Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan de Capistrano (today known simply as Mission San Juan Capistrano), the "Jewel of the Missions," was founded on All Saint’s Day (November 1), 1776 by Father Presidente Junípero Serra. The seventh in the California mission chain, its namesake was theologian Saint John of Capestrano, in the Abruzzi region of Italy.

Related Topics:
All Saint’s Day - November 1 - 1776 - Junípero Serra - California - Saint John - Abruzzi - Italy

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One of the best known of the Missions, the success of the settlement at San Juan Capistrano (situated in the First Military District) is evident in its historical records. Prior to the arrival of the missionaries some 550 natives were scattered throughout the local area; by 1790, the number of converted Christians had grown to 700, and just six years later nearly 1,000 "neophytes" (recent converts) lived in or around the Mission compound. 1,649 baptisms were conducted that year alone, out of the total 4,430 souls converted throughout the Mission's lifetime.

Related Topics:
San Juan Capistrano - ''First Military District'' - 1790 - Christians - Baptism

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An estimated 2,000 former inhabitants (mostly Indians) are buried in unmarked graves in the Mission's cemetery (campo santo), as are the remains of Father St. John O'Sullivan, the man credited with recognizing the property's historic value and working tirelessly to conserve and rebuild its structures. The one surviving chapel also serves as the final resting place of three padres who passed on while serving at the Mission: Father José Barona, Father Vincent Fuster, and Father José Rafael Oliva are all entombed beneath the sanctuary floor.

Related Topics:
Indian - Cemetery

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The Mission entered a long period of gradual decline after secularization in 1833. Numerous efforts were made over the years to restore the Mission to its former glory, but none met with great success until the arrival of Father O'Sullivan in 1910. Restoration efforts continue to this day; the chapel of "Father Serra's Church" is still used for religious services, and over half a million people visit the landmark every year.

Related Topics:
Secularization - 1833 - 1910 - Landmark

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In 1984 a modern church complex was constructed just north and west of the Mission compound; the design is patterned after the old stone church. Its 85-foot high main rotunda and 104-foot high bell tower make it the tallest building in town. Pope John Paul II conferred the rank of Minor Basilica to this facility on February 14, 2000.

Related Topics:
1984 - Rotunda - Pope John Paul II - Basilica - February 14 - 2000

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