What is the number of missions established by Father Junipero Serra?

Who is Father Junipero Serra?

Father Junipero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar who lived from 1713 to 1784. He is best known for his work in establishing missions in California during the 18th century. Serra is often referred to as the "Father of California" for his role in founding the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in the territory that would eventually become the state of California.

The Early Life of Father Junipero Serra

Born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan order at the age of 16. He completed his education at the Lullian University in Palma, where he earned a doctorate in philosophy. Serra then taught at the same university for several years before being sent to Mexico in 1749 as a missionary. He spent the next 18 years in Mexico, where he worked to convert the indigenous population to Christianity.

The Establishment of the First Mission

In 1769, Serra was chosen to lead an expedition to establish missions in Alta California, a territory claimed by the Spanish empire. The first mission, San Diego de Alcalá, was established on July 16, 1769. Over the next 15 years, Serra founded eight more missions, stretching from San Francisco to San Diego. These missions were designed to convert indigenous people to Christianity and to establish a Spanish presence in the region.

The Role of Father Serra in the Mission System

Serra was instrumental in the establishment of the mission system in California. He oversaw every aspect of the missions, from their design and construction to their daily operations. Serra believed that the mission system was a way to bring salvation to the indigenous people of California while also expanding the Spanish empire. He saw the missions as a way to protect the native population from the abuses of Spanish soldiers and settlers.

The Number of Missions Established by Father Serra

Father Junipero Serra founded a total of nine missions in California during his lifetime. These were:

San Diego de Alcalá (1769)
San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo (1770)

San Antonio de Padua (1771)
San Gabriel Arcángel (1771)
San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (1772)

San Francisco de Asís (1776)
San Juan Capistrano (1776)
Santa Clara de Asís (1777)

San Buenaventura (1782)

The Purpose of the Mission System

The mission system had two primary purposes: to convert the indigenous population to Christianity and to establish a Spanish presence in California. The missions were self-sufficient communities that included a church, living quarters for the friars, and buildings for agriculture and industry. The indigenous people who joined the missions were provided with food, clothing, and shelter, as well as religious instruction.

The Impact of the Mission System on California’s Indigenous Population

The mission system had a profound impact on California’s indigenous population. Many Native Americans were forcibly taken from their homes and brought to the missions, where they were made to work as laborers. The missions were often overcrowded, and disease was rampant. Many Native Americans died from diseases such as smallpox, measles, and influenza, which they had no immunity to. The mission system also disrupted traditional Native American social structures and customs.

The Legacy of Father Junipero Serra

Father Junipero Serra’s legacy is complex. On the one hand, he is celebrated for his role in founding the missions and bringing Christianity to California. On the other hand, he is criticized for the harm that the mission system inflicted on California’s indigenous population. Serra’s legacy continues to be a subject of debate and controversy.

Controversy Surrounding Father Serra and the Mission System

Critics of Father Serra and the mission system argue that the forced conversion of indigenous people to Christianity and the treatment of Native Americans as laborers amounted to cultural genocide. They also point out that the missions were built on land that had been taken from the indigenous population without their consent. Supporters of Serra and the missions argue that they were a product of their time and that Serra genuinely believed he was helping to bring salvation to the indigenous people.

The Canonization of Father Serra

In 2015, Pope Francis canonized Father Junipero Serra, making him a saint in the Catholic Church. The decision was controversial, with many critics arguing that Serra’s role in the mission system should disqualify him from sainthood. Supporters of Serra’s canonization argue that he was a man of great faith who dedicated his life to bringing Christianity to California.

Conclusion: Father Serra’s Influence on California’s History

Father Junipero Serra played a significant role in the history of California. He founded the first missions in the state and oversaw their development for many years. Serra’s legacy is complex, with supporters and critics alike. Nevertheless, his impact on California’s history cannot be denied.