The History of Father Junipero Serra The Visitation Northwards

Jun 11, 2015

This is part of a series on Junipero Serra. To read the full series, click here.

UPON returning to San Diego, Fray Junípero Serra found that the area was still a dangerous frontier mission. But he did have the privilege of confirming three of the former pagan Indians who had killed Fray Luis Jayme. The Presidente confirmed at San Diego on twelve days until October 18th. Most of those were Indians, a few Spaniards, among the latter the sons of the presidio commander, Jose Francisco Ortega. Altogether six hundred and ten confirmations were administered. 

At San Juan Capistrano, Serra confirmed 163 persons. He was delighted with the progress made in two years at this "new planting," and he praised the work of the Indian interpreters. He found one hundred and twenty-five Christians actually living at the mission. 

Then on to San Gabriel, where a goodly number of Indians were awaiting to receive the sacrament. Hastily, the Presidente completed his work and then journeyed on through the San Fernando Valley, the hill country of present-day Ventura county, across the Santa Clara Valley and its river to the place of Asumpta, where he ardently desired a mission. 

The arduous passage along the beach and cliffs of the Channel came next, through modern Santa Barbara, past Gaviota and Point Conception. Serra recorded no incidents along the way. He must have ridden for he made the long journey in seven days. At San Luis Obispo and San Antonio, the Presidente again confirmed. By the time his journey was completed, Fray Junípero Serra had administered the sacrament to no fewer than 1,897. 

By the time Serra arrived back at San Carlos, to celebrate Christmas, he was "completely worn out." But he noted that "during my extensive journey, I encountered no mishap or adverse effects." It was successful in every way, especially spiritually. 

There were many problems of an economical nature facing the friars. Feeding and clothing the Indians was difficult in the early days. The catechumens and the baptized Christians, according to the mission system, were to live in the missions. Therefore the friars had to proceed cautiously, so they would not accept more converts at anyone mission than they could provide for. Hence, in the early years, baptism was often deferred unless there was danger of death. 

The number of baptisms often depended on the bushels of beans, corn and wheat available to feed them. And, to further complicate matters, the governor could determine whether or not double rations were to be allowed. The "double ration" helped to a great extent to bridge the scarcity of food. For example, Fray Fermin Lasuén at San Diego stated in 1777 that by means of the double rations, he was able to maintain five Baja California Indians, shepherds, interpreters, the sick, some orphans and a few laborers. 

Ultimately, all rations were suspended to the missions and somehow the foundations managed to survive, though with some difficulty. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, because it forced the friars to work even harder in their attempts to make each establishment self-supporting. 

Problems, problems everywhere could have been Serra's lament. Yet the tone of his letters indicates that stubborn resiliency built into the fabric of truly great people. Once, when complaining about the governor's unreasonableness, the Presidente noted that "this gentleman has the special grace of divesting me of any self-love I might still possess."