Our Mission was built purposely to reflect the glory of God in all aspects, not just the art and the sacramentals, but the actual structure as well.  One of these glorious attributes is the twice a year Solar Illumination.  The window in the choir loft is situated so that the sun illuminates the altar and tabernacle causing a reflective glare that requires sunglasses. Interestingly, this phenomenon takes place on or about October 4th (the Feast of St. Francis, patron of the California Franciscan Missions) and March 19th (the Feast of St. Joseph, our patron.)  To see the Illumination near its peak in person, we suggest coming to the September 30^th or October 7^th 5:30pm Vigil Mass or arriving early for the October 1^st, October 4^th, or October 8^th 7:00pm Masses. The sunbeam should be perfectly centered on the Altar sometime between 6:20 – 6:30pm.  Find out more about Solar Illumination on our website, missionsanjose.org/solar-illuminations.