Sainthood is nearly upon him.
The Blessed Father Junipero Serra (1713-1784) will soon be called Saint Serra, when Pope Francis performs the canonization ceremony during his American visit on Sept. 23 in Washington D.C.
Two days before the canonization and during a week of celebration at Mission San Juan Capistrano, the Mission will debut the opening of the “Legacy of Saint Serra” exhibit on Monday, Sept. 21.
The exhibit will be presented in the historic Sala Building each day from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost is free with paid admission to the Mission.
The exhibit will explore Father Serra’s early life as a scholar, his journey to the Americas, his missionary training in establishing nine of the 21 California missions, his legacy and his significant role at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Artifacts on display in the exhibit include a statue of Father Serra by Juan de Avalos (1986), an 18th century Spanish painting of Our Lady of Refuge, the Patroness of both Californias, the Mission’s original baptismal shell used by Serra, a reproduction of the cross Serra wore and was buried with, and more.
Mission San Juan Capistrano was the seventh mission founded by Father Serra, on Nov. 1, 1776.
About Mission San Juan Capistrano:
Known as the “Jewel of the Missions,” Mission San Juan Capistrano is a historic landmark and museum that boasts of quality permanent exhibits featuring original artifacts as well as traveling and temporary exhibits on a wide variety of topics.
The site itself serves as a living outdoor museum with original buildings constructed by Native Americans in the 18th century including the Serra Chapel, Great Stone Church, and the original padres’ quarters of the South Wing.
The Mission was founded on November 1, 1776 by Padre Junipero Serra as the seventh in the chain of the twenty-one California missions established by Spain, and is Orange County’s only mission. Every year, over 50,000 students visit the Mission and engage in an inspirational learning experience via the Mission Matters programming, as part of their State required California history studies.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is owned by the Diocese of Orange and is supported by the Mission Preservation Foundation, which is comprised of business and community leaders committed to ensuring the long term preservation and viability of Orange County’s only Mission. The Mission receives no funding from either the Church or the State of California and charges admission funds as a means of providing public access.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is located at 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Open Daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Good Friday afternoon. Admission is $9 adults; $8 seniors (60 years or over); $6 children (ages 4 to 11); and children ages 3 and under are admitted free. Free audio guide with senior and adult admission. For more information, call (949) 234-1300 or visit www.missionsjc.com.
