After writing three books about Spanish-Mexican history in California, I was motivated to go on a quest to visit all twenty-one California missions, on foot! Being a Catholic school teacher for over twenty years, my hope is to get as close to the lives of the amazing people who were the first Catholics in California—Indigenous, Spanish, mestizo—with the hope of being a better Catholic and teacher. Specifics for my pilgrimage along the California Missions Trail  so far are 643 miles walked over 37 days, approximately 244 hours walking, and nineteen missions visited.  To date I have raised $275 from eleven people on Facebook for my cause—the Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua. This summer I hope to finish the remaining 140 miles.

The Campaign helps to preserve the only Mission in Central California that has been able to keep the tranquil environment needed for deep solace and reflection. Its purpose is to raise money to continue the Mandated Seismic Retrofit and Restoration of the Mission. It hopes the Mission will continue to bring comfort to all who visit for the next 100 years. 

Please join me in making a difference. Money raised will benefit the Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. [Please see update below]

More information about my walk can be found here and the Campaign at  www.preservemissionsanantonio.org.