San Juan Capistrano is a relatively sleepy small town much like many, many similar small towns across America. But San Juan is the site of one of Father Junipero Serra’s first California missions, one that is still called "The Jewel of the Missions." And the legendary story of the migration of swallows and their return to the mission each year on St. Joseph’s Day has given the town some noteriety, inspired a song, and brought millions of visitors over the years to celebrate the return each year with week-long festivities capped by the Swallows Day Parade.
I greet the swallows return each year
As they return on a special day
When Visitors and home folk alike
Take much time out to pray
They give a shoutout to Father Junipero
who started “The Jewel of the Missions” there
They sing the song about the swallows return
To San Juan Capistrano they share.
I heard the song of the swallows return
To the city of San Juan every year
And then migrate to some other place
Before the fall or winter comes there.
San Juan indeed is a small beautiful place
One that is very bright and fair
I understand why Father Junipero Serra
Started his Mission right there.
There are many small towns in America
No swallows and big birds so few
They have other animals thats plentuful
Thank God they are beautiful too.
Image via Wikipedia
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