San Juan De La Cruz (St. John of the Cross) Mission Church is a quaint little country mission church located in NW Florida, in the town of Branford- near the beginning of the panhandle.
This parish mission church may be quaint but it is anything but small in spirit. The reverence for the Sanctuary and Eucharist eclipsed the bright sun raising in the sky outside.
The prayerfulness before Mass was enchanting. The parishioners protected the quiet and sanctity of the church – “Jesus is present in the sanctuary.” Finishing Mass with the Prayer of St. Michael, several families and individuals prayed the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. While a majority of the remainder of those at Mass broke up to the ‘fellowship hall’ around back for what appeared to be a small meal and gathering. Beautiful community.
The priest was very reverent with the Eucharist and Mass overall and the deacon gave a nice, well thought out homily.
The church itself is very simple and lovely in the simplicity. From the outside, San Juan De La Cruz Mission truly looks like a Spanish Mission.
While this church may be off the beaten path a bit, if you’re in this corner of the panhandle of Florida, I’d recommend a visit to San Juan De La CruzMission Church – you’ll leave feeling ready to be that missionary.
“Remember always that you came here for no other reason than to be a saint; thus let nothing reign in your soul that does not lead you to sanctity.” -St John of The Cross
