to visit SA.

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  2. SidneyFebruary 20, 2011 at 12:14 AM

    Great mood in those pictures...love the warm colors.

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  3. cieldequimperFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:40 AM

    Thanks for the visit on VDP. You have gorgeous photos here.

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  4. Frank de JolFebruary 20, 2011 at 6:25 AM

    Excellent set of photos in warm, summery colors and interesting caption.

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2011 at 6:50 AM

    great series, place, framings and colors
    http://krikis.aminus3.com

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  6. brattcatFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    These are terrific, Doug. The light is amazing in San Antonio, isn't it?

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  7. SOUL AFLAMEFebruary 20, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Nor would I argue with the usher! Great info and superb images, Doug.

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  8. YoshiFebruary 20, 2011 at 10:28 AM

    All the photos are so color enriched and the weather must be perfect!
    I so much wanted to see usher who looks like 7 dan karate master:) I so much want to visit there if I have a chance.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Yoshi from Japan

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  9. thamiFebruary 20, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    La lumière divine est dorée à merveille !
    Bonne fin de semaine !

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  10. jACK LARSONFebruary 20, 2011 at 11:38 AM

    these are magnificent, doug. i love the textures, the lighting and the tones, not to speak of the outstanding composition

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  11. Marie LCFebruary 20, 2011 at 12:24 PM

    I like the warm colors of this stones and the head of this beautiful angel taked in a very nice light.

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  12. ChelseaFebruary 20, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    sometimes your photos are so incredible it is hard to breath. this is one of those days :)

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  13. MarcieFebruary 20, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Thank-you for this photographic tour of this beautiful mission. Lovely images!

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  14. ChristopherFebruary 20, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Excellent series--I really love the convent shot and the great framing. Good stuff Doug!

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  15. fiziskandarzFebruary 20, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    i really like the vibrant colors in all the images. the level of detail in the 3rd image is awesome!

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  16. BirdmanFebruary 20, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    What textures, light!

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  17. akaruiFebruary 20, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Beautiful pictures here. Nice framing with the arch on the 3rd photo and I like the textures of the 2nd one.
    Thank you for your visit.

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  18. London CallerFebruary 20, 2011 at 8:41 PM

    Brilliant series!
    They look like HDR photos.
    Love the texture and colours in the 2nd photo.
    The 3rd photo - awesome frame!

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  19. bram antarejaFebruary 20, 2011 at 8:45 PM

    beautiful foto...i love it

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  20. Andrew Graeme GouldFebruary 20, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    These are such wonderful images, Doug. Beautiful light and tones, and perfectly framed. I've visited some of the missions in California, and would certainly like to see the ones in Texas on a future trip.

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  21. KalaFebruary 20, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    They're all beautiful Doug, but I absolutely LOVE how you've framed the last shot.

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  22. T. BecqueFebruary 20, 2011 at 11:51 PM

    Beautiful light and framing. Thank you for your kind comment - it made my day! Your archives were holding some gems.

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  23. Elaine-February 21, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    beautiful!! love the arches of the convent and the little angel in the first photo... your story was funny, i had a stalker in highschool and beyond that looked almost exactly like steven segal lol believe me i protested

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  24. GinnieFebruary 21, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    LOL at the usher. I love these missions, Doug, and visited some while we lived in California. I'm so glad they have been kept alive!

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  25. MarieFebruary 21, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    belle lumière dans ces 3 photos. Les couleurs chaudes sont superbes.

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  26. S. FannFebruary 23, 2011 at 2:48 AM

    structural-textural-force at play HA and you played it well :) good piece of craft(s), lovely.

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  27. georgeFebruary 23, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    I never realised that there were building so old. I visited the Cloisters once in New York, but they were expropriated from France. Anyway thses look wonderful - and in that lovely light you've managed to capture the patina of history. Well done.

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  28. Andrey SamolinovFebruary 27, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    Fantastic light and color - very cool!
    Gorgeous Series - Bravo!

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