CNMC Tourist Guide

Clarification: Getting to St. Mary's Church

2009-06-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

From the Drury Plaza Hotel, you will need to walk a couple of blocks. From the East Commerce/St. Mary's Street intersection, you'll turn left (towards the Aztec Theater) and walk in that direction.

The church will be across the street after two blocks.

What Should I Bring to CNMC?

2009-06-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

From my experience as a traveler to the Catholic New Media Celebration last year in Atlanta, here is my suggested checklist for the CNMC:

- Enough clothes for your trip (pack for very hot weather!)
- Comfortable shoes
- Clothes & shoes for Mass
- Toiletries, cosmetics, etc.
- Contacts, eyeglasses, etc.
- Personal medications
- Business cards (to network easily with others)
- Pen
- Journal, camera, audio recorder, etc. if you wish to record your experience that way
----If you're bringing these items, don't forget everything you'd normally need, like extra tape for video cameras, memory sticks, batteries, chargers, adapters, microphones, etc.
- Rosary
- Bible
- Sunglasses, umbrella, hat, etc. to keep cool in the hot sun
- Sunscreen lotion if you plan on spending some time outside, or if you have particularly sensitive skin
- Passport, ID, credit cards, cash, etc.
- Flight & hotel information
- Purse, "fanny pack", etc. Keep in mind that you will receive a bag at the CNMC, so you may use that to carry some items.
- Celular phone

Sunday Mass & Close to Year of St. Paul

2009-06-18T13:43:00.001-07:00

It's just been announced that Sunday Mass for the Catholic New Media Celebration will take place at 9:30 AM in St. Mary's Catholic Church. You can find the church at 202 North St. Mary's Street. To get there from outside the hotel, just turn left and walk a few blocks. The church will be across the street.

Up to today, there's been speculation that the Archbishop will celebrate Mass with us. However, I can tell you that is highly unlikely, as Archbishop Gomez has been scheduled to celebrate an 11 AM Mass out-of-town. I will not be surprised to see our Bishop Oscar Cantu celebrate Mass with us, if any of the archdiocesan bishops are joining us. Bishop Cantu keeps a blog at http://bishopcantu.wordpress.com/

You may be interested in taking advantage of your stay to close the Year of St. Paul beyond attending the CNMC.

If that's the case, I encourage you to check out an event called Continuing in the Footsteps of St. Paul after your lunch! You'll learn from one of the foremost Catholic scholars on St. Paul and a former teacher of mine, Father George Montague, S.M., as well as the archdiocese's reknown Director for Evangelization, Martha Fernandez-Sardina.

The seminar takes place at 2 PM in the AT&T Center and Cafe on the grounds of San Fernando Cathedral. It lasts until 5 PM, when a Mass will be celebrated. At 6:30 PM, Archbishop Jose Gomez and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu will celebrate Solemn Vespers for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in the Cathedral.

This can serve as an excellent close to your San Antonio pilgrimage. To register for the event, contact the Office for Evangelization at 1.210.734.1990. $10 will get you the seminar and dinner.

CNMC Location: UIW Sky Room

2009-06-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

We're going to be in the Sky Room? What, in the clouds? Where exactly is this place?

This year, the Catholic New Media Celebration will take place on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word, one of the three Catholic universities located in San Antonio. UIW happens to be my school's rival, so I'm not officially a fan, but my dad received his degree there, so I suppose I have a well-enough balanced viewpoint to share. (Grin.)

The University of the Incarnate Word is one of the largest private universities in Texas, and one of the most internationally active. It was founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

When you're driving down to the CNMC, don't be fooled by UIW's closeby Incarnate Word High School. To get to the Sky Room, you'll need to be dropped off on the side of UIW's campus near East Hildebrand Avenue. As you can see on this map, the Sky Room is located in the McCombs Center, building 41 near the bottom of the map. When you enter from the E. Hildebrand entrance, the McCombs Center is on your right. (Check out the satellite image on Google Maps.) Parking is free for Sky Room visitors.

You'll take an elevator up to the Sky Room, named after its magnificent view of the city. (My high school prom was there!)

Enjoy your preparations. See you soon!

How to Beat the S.A. Heat!

2009-06-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

When you arrive in San Antonio, you'll arrive in the midst of a pretty terrible drought. It's been one hot summer already, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees Farenheit in the late afternoon. The air has also been very humid, which combined with high heat, can make for a potentially dangerous atmosphere.

Be not afraid! A San Antonio native is here to the rescue. When you know you'll be outside for a while in the Alamo City, make sure you have the following:

Sunscreen lotion
Sunglasses
A hat and/or umbrella (to use as shade)
Access to plenty of water (carry a bottle with you and drink often)
Light-colored/lightweight clothing, which absorbs less heat
Breaks in between periods of physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or bike riding

and try to avoid the following:

Sugary or caffeinated drinks, which impede your body's hydration and make you more susceptible to heatstroke
Dark-colored/heavy clothing
Standing in direct sunlight for extended periods of time
Wearing metal necklaces in direct sunlight, which can actually concentrate heat and give you a small burn

Above all, don't fret! As long as you do your part to beat the heat, you'll feel great. Enjoy your CNMC preparations!

More Things to Know

2009-06-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some more phrases that might come in handy when visiting San Antonio:

Ballet Folklorico: (Folk-LORE-ee-ko) Refers to a traditional type of Mexican or Central American dance, performed in various styles according to the region of origin. Costumes and music differ, but you can find any kind in San Antonio. In most of the performances you may see, women are dressed in long, colorful dresses and men are dressed in charro (or Mexican cowboy) costume. This resembles the tradition of northern Mexico. Folklorico styles include those originating in Veracruz, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Guerrero, Michoacan, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Loop: Slang for Loop 410 highway.

Alamo Heights: The traditionally wealthy part of town, where the University of the Incarnate Word is located.

The Tower: Slang for the Hemisfair Tower, which I've written about here.

Matachines: (Ma-tah-CHEE-neh-s) A group of religious dancers performing in the traditional style of Aztec emperor Montezuma, adapted for Roman Catholic purposes. They often participate in dances dedicated to the Blessed Mother as Our Lady of Guadalupe or for other saints. You can see a clip of matachines dancing here.
Also popular in our city are Aztec dancers dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in this style.

Tortilla: (tor-TEE-ya) Mexican flat bread made of either flour (de harina) or corn (de maiz).

Taco: (tah-ko) A sort of "Mexican sandwich," where ingredients are spread onto a tortilla. The tortilla is then folded in half. A typical taco on a menu will include a meat with tomatoes and lettuce, but there is really no "official" recipe for a taco. Tacos are eaten at any time of day. A crispy taco is a Tex-Mex variety using a fried taco. These are usually messier to eat!

Borracho or ranchero beans: If you order your beans this way, they will be whole (as opposed to refried and mashed). They usually come served in a bowl and are somewhat spicy. Borracho beans are also cooked with beer for flavoring. ("Borracho" means "a drunk" in Spanish.)

Sopapillas: (Soap-ah-PEE-ahs) Traditional Mexican dessert. Tortillas are fried, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and served with honey. Can also be served with ice cream on top.

Flan: (fl-AH-n) Traditional dessert in Spanish-speaking countries. Sort of like soggy cake to me, but it's actually a custard topped with caramel, and sometimes fruit.

Words and Phrases To Know

2009-06-07T23:01:00.000-07:00

As when visiting any region of the world, you may want to know a few things about our culture and language when visiting San Antonio.

Mariachi: (mah-ree-AH-chee, with the "r" rolled) Refers to a traditional Mexican style of music, or the musician who plays this music. Mariachis can be found at any corner of San Antonio, wearing traditional costume and playing violin, guitar, and trumpet instruments. They're known to be highly entertaining, and are usually quite talented. It is common for mariachis to wander around restaurants asking customers for song requests. Be aware that most of these groups will entertain you on a payment-per-song basis. Whether you pay or a nearby table pays, you should definitely try to experience mariachi music in action. Want some good songs to request? Here's a few with links to video clips: El Son De La Negra, Jarabe Tapatio (the "Mexican Hat Dance"), Mariachi Loco, Cielito Lindo, Solamente Una Vez, Las Mañanitas, (the song we sing on birthdays and anniversaries), La Cucaracha, and of course: La Bamba.

Queso flameado: (KEH-so flah-meh-AH-do) Literally means cheese on fire. If you see this on your menu, you're up for an appetizer, and you're not lactose intolerant, order it! Queso flameado is spicy chili mixed with cheese and set and served aflame so it's hot when you eat it.

al Carbon: (all Car-BONE, with the "r" rolled) Means your meat will be charcoal-grilled

Paseo del Rio: Riverwalk

Un grito: (oo-n grEE-toe, with the "r" rolled) A loud cry or shout, which you'll usually hear mariachis doing during a song. Listeners also do this, sort of like an "amen" to a preacher or a "woohoo!" during an upbeat song. It can also mean the listeners can relate to or appreciate a sad song. You can hear a lot of them during this performance of "El Son De La Negra."

Alamo City or River City: nicknames for San Antonio. No native calls the city "San Antone." Why should we? Pronounced properly, our name is Spanish for Saint Anthony (of Padua).

Gracias or Muchas Gracias: (GRAH-see-ah-s/MOO-cha-s) Literally meaning "graces" or "many graces," this is how you say "thank you" or "thank you very much" in Spanish.

If you encounter any other strange words or phrases while you plan, don't be afraid to ask!

The Food

2009-06-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Father Roderick has made it clear that he especially looks forward to San Antonio cuisine. Let's be honest: when you're touring a city with top-notch restaurants in almost every cultural tradition under the sun, a blogger can't possibly tell you all the best places to eat. Besides, it'd be unfair; you wouldn't make a dent in the list.

That being said, here are the eateries you should visit as a CNMC tourist in San Antonio:

Mi Tierra: In Market Square downtown, this family-owned restaurant never closes. So even if you get the munchies at 3 AM, you can make your way down to Mi Tierra for some Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine at a fair price (given its status as a tourist destination). The atmosphere is colorful, lit with hundreds of lights, and complete with wandering mariachi bands who'll entertain you at a per-song price. (I'd suggest letting your fellow restaurant-goer pay for the music, since the entertainment can get quite pricey.) Be sure to take some delicious Mexican sweet bread, pan dulce, back to your hotel room for breakfast or dessert from Mi Tierra's fantastic bakery near the entrace.

Casa Rio: Another top spot for Mexican food is Casa Rio (which means "River House"), which cooks up a more authentic menu (in my humble opinion) and seats you right on the river, if you so desire.

Rio Rio Cantina: I have great memories here. The Tex-Mex food is delicious, with a Californian twist. Also on the river.

Paesanos Italian (On the River): Though we're known for our Hispanic immigrant community, the Italians have definitely made their mark on San Antonio. Paesano's is one of the finer Italian dining locales in town, with a reputation for good food.

The County Line BBQ: Want a tiny taste of Texas barbeque? The County Line is well-known and located on the river. Enjoy the food, a beer, the river, and the homey atmosphere.

Hard Rock Cafe: Enough said. It's the worldwide restaurant chain, but this one is on the historic San Antonio River. You'll be surrounded be rock and roll music memorabilia from idols like Buddy Holly, the Beatles, Aerosmith, the Grateful Dead - even Madonna. Though the Hard Rock name is not exclusive to San Antonio, the environment makes it one of my favorites on the river. (I'm a sucker for rock and roll.)

Rainforest Cafe: If you have kids with you, you might want to consider shelling out some extra bucks for a unique experience in the "rainforest on the river." You can't miss this place when you're walking along the riverbank: inside, birds call out of a giant tree. While you eat at the Rainforest Cafe, you'll experience life in a rainforest, surrounded by plants and animatronic animals that come to life every few minutes. You'll also experience regular thunder and lightning at the same rate that a real rainforest experiences rainfall -- quite frequently! I think this restaurant is worth the extra cost, and can be lots of fun for a family. A few words to the wise, though: There's probably going to be a line to enter, small children who tend to be timid may be afraid of the "animals",and you shouldn't expect the food to be fabulous just because the prices are higher-than-average.

Of course, everyone has their favorites - and even as a native, I haven't eaten at even half of the wonderful places on the river. I'd suggest walking down the river and browsing. If you can't decide, ask a Parks & Recreation officer or native for suggestions.

Look forward to a friendly city

2009-06-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned this a couple of times in this blog, but now I have some proof! My high school classmate, Tarra Conte, now a writer for Examiner, has featured San Antonio's status as one of the friendliest cities in the country in this column. Make sure to check out some of the comments posted below the article.

She mentions its status as one of the five friendliest cities in America according to the TODAY show--notice that it's the first on the list here!

Moral of the story & traveler's tip: Don't be afraid to ask for help in S.A.

A Reply, Living in San Antonio

2009-06-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Today I received a message from Bob of the SQPN Family, who is thinking about retiring in San Antonio. He asked if I could give the top reasons to live in San Antonio as well as the low points, especially in regard to retirees.

Thanks for your compliments on the blog, Bob. If you couldn't tell already, I love San Antonio! Both my sets of grandparents live here, as well as most of my family, and our city has often been listed among the top places to retire, as you may well know. I'm happy to give you some points for consideration.

Safety & Security: San Antonio has always been a military town. We have several military bases- lots of military families living here. We have a very fine police force, and are also home to one of the FBI's field headquarters. Additionally, S.A. is one of the best cities in the world for medical care. Patients from around the globe are often flown in to our number of hospitals, research centers, and specialized practitioners.
Climate: We have a warm climate here – almost like Florida except less rain & no hurricanes, and in all my 21 years I’ve never experienced a tornado. We do get a fairly cold winter (Christmas isn’t 75 degrees) but nothing like New York, of course. By cold I mean 30’s to 50’s.
Recreation: I think it may be safe to say we have everything but snow sports in San Antonio. We do have top minor league hockey and baseball teams, major league men’s and women’s basketball. We regularly host college football and major golf tournaments. In addition to playing and attending sports events, you can find art, dance, theater, orchestra, opera, parks, concerts, shopping, historic places, and tons more to keep you busy, even on a tighter budget.
Catholic identity: San Antonio is, in my humble opinion, one of the best places for a Catholic to live. Our archbishop, Jose Gomez, came to us from Archbishop Chaput of Denver, and we were recently blessed with the youngest bishop in the U.S., Oscar Cantu – two outstanding shepherds. Besides all the things I mention in the CNMC Tourist about our Catholic history, we have parishes, convents, shrines and chapels in every corner of the city. Ministries and lay movements invigorate the faith lives of the thousands of Catholics and Christians in town.
Culture & People: My dad has a job that has sent him travelling all over the country, and he always reassures me that the people in San Antonio are by far the friendliest and most welcoming. I’ve always said we have the benefits of living in the seventh-largest city in the U.S. with the welcoming atmosphere of a small town. That is probably attributed to our Catholic history, the “hostess” warmth of Mexican culture, and the fact that San Antonians make up a beautiful melting pot of immigrant and native cultures.

Here are some related links I found that can elaborate more on our economic situation. The specifics are of course a bit outdated, but they're good for a general idea: U.S. News' Top Places to Retire & Yahoo! Finance's Places to Retire During Economic Downturn

What would I say are my least favorite things about living here?

Humidity: If you are one of those people who just can't stand humid heat, I'd advise you to take a visit here during the summer before you decide to move. We experience very little dry heat. My college buddies from out-of-town have demonstrated an ability to adjust, but some still complain about the humidity. For me, this isn't a huge issue. Stay inside when it's especially humid and wear appropriate clothing.
Allergies: Obviously, there's allergy medicine. But if you have respiratory problems and want to stay active outside year-round, I'd advise you to consider the wonderful array of allergens we have down here. Cedar and oak tree pollen as well as mold are the leading allergens here, and pollen gets heavy in the spring.
Growing Pains: San Antonio's strong points constantly attract new residents, and the city continues to deal with the effects of that. Traffic gets congested during the early morning, lunch and 5'o clock hours at major intersections and highways. Transportation construction projects can also affect traffic as the city builds to accomodate its growing population. I must tell you that most people who complain about San Antonio traffic are from S.A. or a smaller town, and haven't experienced traffic in cities like Atlanta or even Houston. I really don't think it's something to worry about - there are always ways to get around congested areas or avoid the highways.

I've heard other complaints about San Antonio that I think are overly political, unfounded and/or mean-spirited, so I find no reason to include them. I wish you the best in your search for a new home!

San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium

2009-05-27T22:38:00.001-07:00

So you've got kids?
So you're a kid at heart?
So you love animals?

...So you're coming to CNMC?

Perfect. I've got the place for you.

The San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, recently included in Parents Magazine's list of the 10 Best Zoos for Kids, remains a fun attraction for kids of all ages and sizes. I love our zoo not just because it's world-renowned, or because it has a train, or because of its unique animals, but because of its conservation efforts. Great reason to support & visit.

Adults will especially enjoy riding the miniature train and visiting exhibits like Africa Live! and the butterfly garden.

If your kids are dying of boredom during the CNMC (sad, but possible), or if your spouse needs somewhere to take 'em during the Celebration, take them to the Tiny Tot Nature Spot. This place has tons for them to do (text taken directly from the Zoo's site):

Underwater Adventure: Get face-to-fin with giant fish and watch silver
dollars school back and forth.
My Backyard: Plant seeds in the garden, water and transplant seedlings, make birdfeeders, plant toy carrots and smell the flowers.
Campground: Explore tents, play in the stream, explore a hollow log and look for bugs.
Pier and Pond: Play in a boat, sway on the dock while feeding fish, explore pond life and create fish prints.
Riverbank: Play in the water, dig in the sand, and climb on giant tortoise shells.
Coati/Sloth Hang and Dig: Climb and hang like a monkey or dig like a coati.
Crawl into the coati log and get nose to nose with this amazing animal.
Go Wild: Pound the drums, play in the tee-pee, run up and down hills, or just rest in the shade in this large grassy area.
Discovery House: This indoor facility features three exhibit rooms with full views of the out door areas:
Explore Your Pond Room: Pretend to fish in the indoor pond or enter a child-size aquarium.
Explore Your Zoo: Dress-up and act out various Zoo jobs - director, keeper,
or vet.
Explore Underground: Crawl through the magnifying glass and discover what
lives underground. View the underground activities of prairie dogs, earthworms and other critters

Definitely lots of fun. Parents, be sure to bring moist towelettes, sunscreen, and whatever's necessary for the kids to take a dip and get sandy on the mini riverbank beach.

http://www.sazoo-aq.org/

Stretch Your Dollar - Inexpensive Attractions

2009-05-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

San Antonio already has a low cost of living compared to the rest of the first world, and as one of the ten largest cities in the United States, you can find lots of bargain prices for fun attractions.

Free

The Alamo
The Riverwalk
Hemisfair Park: Site of the first Worlds Fair in 1968, a great place to picnic with the family. Also not free but definitely fun is a trip up the 750-foot-tall Tower of the Americas in a glass elevator to an observation deck. The ticket also includes a 4D Theater Ride, a new addition to this historic attraction.
Be sure to check out the Instituto Cultural de Mexico, an extension of the National University of Mexico, which educates visitors about the culture of Mexico. You'll be able to view art exhibits as well as the annual San Antonio Film Festival, which runs this year from June 25 through 28.
Market Square: Near Milam Park, this cluster of shops is fun for buying or just browsing. The indoor El Mercado features handicrafts from Mexican and local artisans. You can find everything from toys to clothes and art and religious items.
Main Plaza: In front of San Fernando Cathedral and at the heart of the city is our Main Plaza, with free events. Here's a breakdown of events during the CNMC:
Acoustic Lunch: June 26 (11:30am-1:30pm)
Flamenco Fridays - Fandango: June 26 (8-10pm) Spanish music and dance!
Raza en la Plaza - Buttercup: June 27 (8-10pm)
Conjunto Tocadita - Foxy & Chucho: June 28 (11am & 1pm) Mexican music!

Inexpensive

Museo Alameda: "The Smithsonian of the South" is a unique museum affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute. On June 25, you can catch a concert as part of the American Sabor series about Latinos in U.S. Popular Music. The museum has low suggested donation rates.
La Villita Historic Arts Village: While there's no admission fee into this attraction, I doubt you'll be able to browse without buying! La Villita, which means "little village," is a cluster of historic buildings hosting local artisans and musicans of all sorts.
On June 25, La Villita will host "BRAVO! An Evening of Song and Dance." Located at the Arneson River Theater, the evening will feature Mexican Folkloric, Spanish Flamenco, tap, jazz, hip hop and lyrical dance. Get more info on this event here.
VIA Metropolitan Transit: When you're downtown, do yourself a favor and hop on a streetcar trolley.
McNay Art Museum: Located near the site of the CNMC, the McNay remains my favorite San Antonio art museum. It recently added a stunning new gallery space. While picnicking on its gorgeously landscaped grounds amid fountains and artworks, you may catch a wedding party taking advantage of its infamous gardens for photographs.
Witte Museum: Also located near the CNMC site, this is almost obligatory if you're bringing kids along. They'll like the museum exhibits (dinosaurs, stuffed animals in ecology exhibits, mummies...) and they'll love the H-E-B Science Treehouse. The four-story "treehouse" is a completely interactive science museum that everyone in the family will enjoy. (Psst! I'm an adult and I still think it's the best part of the museum!)

If I add more to the list, it'll be in a separate post. Lots to see in San Antonio! Can't wait to share it with you.

Feel free to post questions as comments. Peace.

Coming Soon

2009-05-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to my feed and get the latest on great places in San Antonio from an insider. Coming up:

Places to Eat (Famous & Not-so-famous)
Hemisfair Park
Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not
Inexpensive things to do

and more! Hope to see you at CNMC. Peace.

St. Joseph's Downtown

2009-05-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

St. Joseph's Catholic Church in downtown San Antonio was founded in 1868, but the building itself was not completed until 1896. Begun by a German missionary priest, St. Joseph's was the first German-speaking Catholic community in San Antonio.

Today, the church sits next to a Dillard's department store. Apparently, churchgoers were haggled by other locals to leave their church when the department store was to be built. Parishoners loved their parish so much, though, that they decided they'd just have to be neighbors.

The church's sanctuary is absolutely stunning. Visit it at 623 E. Commerce Street (next to Dillard's).

The Riverwalk

2009-05-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

You could spend all day enjoying the San Antonio Riverwalk. The River, which runs through the heart of the city, is lined with shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Also known as the Paseo del Rio, the Riverwalk allows visitors to enjoy the serenity and liveliness of life along the river.

Be sure to take a river boat tour. Often in photos of San Antonio, you’ll see crowds of people riding on small boats. Our river is unique in that it acts as a sort of transportation route, with boats bussing people from one end to the other. Visit the Rio San Antonio Cruises station near the Rivercenter Mall to enjoy a ride down the river narrated by a knowledgable tour guide. He or she will let you in on all the fascinating details of each part of the river.

To learn about other stops along the river, visit the Riverwalk’s official website, http://www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com, and be sure to click on “Our Members” at the top.

The Alamo

2009-05-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

The above video is from one of the many movies about the Alamo. Here, William Travis speaks to the Alamo’s few defenders.

The mission I’ve failed to mention is a different story altogether. It is the Alamo, once known as Mission San Antonio de Valero. If you’re from the U.S., you’ve probably heard of the Alamo. You may not be sure why it is so important, why it has captured the hearts and minds of so many musicians, artists, historians, and the like, for almost two centuries.

The Alamo is known as the Cradle of Texas Freedom. At a decisive moment in history, people living in oppression under the Mexican government, called the Texians, decided to revolt. The Texians overtook the Alamo, which had been a Mexican military fortress, and thus began the Texian’s war for independence from Mexico. The Alamo has inspired so many partly because its small number of defenders stood their ground against a huge army of Mexican troops.

Learn more about the enormous amount of history behind this humble landmark by visiting http://www.thealamo.org.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

2009-05-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

Among the first North American settlers from Europe and effort to bring Christianity to the new world were the Franciscan missionaries who established the five missions which now constitute the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park.

For info on each mission, watch the videos I’ve posted. Each one holds a uniquely interesting experience for visitors, especially those of the Catholic faith. The missions are indeed the first roots of Catholicism in the United States.

Learn more about the Park by visiting its official website, http://www.nps.gov/saan.

The Spanish Missions of San Antonio

2009-05-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

San Fernando Cathedral

2009-05-20T19:29:00.000-07:00

CNMC attendees can experience a beautiful Mass on Sunday at San Antonio’s cathedral, San Fernando. Founded in 1731, the cathedral is currently celebrating its 275th anniversary, making it the oldest active cathedral in the United States. Today, it remains San Antonio’s spiritual center, not only for the over 670,000 Catholics living in the city, but also for interreligious celebrations and Hispanic cultural events. The Cathedral is also literally the geographical center of the city, marked with stone on the floor of the sanctuary near the altar.

For more information and service times, visit the cathedral’s website, http://www.sfcathedral.org/.