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Mission San Rafael Arcangel (California Missions Series)

A few years ago when I was actively chasing the Missions, I tried and tried to locate this mission that is a few minutes and a bridge away from where I live - but I never got to find it. We had directions and all, but still couldn't find it. How hard could it be, right? But nothing.

Last year, we were in search of a gallery that was hosting a photography exhibit in the same town. And the first turn we took we were faced to face with the Mission. Can you believe that? When you're not looking, it will find you - just like love, isn't it?

In San Rafael, 20 miles north of San Francisco

CHRONOLOGY

1817 - December 14 - Founded by Padre Vicente de Sarria - 20th mission. Begun as a hospital asistencia for Dolores (the San Francisco Mission).

1818 - Church built.

1823 - Accorded full mission status. Named for St. Raphael, patron of good health.

1834 - Secularized.

1841 - Sold.

1842 - Abandoned.

1855 - Returned to church.

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San Rafael was the only mission that began as a hospital, or asistencia for another mission.

Health problems at Mission Dolores were so tragic in the early 1800s, with Indians dying in hundreds, that something had to be done fast. For one thing, when they got sick, they needed somewhere warm and dry to get well. Trying to recuperate in breezy, foggy climate of Dolores turned out to be a prelude to death for many. (from California Missions, a pictorial tour)

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Church of St. Raphael

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Interior
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The Mission
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The Mission Chapel
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This is my entry for this week's MY WORLD.
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Comments

  1. thepinaysolobackpackerApril 24, 2011 11:34 PM

    haha yeah, I agree, when you're not looking for it it will find you but if you try to look for it it seems so elusive.
    i particularly like the interior of the Mission.

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  2. escapeApril 25, 2011 4:51 AM

    this reminded me of the missionaries in the cordilleras. the hospital serves as a proof that the mission is for the good of the people.

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  3. EG CameraGirlApril 25, 2011 1:04 PM

    Mission San. Raphael is exquisite!

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  4. LesleyApril 25, 2011 1:10 PM

    these pictures are lovely, but what I really like is the bright light with the white against the intense blue sky.

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  5. Sylvia KApril 25, 2011 1:16 PM

    What a gorgeous Mission and definitely one of the most beautiful of those in California! Your photos are superb! They were like visiting there again!! Hope you have a wonderful week!

    Sylvia

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  6. UnknownApril 25, 2011 1:26 PM

    Great tour of a very fine looking mission Church. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  7. Kay L. DaviesApril 25, 2011 1:37 PM

    What a beautiful mission. I have visited San Rafael but had no idea this lovely place existed. Your photos are wonderful, as always.
    -- K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  8. eileeninmdApril 25, 2011 3:15 PM

    What a gorgeous misson. The stained glass window is beautiful. Great photos and have a great day.

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  9. LifeRamblingsApril 25, 2011 4:14 PM

    beautiful mission. the interior is gorgeous especially the stained glass windows.

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  10. AlApril 25, 2011 4:40 PM

    I love old Western missions like this. Great shots, especially with those incredible blue skies!

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  11. GeorgeApril 25, 2011 6:01 PM

    Thanks for sharing this mission with us. We attend St. Raphael's Episcopal Church, but it's neither this old or this beautiful. I'm glad the mission popped up when you weren't expecting it to.

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  12. RajeshApril 25, 2011 6:12 PM

    Wonderful shots of the place and very informative.

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  13. ChyngApril 25, 2011 8:09 PM

    in every country pala, there's war. and from there, missions are born. may positive thing din pala ang war after all =)

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  14. D@phne L@ur@April 25, 2011 8:14 PM

    That's true when you least expect something, it suddenly pops out of nowhere and you are awed by the surprise! :)

    Great shots, the stained glass is lovely!

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  15. bwApril 25, 2011 8:22 PM

    beautiful shots :)

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  16. Martha ZApril 25, 2011 9:27 PM

    It seems more elaborate than other missions I have seen. The sanctuary is beautiful. I’m glad you finally located it.

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  17. EbieApril 25, 2011 9:40 PM

    Love the stained glass windows! I do not have the luck to get inside the Church. Its either close or some ceremonies are going on. Next month we will be going to San Juan Capistrano.

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  18. Pietro BrosioApril 25, 2011 9:42 PM

    What a splendid Mission. So beautiful the Church of St. Raphael (outside and inside) and the Mission Chapel.

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  19. AnonymousApril 25, 2011 9:50 PM

    your posts never fail me to utter, "wow!" beautiful photos of those churches; well chronicled too!

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  20. witsandnutsApril 25, 2011 10:27 PM

    The interiors especially the multicolor window have so much resemblance to my hometown's church. I can't believe I haven't blogged about that yet. I've been to your other blog and I think that I must do a visita iglesia in UAE next time. I hope you had a wonderful easter.

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  21. alicesgApril 25, 2011 10:50 PM

    Very beautiful church. Like the designs on the glass.

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  22. AnonymousApril 26, 2011 1:52 AM

    Oh my - so beautiful! What wonderful shots - love the stained glass window!

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  23. MaritesApril 26, 2011 6:22 AM

    it's a beautiful mission..I love your vivid photos. I've been to Dolores Mission but i think I like St. Raphael better:)

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  24. My name is RietApril 26, 2011 7:44 AM

    What a beautiful church and mission. Whereever there is a church I will go in it . I always love the serenity. Lovely photo's

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  25. donApril 26, 2011 7:58 AM

    An excellent series that presents the qualities of this mission very well. Top-flight photographic work.

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  26. GinnieApril 26, 2011 8:23 AM

    What a serendipity, Maria: it found you! I can see why.

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  27. AlexandraApril 26, 2011 11:19 AM

    A lovely series on this one, and thanks for the background info too, I love learning the history behind places too.

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  28. snowwhiteApril 26, 2011 5:24 PM

    What a beautiful and serene mission! Yes, in the chapel I see six flags. I wonder whether it is usual for mission?? Thank you for interesting history too! Hacve a nice week!

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  29. AnonymousApril 27, 2011 4:33 AM

    Beautiful inside and out. You've captured the sense of peace in the sanctuary photos.

    Interesting story, too, about the origins. I had no idea that they weren't all built as missions in a series up and down the state.

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  30. Irredento UrbanitaApril 27, 2011 5:19 AM

    I don't feel near to churches or religions, I feel near to art that surrounds them.

    Regards

    Valery

    Barcelona Daily Photo

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  31. LinneaApril 27, 2011 9:13 PM

    Oh glad you found it! It's beautiful. I was at Carmel Mission last week but got there just as they were closing...

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  32. UnknownApril 29, 2011 6:18 AM

    The frontal façade is absolutely gorgeous! Sad story though repeted is so many other places...

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