Santa Ana translates in English to Saint Anne. She was the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. Her feast day is July 26th. Oddly enough, Santa Ana is not mentioned in the New Testament. She is the patroness of housewives, women in labor, cabinet-makers, and miners. Her symbol or emblem is a door. The name Anne derives
I was fortunate enough to follow Deacon Karl and Father Pat from the church to this mission and found no problems parking. The mission is in a farm and country setting and it is a very peaceful area. The building is white with a brownish roof and a tall cross that can't be missed in front with the name of the mission below. There is a small vestibule with an abundance of information and books. From the vestibule, I entered the church and was in the middle of the left wall as I faced the altar. To the right was an overflow area with chairs and to the left are wooden pews. The right area also had an adoration area for Our Lady of Guadalupe that was surrounded by a beautiful array of silk flowers. Nearby were more books, handouts and religious photos.
There is one main aisle down the middle of the church/mission that leads from the back to the altar. Two smaller aisles are along the side walls where the very nice Stations of the Crosses are located. The music area is to the right of the altar and there is a large rustic wooden cross with a white cloth draped behind this area. The altar is in a very nice alcove that has a wooden backdrop. Above the altar table is an ornate cross and the tabernacle is behind the table and slightly to the right. There is an adoration area to the left of the altar with a statue of Mary, a framed print of Our Lady of Guadalupe and a rosary. There is a partition between the pew area and the overflow area that can be closed off to become two separate rooms.
There were many welcoming parishioners who shared smiles and kind words. I'm grateful for their spirit-filled hospitality. I spent a few moments speaking to Deacon Karl Meyersick. and I asked him to tell me what he feels is special about Santa Ana Mission. Deacon Karl replied, "Santa Ana is a community because of our limited resources. The Spanish and English communities have come together and supported a bilingual mass. I think for that reason those two communities are not near as far apart in their faith and worship as many other places in the diocese. Because of that, I think that they are close to each other."
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. - 2 Corinthians 13:14