Solstice at the Mission
(photo by Carl D. Leaver) On the solstice (Tuesday), at Old Mission San Juan Bautista, the sun will stream through the arms of St. John the Baptist (the statue outside the church), then through the window in the choir loft, and starting from the right-hand side of the statures in the rededor and coming to rest on the tabernacle, from which it flows in a golden river of light down the center aisle. On cloudless solstices, it is quite spectacular. Anyone in San Juan Bautista at 6:00 am Tuesday this week (Dec 21) are welcomed into the church -- usually a priest, together with local Native Americans who built the church, will lead a waiting ceremony until the sun does its thing. Want more information about Old Mission San Juan Bautista? Here is the official information , and here are the reflections of MSI Press author, Sula, Parish Cat at Old Mission . Enjoy the solstice wherever you are.