I happened to be in a part of Oceanside today that I’d never been to before. When I started seeing signs for the Mission San Luis Rey, I hoped there’d be a cemetery to visit as well. Praise Big Mary, there was.
If you aren’t familiar with this national historic landmark, the full name is Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, and it known as the King of Missions. It was founded in 1798 and named after the King Louis IX of France. Below is a photo of the light streaming into the chapel.
As many of you know, I love to search for angels statues. I didn’t find any today, but I did find a couple of beautiful ladies to share with you.
Now, I’ve seen many Big Jesus statues in my day, but never a Big Mary statue. This lovely one stood taller than the palm trees.
The next lady is named Rachel. I was very fortunate to be there when the sun shown on her face. Rachel lost her children. Below her is an inscription, “Weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted…” This poignant statue was donated by the Knights of Columbus in 2001.
And just cause it’s Halloween, a creepy tombstone and skull and crossbones!
