In California is my life and there, God willing, I hope to die
Those were the words spoken by Father Junipero Serra, recently canonized Catholic Saint in 2015.
Today, July 1st, the Catholic Church commemorates St. Junipero Serra. Given his significant impact on California history, I decided to share a brief post about him. His is also often referred to as the “Apostle of California.”
Father Serra also played a significant role in the city of Carmel, the mission’s headquarters. It’s where he died and is buried. His body is buried in the sanctuary of the Carmel Mission, also known as San Carlos Borromeo. That mission actually started 3 miles away in Monterey but was later moved down to Carmel. He would walk by foot between all 21 missions, from San Diego to Sonoma. I discuss this more, as well as the “mileage markers,” designed to be “days walk away” on this California Road Trip (II post.
I will tell you that having visited all 21 missions, Mission Carmel (San Carlos Borromeo), is one of my most favorites. Without question it has the most extensive, and fascinating (if you love history), museums. The grounds are also very beautiful.
Here’s the schedule for the museum hours as well as Catholic Masses. If you happen to be in the area, today (July 1st) at 12 noon there will be a special mass honoring Father Serra. And if you are there at another time, and have any interest in California history, even from a secular perspective, I will tell you that it’s quite moving to sit in a pew next to his buried body and contemplate the enormous impact he had on the state of California. From the establishment of communities, agriculture, trade, education, art, and of course, faith and the missions, Father Serra was even more influential than the secular “California greats.” Those would include, but not limited to, Walt Disney, William Randolph Hearst, Jack London, and George Lucus.
Here’s a tip for those just wanting to see the church and not pay the museum fee: attend mass or visit before or after mass. After that, the church gets locked, and is only accessible from the inside museum.
Of the major tourist attractions in beautiful, fairy-tale-like Carmel, the Carmel Mission is ranked as number three. Here’s a list of the top 7.
17-Mile Drive: Take a scenic road trip along the 17-Mile Drive for breathtaking coastal views, beautiful beaches, and stunning homes.
Carmel Beach: Enjoy the pristine sandy shores and picturesque sunsets at Carmel Beach.
Carmel Mission (San Carlos Borromeo): Explore the historic Carmel Mission, founded by Father Junípero Serra in 1770.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Discover California’s prettiest state park with rugged cliffs, coves, and abundant wildlife.
Art Galleries: Get inspired by the numerous art galleries showcasing local and international artists.
Pebble Beach Golf Links: Play golf at the iconic Pebble Beach course.
Downtown Boutiques: Shop at charming boutiques in the downtown area.
Again, I discuss some of these in my recent California Road Trip (II) post. Here’s the beach at the end of the scenic drive through Carmel (Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch is in the far background).
I hope to write more on each of the California missions in the near future, with complete photo galleries for each. For now, here’s a list of all 21 missions:
Mission San Diego de Alcalá (1769)
Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (1770)
Mission San Antonio de Padua (1771)
Mission San Gabriel (1771)
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (1772)
Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) (1776)
Mission San Juan Capistrano (1776)
Mission Santa Clara de Asís (1777)
Mission San Buenaventura (1782)
Mission Santa Barbara (1786)
Mission La Purisima Concepción (1787)
Mission Santa Cruz (1791)
Mission Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (1791)
Mission San José (1797)
Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
Mission San Miguel Arcángel (1797)
Mission San Fernando Rey de España (1797)
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (1798)
Mission Santa Inés (1804)
Mission San Rafael Arcángel (1817)
Mission San Francisco Solano (Sonoma) (1823)
In conclusion, it's impossible to separate Father Serra from the California missions, California history, or the stunning city of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Cypress tress sway and history and beauty converge. The bell tower of the Carmel Mission Basilica reaches toward the heavens, echoing the prayers of generations.
Father Serra’s footsteps led to the establishment of missions that shaped California history. The scent of incense still mingles with the salty breeze, bridging past and present.
As for the state of California, it’s a tapestry of dreams woven through rich history and diverse landscape. From the pioneering spirit of Father Serra, the California missions, the glitz of Hollywood, the lush vineyards of Napa, the copious streets and cities names after angels and saints, to the artisanal coffee-drinking innovators of Silicon Valley, California is a land where prayer meets politics, merging the spiritual legacy of its past with its forever evolving modernity.
All photos are copyrighted by California Travel Writer, Patricia Lynn_Patricia Inc