My mission's name is San Diego de Alcala. It was the first mission ever built in California which makes it mission #1. It was named by the Spanish explorer, Captain Viscaino in 1602 in the honor of Saint Didacus (or Diego) of Alacala. He taught Christianity and took care of the sick. He was known to have made many miracles happen. The person who established my mission was Father Junipero Serra. He was also the president of all the missions.

San Diego de Alcala's main building's exterior has barely any ornamental features. Six small ledges carved in stone form a pattern above the doorway. To the left of the main building, is a bell wall with five enormous bells; one of them even weighs 1,200 pounds! It is a pinkish tan color and topped with a blue cross.

I think that the most important fact about my mission is that it had to be rebuilt three times since its first construction in July of 1769. It is visited by thousands of 4th graders studying California history every year. The year 1797 was mission San Diego's most successful year because they owned 50,000 acres of land, 10,000 cattle, 1,250 horses, and 20,000 sheep. They also had corn, wheat, barley, kidney beans, and chickpeas. They performed 565 baptisms and 1,405 people were made Christians.

Today, the first mission is used for a parish church once again. It has been named a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI, which means that it has a very important historical significance. Millions of people just come to see the beauty of the mission; others come because of its amazing history.

I found that the most interesting part about my mission is that after going through several tragedies and hardships, it is still standing straight and tall, and that is why it's called "The Mother of the Missions".