Father Junipero Serra died on August 28, 1784. He
was buried here.
CARMEL MISSION stands as a monument to Padre
Junipero Serra of the Order of Franciscan Friars. Junipero Serra was born
at Petra, Isla del Mallorca, on the 24th of November, 1713. At the age
of 17 he received the Franciscan habit and in the year 1749 embarked for
the missions of Mexico. Padre Serra was named Presidente of the Missions
of Loreto in Lower California, came north to San Diego, and established
the Mission there in 1769. Arriving by vessel at Monterey on June
3, 1770. Serra founded the Mission of San Carlos Borromeo. Because of lack
of good soil and undesirable proximity to the Presidio, the location was
soon changed from Monterey to its present site near the Carmel River.
On August 24, 1771, Padre Serra moved into the new Carmel
Mission. 13 years later, on August 28, 1784, he died at the age of 71..
He had sent for his life-long friend, Padre Francisco Palou, who prepared
him for death. and at his request buried him beside Padre Crespi before
the main altar at Carmel.
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