San Luis Rey de Francia was the ninth and last misssion to be founded by Father-President Lasuen, and it closed a critical gap between San Diego and San Juan Capistrano. The district was promising in prospects for conversion. When the Portola party had passed through 20 years earlier, they had found the natives cordial. Today it represents one of the best places in San Diego for spiritual retreats.
San Luis Rey de Francia, "King of Missions," was the eighteenth of the Franciscan establishments in California; and the second founded in what is now the County of San Diego-second therefore on El Camino Real. In respect of artistry, grandeur and general prosperity it long stood preeminent. Even today the refinement and wide culture of its founder, Fr. Lasuen, and of its first superior, Fr. Antonio Peyri, seem to pervade corridor, patio, garden and churchyard. One feels that very rare souls built and by their lives forever blessed this great spiritual enterprise.
Founded in 1798, it features a beautiful church with painted wood beams, tranquil gardens and a cemetery. The cemetery is easy to find - just look for a skull and bones insignia inserted in a small alcove over the door. This active cemetery features a crypt for clergy, lawn crypts and columbarium niches. The Mission’s church does not hold a regular mass but it can be used for special events such as weddings and funerals. You will exit out to the peaceful and beautifully landscaped cemetery. You will also come across a crypt just before leaving the cemetery.
The older gravestones are primarily upright markers. Since Mission San Luis Rey is not only an active church but a tourist attraction, the grounds are impeccably maintained. Entrance to the church and museum is $5 for adults/$3 for youth under 18 and $20 for families. Upon entering the Church, be sure to exit a wooden door on the left side of the Church and enter a very special inner garden space.
Mission San Luis Rey sits on 56 acres in Oceanside, CA. The mission farm and pasturelands once extended in a radius of fifteen miles, with the historic buildings covering over six acres. Mission San Luis Rey has a museum and cemetery, and puts on retreats and workshops, as well as cultural, educational, and special events. The mission houses exhibits relating to the colorful history of the San Luis Rey de Francia. Its collections include artifacts from Native American, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, and American Military periods.
The years following Father O'Keefe's departure have seen gradual, yet extensive, restoration. Further improvements and the reconstruction of Mission structures have almost completely restored the Mission to its early grandeur. Mission San Luis Rey was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. However, the Mission does not receive any Federal, State or church funds for its support. The Mission depends upon the generosity and support of its volunteers and visitors to continue the restoration efforts so that Mission San Luis Rey will remain the "King of the Missions".
If you are interested for San Diego retreats the Franciscan Friars invite you to experience spiritual renewal in surroundings of peace at the unique, historical venue of . The Franciscan Retreats Center at Old Mission San Luis Rey offers a place for solitude, healing, and revitalization with a wide variety of spiritual and educational programs. The Retreatcenters are also for individuals who would like private time for solitude and spiritual renewal.
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