The History of Father Junipero Serra Presidente on the Move

Jun 22, 2015

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

THE long and complicated controversy about Fray Junípero Serra's authorization to confirm was finally settled in December of 1780. The viceroy was advised by his counsel that "Serra was not to be impeded from administering the sacrament in the towns of the missions entrusted to the Observant Fathers of their Apostolic College." Moreover the viceroy was told that Serra "is to be given those aids necessary to that end which he might request and need, and as a result of this measure," the Presidente was to be notified immediately. 

It had been a struggle of wills. The Caesaro-papistic administration of the Catholic monarch whom Serra often described as "the most pious in the whole world" had interfered with the sacramental work of the Presidente for over a year. But now confirmations could again proceed. 

On October 7, 1781, Carmel experienced a slight earthquake. Serra reported that the only damage sustained was the breaking of a flask of brandy at Santa Clara which "the poor Fathers were saving for an emergency." Several weeks later, the Presidente was called upon to perform a duty he had never met before, that of bringing spiritual comfort to a man destined for execution. Juan Antonio Labra, a presidio soldier, had been condemned to death by the governor because "he broke the seventh commandment." He must have stolen a goodly amount to merit the death sentence, Neve ordered him to be hung, but since no hangman was available, the sentence was commuted to shooting. 

Serra resumed his confirmation tours. Upon arriving at Santa Clara, he laid the cornerstone of the new adobe church. The original site of the mission had proven too low and suffered heavy inundations. Hence the new edifice was being built at a new site, about a mile and a half south of the original foundation. 

After the ceremony, Serra and Fray Juan Crespi immediately set out for Carmel. After only a short jaunt, Serra's mule shied and threw him into a field. As the Presidente described it, "the mule which was carrying this cargo threw him with a lively thrust." His companions rode into nearby San Jose to get the doctor. 

Serra was in considerable pain, especially in one of his hands and in the ribs. When the doctor arrived, he assured the friar that all his bones were in place. The following day, Serra continued his journey, though with difficulty. He mended well, and shortly thereafter could write that "little by little, I was relieved of the pain and now all is past. Blessed be God!" 

Serra's student and long-time companion, Fray Juan Crespi, became ill after the return to Carmel. None of the usual remedies worked and the sixty-year old Indian missionary passed away on January 1, 1782. 

Next day, after a requiem High Mass, Crespi's remains in a redwood coffin were lowered by Serra into a grave in the sanctuary near the main altar. The Mallorcan born friar had followed Serra into the Sierra Gorda, then to Baja California and finally to Alta California. His missionary career was not particularly colorful, but it was solid and continuous. His early explorations will always be his chief title to fame. Herbert Eugene Bolton said that in Crespi's diaries "the human toils, the adventures, the thrills, the hopes, the fears of three historic journeys on the Pacific Coast are embalmed." 

So the first of the Mallorcan triumvirate of Serra, Palou and Crespi was now gone. His remains still rest at San Carlos Mission in Carmel, alongside those of his devoted teacher and mentor.