San Carlos Borromeo Mission Essay

1180 Words3 Pages

Desiree Leal Andrea Johnson April 9,2015 San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission Mission of San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo more commonly know as the Carmel Mission is apart of California’s remarkable chain of 21 missions. This exceptional landmark shows 244 years of historical significance through its architecture, museums, and exhibitions that hold many scared preserved artifacts. San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission is the second mission that was founded by Father Junipero Serra on June 3, 1770. The mission was originally founded near Monterey Bay at the presidio, however it was then moved by the Carmel River. Father Junipero Serra decided to move the mission near the Carmel River in August of 1771 for multiple reasons. “Father …show more content…

The crops soon flourished and the original buildings were being replaced and fixed. The Carmel Mission became Father Serra’s headquarter in which he overlooked the seven other missions at the time. It was also his home for the 14 years and his place of burial. At the age of 71 on August 28,1784 Father Serra passed away . Father Serra was buried underneath the main alter that stands today inside the Carmel Mission Basilica making this historical site so significant. After Serra’s death several Padres took over the mission and began restoring it by adding a church and structures to the quadrangle. The mission reached its highest times of prosperity as well as its lowest. The lowest being when the Mexican government was secularized in 1834 in which the mission fell into ruin. By this time “the mission’s adobe buildings returned to the earth, becoming piles of mud, while the church’s roof collapsed leaving the interior exposed to the elements.” The hope of restoration began in 1859 when the mission lands were retuned to the Catholic Church. In 1884 a brief restoration took place in order to save the historical site. …show more content…

When entering the Basilica one intakes the view of the catenary arches with light figures hanging down above them as well as beautiful Main Alter with the original paintings and statuary. The first thing at the door of the Basilica is a large black that holds the holy are. On the left there is a gothic style baptisrty The walls of the Basilica are white with several paintings hanging from them. On the right midway though the Basilica stand the Christ of King Shrine against the wall. On the left side midway though the Basilica the entryway to the chapel in which has the “Our Lady Bethlehem Shine”. The Our Lady Bethlehem Shrine is very important to the mission because, “thousands of pilgrims come every year and pray tour Lord through her intercessions.” At the foot of the alter the gave is Junipero Serra is placed, making this Basilica so significant. To the right of the alter there is a glass in casement with the relics of the coffin of blessed Fray Junipero Serra. “The pieces of the original casket which fallen to decay were set aside for safekeeping and now exhibited here in the reliquary.” The exit of the Basilica is on the left hand site at the very front near the alter. This exit then leads to the Mission’s Main

More about San Carlos Borromeo Mission Essay

Open Document