OC Register, October 8, 2008

Robert Manniello: 'Mission Bell' audio tour is history to children's ears

Recently, I decided to experience Mission San Juan Capistrano from a child's viewpoint and try out the newly offered children's audio tour, "Saved by the Mission Bell: A Child's Journey through California History."

As I skipped to the front entrance, simultaneously texting a friend and listening to Hannah Montana, aka Miley Cyrus, on my iPod, questions churned like a whirlwind. Yes, I'm a fourth-grader and this is my school trip, but what's so special about this place? Why do I need to go to the mission? I'm going to be bored, right? Wouldn't Disneyland be more fun? Is this really a place for kids?

Well, the mission's new child-focused audio tour provides a winning tactic, encouraging children to see, hear and learn about our national and community treasure. The selected method: involvement in an adventure with peers Megan and Tommy trying to help Acu, the revered bell ringer, get home. That includes solving a mystery as a time-traveling team member, returning him to the year 1915.

It has a "Wizard of Oz" or "E.T." feel, while presenting historical lessons painlessly. Important characters that helped shape Mission SJC come to life in 10 brief channel stops. Allowing personalized dialogue and conjuring up vignettes, audio friends discover mission facts during key time periods in this 45-minute tour. Continually tweaking one's imagination cap is the secret.

The student's attention and location shift with each bell chime announcing the mission's changing landscape, Juaneno tales, encountering Hippolyte Bouchard, an Argentine pirate lamenting his unsuccessful 1880s mission raid, and even being offered not-so-tempting food items of seaweed and worms.

Following the mission map, abundant educational opportunities arise. Discovering soap and candles originating from cattle-fat odds and ends, fending off recruiting attempts at the adobe soldiers' barracks, surprising marriage proposals in the beautiful central courtyard and meeting Father Gregorio Murio, resident padre (1778) for a briefing on God's mysterious ways keep students listening.

The Sacred Bell Wall's role in signaling happiness, sorrow, duties, prayer, meals and symbolically calling all people home to God – even the youngest (angel bells) – provides an added spiritual realization for the PDA generation.

Rounding out the tour at the Great Stone Church ruins (1812), but arriving there in the 21st century, one hears the call to conserve and preserve the "Jewel of the Missions" for future generations. Following the footsteps of Father John O'Sullivan (the mission's "Great Restorer"), this dedication is based on love and genuine appreciation.

A rapid retreat to the cemetery site of the original builders of the mission appears to end the journey – or does it? Did we fail in our mission? I'm not telling.

Though not meant to reference the TV series "Saved by the Bell" (Bayside High School student adventures) or the 1960s pop smash "Mission Bell" by Donnie Brooks, my take-home thoughts point to the song's essence. The phrases "My love is higher than the mission bell" and "Please give your love to me" might represent our cherished love for the mission and its returned love as soul-saving in nature.

Just a silly thought for young and old alike. Forgive me; I'm just a kid at heart. And by the way, adults will like the tour, too.

Link to original article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mission-bell-love-2184852-tour-audio

ROBERT MANNIELLO
Spirit of Capistrano

October 8, 2008