
This is the third location of what was also called the Aranama Mission or Mission La Bahia, established in 1722 in Goliad, Texas. Previous missions were at Matagorda and Lavaca Bay then named La Bahía del Espíritu Santo (The Bay of the Holy Spirit), on the south west coast of Texas on the Gulf. On our involuntary vacation trip, we visited the town of Goliad first and then went to see the Mission itself, a short distance away on the banks of the San Antonio River.

The intention of the third location was to settle in a place that the native people, the Aranama, would be willing to stay and work, as well as establish territory to defeat the French, in particular. At its peak there were 40,000 head of cattle at the Mission making it the largest ranch in the area and run by the Franciscan order. I often wonder what the indigenous people thought – did Missions make their lives easier or was it just stolen land? They would have offered protection against some of the more warlike Tribes and a regular supply of food albeit with forced conversion to Catholicism.

One of my Irish cousins is a Missionary nun. For many years she worked in Africa. When she was older they moved her to a poverty stricken housing estate in Glasgow, Scotland. I was curious as to how she adapted but she loved it! Most people who meet me make assumptions based on my Scottish accent and seem to think I lived a fabulous life (in a castle?). Many people my age immigrated from Scotland to other countries to achieve a better life.
The building itself fell into disrepair over the years and was reconstructed as part of the New Deal in the 1930’s. From visiting other Missions in Mexico and California, it seems authentic to me. I was enchanted by the simplicity of the church and the pastoral lands surrounding it.

Mission Nuestra Senora del Espiritu Santo de Zuniga is a bit of a mouthful, as was my Spanish given name – Katherine Louise Dellinger de Ortega. My ancestors settled in Spanish Missions from central Mexico up to San Francisco. When I was in McAllen, the Mexican American receptionist commented on my Scottish accent and I said, “You won’t believe what my maiden name was!” After the reveal she said, “Well, that is a brown name!” I was so happy that she recognized my Mestizo heritage despite my Caucasian appearance – few people do.

Although I’m not religious I can appreciate the architecture of a church building and the creative energy in the interior.
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Thank you, Joseph, and I feel much the same way. 💛
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“Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga” – I LOVE those Spanish names. Well, and I love the architecture, too.
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Just wondering if you have a broad Scottish accent when you speak Spanish?
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I have been told that I do…😊 Unintelligible but enunciated beautifully!
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Thank you for sharing these beautiful pics! I love to visit old churches and admire their architect.
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Me, too! Old churches make me feel serene. ⛪
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I see Stations of the Cross in the third, interior, photo. Enjoyed the visit.
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Thank you so much!
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While I am not deeply religious, I love visiting different churches and cathedrals whenever we travel around the world as they often can be great examples of incredible feats of early architecture. Thanks for sharing and Happy Summer Solstice. Lots of love and hugs from Ireland 🙂 Aiva xx
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As a lapsed Catholic, I have a complicated relationship with churches. The churches bring back some nostalgic memories. Happy Solstice, Aiva! 🌞☀🌞 K x
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Each and all of us share a wide array of ethnic genes. I can’t wait for the day when we are truly colorblind and accept one another as fellow human beings.
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Thank you, Tanja!
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Amén gloria a Dios 🙏 🙌 bendiciones para todos saludos desde Colombia
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Bendiciones para ti en Colombia. Muchas gracias por tu comentario. 💟
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Amén gloria a Dios Dios te prospere y melede buena salud para ti y todo los tuyos
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I love these old churches!
Thank you for sharing the pictures!
Blessings!
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You are most welcome, Ana. 💟
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Fascinating link back to turbulent times. And intriguing family links too.
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Thank you, Roy. They are not so intriguing when you live here – plenty of Ortegas to go around!
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If you had lived in Castlemilk instead of Toryglen you could have said you DID live in a Castle.
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Bwa ha ha! 😁
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The churches are beautiful. I love visiting churches wherever I go as the architecture and often the artworks are stunning. Also peaceful places.
Lovely pictures Kerry. Enjoy summer. Have you been censored? Roe v Wade?
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Absolutely beautiful
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Thank you so much!
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Of course, welcome to my group of friends!
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