Autumnal Solar Illumination October 4th

Old Mission San Jose would like to invite all Parishioners to witness a unique and captivating illumination of the main altar near sunset on October 4th. A perfectly aligned shaft of light will enter from the rear window of the Mission Church and transverse the full length of the church, showering the gilded tabernacle in dazzling light. This event will be live-streamed and preceded by an engaging lecture along with organ music by Music Director, Ron McKean!

Dr. Ruben Mendoza of California State University Monterey Bay will speak on the Spanish mission’s centuries-old hidden secrets of astronomy and indigenous people’s belief in sun worship.

At our own Mission San Jose, the orientation of the original 1809 mission church was designed using solar geometry to associate the autumnal equinox, October 4th, with the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of the Spanish Franciscan missionaries. The reconstructed church was built upon the original foundations and so has perpetuated the phenomenon.

The live-stream presentation begins at 5:45 pm with the illumination at 6:15 pm. See more on the St. Joseph webpage or at missionsanjose.org.

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