SWALLOWS OF CAPISTRANO
The miracle of the swallows of Capistrano takes place each year at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, on March 19th, St. Joseph's Day.
As the little birds wing their way back to the most famous Mission in California, the village of San Juan Capistrano takes on a fiesta air and the visitors from all parts of the world, and all walks of life, gather in great numbers to witness the "miracle" of the return of the swallows.
Each year the "scout swallows" precede the main flock by a few days and it seems to be their chief duty to clear the way for the main flock to arrive at the "Old Mission" of Capistrano.
With the arrival of early dawn on March 19, St. Joseph's Day, the little birds begin to arrive and begin rebuilding their mud nests, which are clinging to the ruins of the old stone church of San Juan Capistrano.
The arches of the two story, high vaulted Chapel were left bare and exposed, as the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1812. This Chapel, said to be the largest and most ornate in any of the missions, now has a more humble destiny -- that of housing the birds that St. Francis loved so well.
After the summer spent within the sheltered walls of the Old Mission in San Juan Capistrano, the swallows take flight again, and on the Day of San Juan, October 23, they leave after circling the Mission bidding farewell to the "Jewel of all Missions" -- San Juan Capistrano, California.
If a bird is flying for pleasure, it flies with the wind, but if it meets danger it turns and faces the wind, in order that it may rise higher.
Corrie Ten Boom
Good Morning !
Just a little trivia for you all this morning. Isn’t nature awesome. Everytime I think of these little birds flying all that distance, I’m encouraged.
They focus on the job they have to do and are not sidetracked. Somehow they know the right time and the right place and just do it. If we all try to just focus on what is important and forget about all the other ‘stuff’ maybe we could get more done . I know that I would. It’s often easy for me to get sidetracked.
I’m back to work again this morning. It looks as though it will be a quiet day.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Obstacles are what you see if you take your eyes off the goal.
Author Unknown
May your day be blessed with a few SMILES and lots of SUNSHINE to warm your heart!
MA
8 comments:
yup I like the birds outlook. its like using your enmies power to let them fall. In sefl defense they teach you not to push agains but duck and roll as they attack you. they expect you to push against them and are planning for you to hold them up at they come at you but if you fal back withthem to the ground it throws them off giving you the advantage. liek using the wind you are using thier momentum for you.
OK, now I'll be hearing Pat Boone in my head all day, singing "When the Swallows Come Back To Capistrano".
What a story to think about,those little birds have alot to teach us ...love Jan xx
May you fly with the wind this week!
Linda :)
I just love the quote of the day! Very true! :o)
Lisa
Another very interesting story.I enjoyed very much.Guess we get sidetracked far too much.Sometimes I must admit I could do with a pair of wings myself LOL!! I hope you get a smile or two today, and a little bit of sunshine too.Thankyou.Take care God Bless.
Astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES
I only live about a 45 minute drive from that mission. I've always been amazed at that story of the Swallows. I could never figure out how they can find the place year after year.
One of life's mysteries.
Pam
Isn't Capistrano a lovely name for a town? I hope you had a lovely day today. Hugs. Terry x
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