August 28 “Always forward, never back!”

On August 28th, 1784, Junipero Serra died. Around the world, Roman Catholics consider this day his Feast Day. In America, they celebrate on July 1.

My first book is “Junipero Serra, the Illustrated Story of the Franciscan Founder of California’s Missions” by Don DeNevi and Noel Francis Moholy, published in 1985. This signed book gives a nice biography of Junipero Serra. It is well worth the read, beginning with his studies in Palma and Mallorca, his health struggles in Mexico, and then up along the California coast. His motto was “Always forward, never back!”

There was a lot of controversy when Junipero Serra was canonized. Many thought he had ruthlessly beat and converted Indians, while others stated he stepped in between the generals in California to help with some protection of the Indians. In fact, his first mission north of San Diego in Monterey Bay, which had the Royal Precidio built to guard it, (the mission is now the Cathedral of San Carlos Borromeo) was actually moved (another built) away and nearer the bay (Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Río Carmelo-the Carmel Mission) to be further away from the soldiers, and better protect the Indians, his way. It seems that there was always animosity between Serra and the soldiers…and some Indians.

Serra was instrumental in founding and building missions up along the coast of California. He is considered the Patron Saint of California, and the Apostle of California. A good book on further studies is “California’s Missions: Their Romance and Beauty” by Hildegarde Hawthorne, published 1942. It is a lovely book with interesting pencil sketchings.

In 2004, I visited Cathedral San Carlos Borromeo during a Segway tour in Monterey. I really enjoy searching out churches and cathedrals when traveling. This one was very interesting. The next year, I visited again, and took a drive to Carmel-by-the-Sea, to see the Carmel Mission. I bought a simple book there, “Art From the Carmel Mission” by Gail Sheridan and Mary Pat McCormick, 2011.

I luckily had a Docent give me a tour and explain much of the history and art there. She really went out of her way to explain things. She was a retired, elderly woman who was terribly excited. It seemed that day- September 23, 2015, Pope Frances had just canonized Junipero Serra during a mass in Washington D.C (at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception-another beautiful Cathedral). This docent could not have been more proud, and she talked, and talked. I was in awe.

I don’t know if it was her excitement that day, or if the church just moved me, but I believe that that the Basilica of Mission San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo Carmelo-By-The -Sea, California (Carmel Mission) is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen. It was founded June 3, 1770. It doesn’t have soaring arches, and grand ornate golden altars, but it was grounded, and revered, and just real. While there are some small shrines and candlesticks with gold and marble, that were from Europe or wealthy donors in Mexico, much of the artwork, sculptures, and alters were mostly handpicked by Serra or made by locals. Everything fit. This was his tribute to God, and for the people he was trying to convert.

I can understand why Junipero Serra made Carmel his headquarters for all of the missions in California. His story is right there, both the good and the bad chapters. He worked, he died, and is buried at the Carmel mission. Here is a visual monument, the history of a Franciscan missionary and his life’s devotion. This is a most stunning church.

Thanks for reading-I hope this makes for a new adventure for someone…