Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded on All Saints Day November 1, 1776 by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order. Named for Giovanni da Capistrano, a 15th century theologian and "warrior priest" who resided in the Abruzzo region of Italy, San Juan Capistrano has the distinction of being home to the oldest building in California still in use, a chapel built in 1782; known alternately as "Serra's Chapel" and "Father Serra's Church," it is the only extant structure where it has been documented that the padre Junipero Serra celebrated mass.[2]
Visitor Info
Location:
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Phone:
949-234-1300
Mission Fun Facts
[1]
| Name as Founded |
La Misión de San Juan Capistrano de Sajavit |
| English Translation |
The Mission of Saint John Capistrano of Sajavit |
| Founding Date |
November 1, 1776 |
| Founding Order |
Seventh |
History Timeline[1]
- 1775 - Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen establishes what was to be the 6th mission in the chain, but due to unrest at Mission San Diego, the site is abandoned before final dedication occurs
- 1776 - Father Junipero Serra returns the site to complete the foundation the 7th mission on November, 1 1776, in honor of Saint John of Capistrano, Italy, a 14th century theologian and inquisitor.
- 1796 - Work begins on the Great Stone Church.
- 1806 - Ten years later, The Stone Church is finally completed.
- 1812 - After serving the mission for six years, the stone church is destroyed in an earthquake.
- 1833 - The mission is secularized.
- 1845 - The Governor of Alta California sells the mission.
- 1865 - The mission is returned to the Catholic Church.
- 1987 - Preservation work begins after the Whittier Narrows Earthquake.
To View a Map of the Missions of Alta California, Click Here
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