The limestone buildings shimmer in the blazing Texas sun. A Franciscan friar emerges from the parish office behind the church. I briefly wonder whether he’s melting under his brown habit. I know I am, ...

By the end of the 1830’s, the new government secularized all 21 missions (i.e. they reverted the mission lands to Ohlone ownership) and expelled the Spanish Franciscans loyal to the King of Spain and ...

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, this reconstructed Spanish Franciscan mission gives travelers a peek into what life was like during the 17th century. Visitors can take self-guided ...

Pope Francis (88) has sent his first audio message since being hospitalized for double pneumonia nearly three weeks ago.