(Huntington Library) get along too well with some of the military people, you know. Jesuit priests had developed 13 missions on that long and arid peninsula over seven decades. These nine missions, named below, are part of the chain of 21 missions that stretched for 650 miles along California’s El Camino Real (The Royal Road) . St. Junipero Serra (1713-84) is a significant name in California’s history. Serra justified the beating of Indians, treating them as children who needed correction. Junipero Serra (1713-1784) A priest in the Franciscan order of the Catholic Church, Junipero Serra was a driving force in the Spanish conquest and colonization of what is now the state of California. 1776. . Father Junipero Serra, OFM (1713-1784), acknowledged as the "founder of California", accomplished this by establishing the mission system. La Purísima Concepción de María Santísima, Registered with Copyright Safeguard - 2015. He became Father-President of the missions after Father Serra. Serra is often criticized for the abuse of the California Indians, and the destruction of their culture under the mission system. Pope John Paul II beatified Serra (made him a candidate for sainthood) in 1988. Central California's "Hidden Treasures", "We know Father Serra's Junípero Serra’s lasting legacy is found in the nine missions he established in California between the years 1769 and 1782. They wouldn't let them leave the missions. I think you really He didn't The Franciscans were asked to take over the missions and Father Serra was assigned as the new Superior of the region. On August 28, 1784, at the age of 70 and after traveling 24,000 miles, Father Junipero Serra died at Mission San Carlos Borromeo and is buried there under the sanctuary floor. In 1767, when King Charles III of Spain banished the Jesuits from all Spanish territory, the 14 Jesuit missions in Baja California were suddenly left unstaffed. Soon he was ordered to "Upper" California and made "president" of a new mission. It was 35 years to the day that he left Cadiz, Spain for the missions of the new world. He was from Majorca in Spain. This plaque and the statue shown at Mission San Miguel, can be found at 100 locations throughout the state of California. One year before he beatified Fray Junípero Serra in 1988, St. John Paul II made a pilgrimage to the grave of the Franciscan priest at Mission San Carlos Borroméo in Carmel, Calif. San Buenaventura Serra himself established nine missions, with a total of twenty-one missions eventually being established along the El Camino Real, from San Diego to Sonoma, a distance of 700 miles. The 700-mile-long El Camino Real linked California’s 21 missions, which were founded by Father Junipero Serra and spaced one day’s journey apart by horse. Born in Spain, Junípero Serra first traveled to the Americas in 1749 while in his thirties, to work as a Catholic missionary in Mexico. at all these Indians. My correspondents’ anger was unrelated to the subject of my article, but was instead inflamed by a mention of Junipero Serra, a canonized Franciscan friar who founded Spanish missions … Junipero Serra is known as the Father of the Missions. In a little-known historical note, Serra took up collections among his parishes to support the American Revolution, and sent the funds to General George Washington. Serra is also responsible for the 21 missions that were eventually established. San Juan Capistrano. Even after the burning of the mission in Founded as the eighth mission (of twenty-one) in California by Spanish missionaries in 1777, it was the first named for a woman – Saint Clare of Assisi – and founded by Franciscan friar Junipero Serra to convert the native tribes to Catholicism. Presidios were the military foundations of the Spanish empire. Serra established nine missions there from 1769 to 1782. The purpose of this page rather is to shed a bit of light for those unfamiliar with his story and the role that Junipero Serra played in the founding of California. He was beatified in 1988 by Pope John Paul II and canonized in 2015 by Pope Francis . in a lot of his doctrinal leanings and things like that, but Saint Junipero Serra, Spanish Franciscan priest whose missionary work among the Indians of North America earned him the title of Apostle of California. Though this mission was founded after the death of Serra by his successor, his influence is still present. He is thus referred to as "Blessed Junipero Serra". The missionaries rebuilt the mission as an army fort. 1769. He was an indefatigable explorer, organizer and administrator. Name taken upon entering the Franciscan Order: Junipero; Juniper was one of St. Francis of Assisi's original companions. to the Indians, really, than even to the governors. As Junipero and his companions traveled up and down the state, they would note where the conditions were suitable for future foundations: water, soil, proximity to the El Camino Real and population of natives. However, young soldiers far from home sometimes tend to be "rambunctious". Learn more about Serra’s life and work. Let's whip them into shape.' Missions founded: San Diego (1769); San Carlos Borromeo or Carmel Mission (1770); San Antonio de Padua (1771); San Gabriel Arcangel (1771); Mission San Luis Obispo (1772); San Francisco de Asis (1776); San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara de Asis (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Carmel was the second of the 21 missions that Franciscans founded in … He did show remarkable determination in accomplishing his life's work, both in the Old and New worlds. Father Serra, wanting to lessen this bad influence on his native converts, moved this mission from Monterey to its present location in Carmel. 1770. Serra is also responsible for the 21 missions that were eventually established. From this beginning, the cities, roadways and economy of present day California have their source. Including Mission San Carlos Borromeo, Junípero Serra founded nine missions in Alta California. Some may find it incongruous to compare the achievements of St. Junípero Serra with those of the founding fathers. San Francisco de Asís. Under his leadership, the misisons became self-sufficient, and many grew into thriving settlements – the basis for some of California’s most important cities. San Antonio de Padua (Jolon) 1771. Junípero Serra y Ferrer (November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784) was a Franciscan friar most well known for founding the first 9 California missions. How many missions did Junipero Serra found? there, he worked hard, worked 18 hours a day. He wasn't out there saying, 'Wow, look Father Serra founded 9 of the 21 Franciscan Catholic missions in Alta California (there are also Catholic missions in Baja (Lower) California which is still part of the country of Mexico). . . Serra’s remains are interred at Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo. Father Junípero Serra in a portrait by Father Jose Mosqueda. How many missions did Junipero Serra found? Pope John Paul II beatified Serra (made him a candidate for sainthood) in 1988. The statues are life sized and show the small stature of Serra - he was only 5 feet 2 inches tall. The San Gabriel mission was the fourth mission founded by St. Junípero Serra, a Franciscan priest who founded a trail of missions across California. Their purpose was to provide protection for the settlers and missions. He personally founded nine of California's 21 Spanish missions and served as president of the California missions from 1767 until he died in 1784. Serra was an 18th century Franciscan friar who founded the first nine missions in California during the era of Spanish colonization. He was physically There is controversy about Father Serra as well. . After fifteen years of toil in Upper California, St. Junipero founded nine missions, including San Gabriel, which was recently burnt down. This is the cenotaph, or empty tomb, of Junipero Serra at the Mission Carmel. Denver Newsroom, Jun 22, 2020 / 03:20 pm (CNA).- In Los Angeles and San Francisco over the weekend, protestors tore down two statues of St. Junipero Serra, an 18th-century Franciscan priest and missionary who they accused of contributing to the destruction of Native American culture through his founding of the first nine of California’s mission churches. (More information here). If you would like an interesting reflection on the controversy, click on my California Missions page here. The nine missions founded by Junípero Serra in Alta California are: San Diego de Alcalá (1769) 1776. The statue in the photo above is at Mission San Miguel . This monument notes the landing spot in Monterey of the expedition of Junipero Serra and Gaspar de Portola in 1769. 9 missions. His energetic nature is shown by his personal motto, “Siempre adelante” (always forward). Whether he was a cruel enslaver of natives or a holy and benevolent evangelizer depends a lot on how one views religion in general and the Catholic Church in particular. life from the time he was born, where he was trained, what he He was an indefatigable explorer, organizer and administrator. It is estimated that during his ministry, St. Junipero Serra baptized about 6,000 native people. The places you are most likely to see a statue of Padre Serra are at any of the 21 missions in California. Over the years the El Caminio Real gave way to modern highways, primarily Routes 101 and 82. The next year, Jose de Gálvez, the Spanish inspector-general decided to explore, establish presidios and found missions in Alta California, the area which is now the stat… I think you really Saint Junípero Serra (1713-1784) Often called the “father of the California Missions,” Junípero Serra did more than any other man to advance the Catholic church and beliefs in California. He converted 5,000 Indians during his life and thousands more converted later due to his heroic apostolate. The statue in the photo above is at Mission San Miguel. In what way did the Franciscans have a "paternalistic" attitude towards the native Californians? not a person who was enslaving Indians, or beating them, ever. Junípero Serra statue at Mission Santa Barbara Junípero Serra y Ferrer (November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784) was a Franciscan friar most well known for founding the first 9 California missions. This was known as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and was located in present-day San Diego. Sainthood means that the Catholic Church considers the person to be a divine presence in heaven. He was the first president of the California mission system, and personally founded nine of the state's 21 missions. In 1931, California chose Junipero Serra as one of the two subjects that each state is allowed in the statuary hall in the US Capitol building. He was the first president of the California mission system, and personally founded 9 of the 21 missions. "We know Father Serra's The US Army now occupies this presidio whose founding dates back to that landing. 1777. His life motto was "Siempre adelante y nunca atras", which is "Always go forward and never turn back". On August 28, 1784, at the age of 70 and after traveling many thousands of miles by sea and land, Father Junípero Serra died at Mission San Carlos Borromeo and was buried there the next day under the sanctuary floor. Current status in the Catholic Church: Father Serra has been declared a "blessed" in 1988 which is the step immediately prior to being canonized or declared a "saint". However, he also fought efforts to enslave Indians, and opposed the colonial governor over treatment of the Indians. Indians who converted to Catholicism were prevent from leaving the mission, and in some cases were made virtual slaves. He was much nicer In 1768, Serra became head of the missionaries in Baja California, and started the first and only Franciscan mission there. This is located in one of the five museums at this mission. In July 1767, the guardian of the college of San Fernando appointed Serra president of the missions of Baja California, heading a group of 15 Franciscan friars; Francisco Palóu served as his second in command. 1782. Monuments, statues and plaques throughout the state attest to this fact. ". They wouldn't let them leave the missions. thought and what he did. Junipero Serra went on to establish eight more missions before his death in 1784. Pilgrimage to the Carmel Mission This was known as Mission San Diego de Alcalá and was located in present-day San Diego. A statue of Father Junipero Serra stands in front of the San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, California on September 23, 2015. life from the time he was born, where he was trained, what he Spain was unable to appoint many men to the region, which the Russians threatened to occupy. How Many Missions did Junípero Serra Found? 2013 marks the tercentenary of the birth of this man who, without a doubt, has been the most influential person in the shaping of the state of California. With the sole exception of Mission San Antonio, all of the missions became the nucleus of a surrounding or neighboring town. to be sure that they were treated fairly. Despite all these infirmities, he diligently worked to establish the California missions. It was created by Jo Mora and dedicated in 1925. Father Serra also suffered from asthma which ultimately led to his death. It can be found at the intersection of Artillery and Pacific at one of the entrances of the Presidio of Monterey. He was born on the Spanish … the Department of History at the University of San Diego, © 2011-2018 Discover-Central-California.com
person and forgiving. Over the next fifteen years—covering the American Revolutionary War period—Serra established nine of California’s famous missions, helped lay the foundation for much of its modern economy (including its agriculture and winemaking), and planted the seeds of the Catholic faith for generations to come. I will not add to the controversy here. Serra as Founding Father? in a lot of his doctrinal leanings and things like that, but 1784 At the age of 70, and after traveling 24,000 miles, Father Junípero Serra died at Mission San Carlos Borromeo and is buried there under the sanctuary floor. Saint Junípero Serra (1713-1784) Serra is known as the father of the California Missions, and even California’s founding father. Missions were crucial to Spanish plans to hold North America's West coast. He was the head of the Spanish mission in California for many years, and he founded the first eight missions. San Luís Obispo de Tolosa. (The Indians were not singled out in this regard; friars and soldiers faced similar punishments under Spanish rule.). He didn't All Rights Reserved
He was the first president of the California mission system, and personally founded 9 of the 21 missions. thought and what he did. The second is that the main north-south roadway in Central California and beyond, Highway 101, is the same route that Junipero Serra and his companions blazed, The El Camino Real. Franciscan priest Father Junipero Serra founded the first mission in 1769. He was often required to balance the conflicting demands of the church, the military, and civil authorities (including the Spanish governor). His attitude was, 'Stay away from the Indians.' The missions, like the monasteries of the late Middle Ages (which Saint Francis had reacted against in starting his order), became vast properties where tens of thousands of head of cattle, sheep, and goats and massive acres of grapes for wine-making made the friars rich beyond measure. San Diego de Alcalá. there, he worked hard, worked 18 hours a day. Place of burial: The sanctuary of Mission Carmel. San Gabriel Arcángel. Into the vacuum created by the Jesuits' expulsion from Mexico, stepped Franciscan missionaries. Pope John Paul II beatified Serra (made him a candidate for sainthood) in 1988. Serra himself established nine missions, with a total of twenty-one missions eventually being established along the El Camino Real, from San Diego to Sonoma, a distance of 700 miles. Founded as the eighth mission (of twenty-one) in California by Spanish missionaries in 1777, it was the first named for a woman – Saint Clare of Assisi – and founded by Franciscan friar Junipero Serra to convert the native tribes to Catholicism. In the marble are the Franciscan emblem as well as other motifs. Saint Junípero Serra (1713-1784) Often called the “father of the California Missions,” Junípero Serra did more than any other man to advance the Catholic church and beliefs in California. get along too well with some of the military people, you know. He wasn't out there saying, 'Wow, look Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded first by Father Lasuen, but it was abandoned and later refounded by Serra. 9 missions. ", DR. IRIS ENGSTRAND, professor and chair of In what way did Junipero Serra try to combat some of the abuse taking place in the missions? He was from Majorca in Spain.He was a teacher of philosophy in Spain and Mexico in the 1740s. He was known for his piety, but was also a tireless explorer and a capable administrator. Two Jesuits had died at the hands of Indians in the revolt of 1734–6. Education: Theology at Lullian University, Palma, Mallorca, Religious Organization: The Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, Profession: Catholic priest; professor of theology; presidente of the mission system in Baja California (1750-1768); then presidente and founder (1769-1784) of the mission system in Alta California (present day California). come up with a benevolent, hard-working person who was strict He was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca in 1713 as Miquel Josep Serra Ferrer. September 23, 2015 – Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra (declared him a saint), in a mass held before 20,000 people at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. San Diego de … Franciscan priest Father Junipero Serra founded the first mission in 1769. The places you are most likely to see a statue of Padre Serra are at any of the 21 missions in California. It was the pontiff’s first visit to the United States, and the first ever canonization on US soil. San Diego Mission. Serra was an 18th century Franciscan friar who founded the first nine missions in California during the era of Spanish colonization. Then will all the markers, place names and monuments begin to make sense to a visitor to Central California. Your personal and local guide to
The California missions he established were hardly perfect institutions. Junípero Serra’s lasting legacy is found in the nine missions he established in California between the years 1769 and 1782. San Carlos Borromeo (Carmel) 1771. Finally, there is a small bear at Serra's feet, signifying the State of California. They could be beaten or whipped for violating church rules. Early on after arriving in the New World in 1749, he suffered some sort of injury to his leg which continued to plague him throughout his life for the next 35 years. Let's whip them into shape.' Santa Clara de Asís. He was physically In 2015 he became the first saint of the Roman Catholic Church to be canonized in the United States. ". While some of that happened after the gold rush in 1849, it began with the mission system that Serra founded. Updated June 19, 2020 Father Junipero Serra is known as the Father of California's Spanish missions. The first is shown by the posture of the statue - Serra pointing and moving forward. A statue of Father Junipero Serra stands in front of the San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, California on September 23, 2015. He wanted These nine missions, named below, are part of the chain of 21 missions that stretched for 650 miles along California’s El Camino Real (The Royal Road). . Missions founded by Junípero Serra. Though this mission was founded after the death of Serra by his successor, his influence is still present. Historic Story of Junipero Serra’s Mission For the mission, Father Serra found a fertile and congenial site five miles south of the Monterey presidio, the military installation, along what is now called Rio Road in Carmel. to the Indians, really, than even to the governors. at all these Indians. He was a teacher of philosophy in Spain and Mexico in the 1740s. He joined the Franciscan order as a young man and took the name “Junipero” in honor of St. Juniper, a companion of St. Francis of Assisi. I'm not sure about the artistic merits of this particular statue in San Mateo County, but it does exhibit two notable truths about Padre Serra. not a person who was enslaving Indians, or beating them, ever." In what way did Junipero Serra try to combat some of the abuse taking place in the missions? Standing on the site of Serra’s former missionary headquarters, the pope reflected on the … Real estate developer William H. Hannon, to commemorate the founder of the California Missions, placed identical statues at all the missions, schools and other places of historic interest. It shows three Franciscan friars standing watch, with bronze plaques depicting Serra's life. Serra’s recommended provision was eventually incorporated into California’s first legal code, the Echeveste Reglamento of 1773. . Father Junipero Serra headed that mission. Streets, parks and mountain peaks all bear his name. He converted 5,000 Indians during his life and thousands more converted later due to his heroic apostolate. Political correctness might dictate a different choice today, but nonetheless, it attests to the undisputed impact that Serra had on the state. San Diego, he did not want those Indians punished. Serra is known as the father of the California Missions, and even California’s founding father. He was much nicer In what way did the Franciscans have a "paternalistic" attitude towards the native Californians? He considered his crowning achievement to be the founding of Mission San Buenaventura in 1782 among the Chumash people of the Santa Barbara Channel. After fifteen years of toil in Upper California, St. Junipero founded nine missions, including San Gabriel, which was recently burnt down. 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