Through class we have been looking at old pictures and some history from santa clara as a college. This inspired me to think about the most authentic thing on campus. The Santa Clara Mission has been most inspiring to me in many ways. When looking to come here the first thing I thought was that my grandparents are going to be so happy that this old catholic church would be right here on campus and the more I think about it, it makes me the happiest. The feeling I get and the souls I feel within the church is what makes such a big impact on my life.

Santa Clara de Asis was founded January 12 ,1777 by Fr. Junipero Sierra. The mission was named after a women Saint Claire of Assisi, a 13th century Italian nun. Which leads me to believe the reason for the authenticity. Think about it, a women so pure and genuine named after a beautiful mission. I think that she is almost reincarnated within the walls of the church. Every step I take from when I open the door, I feel as soft as can be. When the bells ring every day it is like hearing a women voice sing a beautiful song. What I find most interesting is that the mission was destroyed and rebuilt six times in history. The church was never given up on or abounded and that means there is a little bit of everyone and everything put into this mission. And with the amount of people who visit per day this church doesn’t only touch souls but the souls have touched the church.

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As I brought many family members to see the mission the one time I remember most is when I brought my grandfather.  He sat within the church and prayed, as it was the hardest thing for me to see, a tear shed down his face. That moment I walked through there with him and sat outside in front of the fountain he told me it was the most peaceful he has ever felt anywhere in his life.  My grandfather passed away a month before I started at Santa Clara University. Every time I walk towards the mission or passed the fountain I feel him around me. I have yet to walk into the mission since. But the Santa Clara Mission is a place that allows me to connect and feel my grandfather with me everyday. It reminds me deep within my heart when I walk pass the mission I think of him and know he is resting in peace. This church isn’t just authentic because of the people who have influenced it when it began but because of the people who keep it authentic today .