Mission San Juan Capistrano California Left Exterior Wall American Flag And Bells

by Michael Hoard

Title

Mission San Juan Capistrano California Left Exterior Wall American Flag And Bells

Artist

Michael Hoard

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

One of a gallery series, the America Flag is draped on the left exterior wall. While visiting the historic San Juan Mission on September 11, 2019 a commemorative bell ringing for all victims of 911. The bell ringing pierced the Mission grounds with it perfect pitch, crystal clear sound. It was a very emotive experience to be present at the Mission and witness the commemorative bell salute 911.

(Mission San Juan Capistrano dialogue) Mission San Juan Capistrano’s oldest tradition is the ringing of the historic bells. This tradition is performed by a chosen few. The official bell ringer positions have only been occupied by a handful of men, since the late 1800s. The three men who carry out this important ritual today are Michael Gastelum, Nathan Banda and Rafael Gutierrez. Together they bring history to life by ringing the bells on designated feast days, holidays and community celebrations.
bell ringer caponights

Four bells were originally cast for Mission San Juan Capistrano and each is named after a Saint (from largest to smallest these names are San Vincente, San Juan, San Antonio, and San Rafael). With the earthquake of 1812 and the collapse of the bell tower, they were relocated to a bell wall, or Campanario. However, the two largest bells, having sustained major damage in the towers collapse, would never ring the same way again.

Today, the original two largest bells (San Vicente and San Juan) hang in the footprint of the bell tower of the ruins of the Great Stone Church were they once hung. On the Bell Wall are two replica large bells, and the original two small bells (San Antonio and San Rafael) which are still rung today.

(Photographer note) The day of my visit one the official bell ringer Raefael Gutierrez continues the tradition -which he has done for over 50 years.

The historic bells ring on the following days,

March 19 (Feast Day Of St. Joseph)
July 1 (Feast Day Of St. Serra)
September 11 (Patriots Day)
September 17 (Consitution Day)
September 25 (St. Serra;s Canoization)
October 23 (Feast Day Of St. John Capistronne)
November 1st (Founder's Day)
November 24 (St. Serra's Birthday)
December 8th (Day of remembrance honoring the victims of the 1812 earthquake)

(Mission San Juan Capistrano dialogue) The bells are also tolled 9 times each day at 9:00 am to honor the legacy of its founder St. Juniporovo Serra who founded Mission San Juan Capistrano as the 7th of his 9 California Mission's

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September 20th, 2019

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