San Antonio has four missions that we want to visit. Karen found on the internet that on Sundays there is a noon Mariachi Mass at the Mission San José. We got there about 10:30am and walked around and took lots of photos of the 286-year old mission. The Mariachi Mass is very popular so we got into the line and waited, while the Mariachi band began to arrive.
As people were filing into the church, the priest walked around and asked where everyone was from. Before the mass started, the priest read out the states and countries of the visitors. We were happy to represent Canada! When the priest called out where you were from, you stood and received a big Texas welcome.
The mass was unbelievable. The service was in English but all of the singing was done in Spanish accompanied by the nine-member Mariachi band, and a large choir. It made the mass very lively. The music and singing was truly beautiful. Before mass ended, the priest invited people with birthdays and anniversaries up to the altar. The Mariachi band played “Happy Birthday” and “The Anniversary Song”, while the anniversary couple danced.
After mass, everyone filed out to the courtyard where the Mariachi band performed a few songs. We met a very kind gentleman named Oscar whose niece was in the band. He was kind enough to take us around the mission and explain the history, which was absolutely fascinating.
We ended up learning over lunch at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q that Oscar’s mom and dad started the Mariachi mass 39 years ago.
After a very late lunch, we went to the Flea Mart. This place was huge. They had everything you can imagine for sale. After walking up and down a few rows in about 80 degree heat, we left and headed back to the hotel.
While driving home, I remembered that it was Sunday and you know what that means … homestyle chicken at Cracker Barrel. There was a restaurant not too far away so we decided to get takeout and enjoy it back at the hotel.
Since it’s so warm here, we went down to the pool and hot tub, to enjoy the sunset while relaxing.
The day ended with a stop at Target to get supplies (pop, chips, snacks) and an evening of rest and relaxation.
Be First to Comment