This Mission is hard to beat. First of all, it’s in Carmel. Secondly, it’s where Fr. Juniperó Serra spent most of his time in Alta California and where he is buried. And it’s also the final resting place of Fr. Juan Crespí and Fr. Fermin Lasuen – talk about Franciscan star power!
The Serra Memorial Cenotaph is a 1924 monument showing Fr. Crespi, Fr. Lasuén and Fr. Julian Lopez praying around the body of Fr. Serra whose feet, oddly enough, are resting upon a grizzly bear cub. It is in the first room of an excellent museum.
This is the 2nd mission in the chain and it was originally located in Monterey. Fr. Serra moved the mission to Carmel for a number of reasons (including getting away from unholy soldiers). The existing church was completed in 1797 under the direction of Fr. Lasuén.
Everything at this mission is top notch and there has been considerable investment. It was carefully restored by the celebrated Harry Downie who worked here for 50 years and is also buried here. Click on the images below to enlarge.
This is the restored padres’ quarters with tiled floors, frescos near the ceiling, and period details. There is a painting of Gaspar de Portolá, first governor of Alta California, underneath the stairs.
A sign reads: “In this small room, Juniperó Serra died just before 2 pm on August 28, 1784.” Harry Downie re-created the room using original materials and floor tiles to reconstruct the humble room.
While in Monterey, be sure to visit the beautiful San Carlos Cathedral completed in 1794. It is the oldest stone building in California and oldest operating parish. Click on the images below to enlarge.
Alta California Missions 