Winter’s Glow
In celebration of the unique blend of Spanish and German cultures here in Central Texas, IlluMen will share classic favorites from both musical traditions that capture the warmth and spirit of the season. From joyful carols and dances to intimate, meditative works, this concert will be a perfect way to embrace the holidays.
We are honored to present this program in the historic church at Mission San José and are grateful for the opportunity to share our music in this beautiful and meaningful space.
Admission is free for all, with donations graciously accepted to help support our work.
We can’t wait to share this magical evening with our San Antonio Community!
Sunday, December 8, 2024 - 6:00PM
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo was founded by Franciscan missionary Father Antonio Margil de Jesús in 1720. The mission relocated three times after originally being placed on the east bank of the San Antonio River south of the Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo). Many of the structures on-site before the 1760s were temporary. In 1768, construction of the existing church began and finished about 14 years later. The church’s façade and Rose Window are considered the finest examples of Spanish colonial ornamentation in the U.S. Mission San José’s Visitor Center features the short film Gente de Razón (People of Reason) to provide an overview of mission life. The church holds a bilingual Mariachi Mass every Sunday at 12:30 pm.
Mission San José y San Miguel de Aguayo operated as a Spanish Mission for 104 years and baptized over 2,000 individual Indians. The Mission began the secularization process in 1794, with its days as a Spanish Mission officially ending in 1824. Mexican and Texian/Tejano military units later occupied the property intermittently. The church reopened for services from 1859 to 1868, until a portion of the north wall, dome and roof collapsed during storms. In 1928, the church’s bell tower collapsed. In 1932, a major restoration project began for the church, granary, bastion, and Mission Indian living quarters. The gristmill reopened in 2001. Today, the church plans to add a pavilion and community center outside the historic compound to serve the growing needs of the parish.