Junipero Serra and the California Missions Pt 1

Summary

In the mid-18th century, Spain embarked on a mission to establish settlements along the wild West Coast of North America, leading to the California Mission system. The endeavor, led by Captain Gaspar de Portola and Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra, aimed to solidify Spain's claim to the region and convert the indigenous population. Facing hardships, including disease, native resistance, and a struggle between religious and military goals, the mission project nearly failed. However, faith and perseverance saw it through, forever changing the future of California and its native people.

Takeaways

• 📜 In the mid-18th century, Spain initiated a land rush to establish control over California, sending an unlikely group of soldiers and priests on a mission to establish settlements along the west coast of North America.
• 🌊 The west coast of North America was largely unexplored and wild, with early European explorers like Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo having minimal impact on the region since 1542.
• 🗺️ Early accounts of California were fanciful and inaccurate, with some cartographers even depicting it as a large island, and early descriptions of the natives varied from man-eating monsters to beautiful female warriors.
• 🏡 California was home to over 63 tribes of indigenous people who lived a rich and peaceful existence, unaware of the impending changes to their world.
• 🤝 In 1767, King Carlos III of Spain approved a plan to establish Spanish settlements in California, involving both the church and the state in a joint effort.
• 👥 Captain Gaspar de Portola and Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra were chosen to lead the expedition, representing the military and religious aspects of the colonization, respectively.
• 🛶 The expedition faced numerous challenges, including disease, lack of knowledge about native foods, and conflicts over the primary purpose of the mission between converting the natives and establishing a military presence.
• 🙏 Despite setbacks, Father Serra's faith and determination played a crucial role in the continuation of the mission, as he refused to abandon his calling even in the face of adversity.
• 🏰 The establishment of the first mission in San Diego was met with resistance from the native population, who were unhappy with the Spanish intruders and launched an attack on the mission.
• 🛶 A key moment in the mission's survival came when Father Serra prayed for a resupply ship to arrive, and on the feast day of St. Joseph, a ship appeared, saving the mission from failure.
• 🗣️ Serra's efforts to learn the native language and understand their culture were essential in attracting converts and expanding the mission, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in colonization efforts.

Q & A

What was the primary motivation for the Spanish land rush in California during the mid-18th century?

The primary motivation was to establish Spanish control over the vast California wilderness and to solidify Spain's claim to the region, especially in response to the perceived threat of English and Russian explorers heading towards California.

Who were the key figures leading the Spanish expedition to establish missions in California, and what roles did they play?

The key figures were Captain Gaspar de Portola, who led the military aspect of the expedition, and Father Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary who led the religious effort to convert the native population.

What was the fundamental disagreement between Captain Portola and Father Serra during the expedition?

The fundamental disagreement was whether the primary purpose of the expedition was to establish a Spanish military presence or to convert the native population to Christianity. This conflict created underlying tension throughout the mission.

How did Father Serra's leg injury during the expedition get treated, and why is this significant?

Father Serra's leg injury, which became ulcerated, was treated by an old mule handler using animal salve, after which he was miraculously able to continue the journey. This event is considered one of several extraordinary or miraculous incidents associated with Father Serra.

What was the state of the San Diego mission when Captain Portola and Father Serra first arrived?

When they first arrived, the San Diego mission was in a dire state, with one of the support ships lost at sea, many sailors dead from disease, and food supplies dangerously low. The remaining crew and soldiers faced significant challenges in establishing the mission.

Why did Father Serra and the Spanish missionaries view the California natives as children?

The missionaries viewed the natives as children because they did not consider them equals in terms of reasoning and understanding. This condescending view influenced how they treated the natives, often dismissing their resistance to Spanish ways as childish behavior.

What event caused a sudden change in the relationship between the Spanish settlers and the native population in San Diego?

A sudden change occurred when a large contingent of natives launched a surprise attack on the San Diego mission, showing their displeasure with the Spanish presence. The attack was repelled by the small number of remaining soldiers at the mission.

How did Father Serra react when Captain Portola decided to abandon the mission project and return to Mexico?

Father Serra was deeply distressed by the decision to abandon the mission project. He secretly made plans to remain behind alone, unwilling to give up on his calling to convert the natives, even if it meant sacrificing his life.

What was the significance of the novena that Father Serra initiated, and how did it affect the outcome of the expedition?

The novena, a set of prayers conducted over nine days in honor of Saint Joseph, was significant because it reflected Father Serra's deep faith. Just as Captain Portola was preparing to retreat, a resupply ship arrived on the final day of the novena, which was seen as a miraculous answer to their prayers.

What long-term impact did Father Serra's experience with the resupply ship have on his practices at the missions?

The arrival of the resupply ship on March 19th, after the novena, led Father Serra to honor Saint Joseph by celebrating a high mass on the 19th of every month at each mission for the rest of his life.

Outlines

00:00

🏰 The Founding of California Missions

In the mid-18th century, Spain initiated a land rush to secure the California wilderness, leading to the establishment of settlements along the coast of North America. This endeavor was a joint effort between soldiers and priests, aiming to plant both the Spanish flag and the Christian cross. The region was largely unexplored and inhabited by over 63 tribes, with a population of nearly 340,000. King Carlos III of Spain, prompted by the threat of English and Russian explorers, approved the plan to establish missions. The expedition was led by Captain Gaspar de Portola and Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra, who had conflicting views on the primary purpose of the mission. Despite the challenges, they set sail from Mexico in 1769, marking the beginning of a transformative period for California and its indigenous people.

05:03

🌊 The Struggles and Setbacks of the Expedition

The Spanish expedition faced numerous challenges from the outset. The land-based party, led by Captain Portola and Father Serra, encountered health issues and logistical setbacks. Serra's leg was severely ulcerated, but he refused to abandon the mission, relying on faith and a mule handler's treatment. After a grueling overland journey, they arrived in San Diego in July 1769, only to find that one of their support ships was lost, and the remaining crew was suffering from scurvy. With dwindling supplies and men, Portola sent one ship back to Mexico for help and continued northward, leaving Serra to establish the first mission. The mission faced resistance from the native population, who were not receptive to the Spanish way of life and were unhappy with the intruders.

10:09

🛡️ Native Resistance and the San Diego Mission Crisis

On August 15th, 1769, the native population around the San Diego mission launched a surprise attack, aiming to drive the Spanish away. Despite being outnumbered, the Spanish soldiers successfully defended the mission. Captain Portola's return to San Diego six months later was marked by further hardship, as the resupply ship he had dispatched had not returned. Facing the prospect of abandoning the mission due to starvation, Father Serra prepared to stay behind, undeterred by the risk to his life. In a last-ditch effort, Serra led a novena in honor of St. Joseph, and on the feast day, a ship with supplies appeared, saving the mission. With renewed hope, the mission expanded, and Serra began his efforts to learn the native language and attract converts.

Keywords

💡Land Rush

A 'Land Rush' refers to a rapid movement of people into an area to claim land for agricultural or other purposes. In the context of the video, it describes the 18th-century race to control the vast wilderness of California in the name of Spain, which led to the establishment of settlements along the west coast of North America.

💡California Missions

The 'California Missions' were a series of religious outposts established by Spanish Catholics in the 18th century. They were part of Spain's colonization efforts and aimed at converting the native populations to Christianity. The video discusses the journey of these missions, their impact on the natives, and the challenges faced by the missionaries.

💡Franciscan Priests

Franciscan Priests are members of the Order of Friars Minor, a Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Francis of Assisi. In the video, Franciscan priests, accompanied by soldiers, undertake the mission to establish settlements and convert the native population in California, representing the church's role in the colonization process.

💡Gaspar de Portola

Captain Gaspar de Portola was a Spanish military officer who led the expedition to establish the California missions. The video highlights his leadership skills and the challenges he faced in this endeavor, including the power struggle with Father Junipero Serra over the purpose of the expedition.

💡Junipero Serra

Father Junipero Serra was a Franciscan missionary who played a key role in the establishment of the California missions. The video describes him as an extraordinary individual dedicated to converting the natives and facing numerous personal sacrifices in the process.

💡Indigenous Population

The term 'Indigenous Population' refers to the native people living in a particular region before the arrival of other populations. The video mentions that coastal California supported a large indigenous population of nearly 340,000, which was one of the most densely inhabited areas in North America.

💡El Camino Real

El Camino Real, or 'The Royal Road,' was the name given to the road that connected the California missions. The video describes it as a tenuous lifeline for the chain of wilderness outposts, serving as a crucial link for communication and transportation among the missions.

💡Scurvy

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, which was common among sailors and explorers of the era. In the video, the expedition members suffer from scurvy due to a lack of knowledge about native foods that could have prevented the disease.

💡Cultural Conflict

Cultural conflict arises when different cultural groups come into contact and have incompatible values or practices. The video illustrates this through the interactions between the Spanish missionaries and the native Californians, where the natives resisted the Spanish attempts to impose their religion and lifestyle.

💡Novena

A 'Novena' is a Catholic devotion consisting of prayers said on nine consecutive days. In the video, Father Serra leads a novena in honor of St. Joseph, which is answered by the arrival of a resupply ship, thus saving the mission project from failure.

💡St. Joseph's Feast Day

St. Joseph's Feast Day is a religious celebration in the Catholic Church honoring St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus. The video recounts how Father Serra's prayers during the novena were answered on this feast day, leading to a tradition of celebrating high mass on the 19th of every month in his honor.

Highlights

In the mid-18th century, a land rush for control of California's wilderness developed in the name of Spain.

An unlikely group of soldiers and priests embarked on an epic quest to establish settlements along the west coast of North America.

The California wilderness was vast and largely unexplored, with early accounts filled with fanciful descriptions of its inhabitants.

California was home to over 63 tribes, with a population of nearly 340,000, making it one of the most densely inhabited areas in North America.

In 1767, King Carlos III of Spain approved a plan to establish permanent settlements in California to counter English and Russian explorers.

The Spanish colonization system involved both the church and the state in an interlocking directorate.

Captain Gaspard de Portola led the expedition, representing the military and demonstrating great tact and spiritual understanding.

Junipero Serra, a Franciscan missionary, saw converting the natives of California as his life's calling despite his advanced age.

A subtle power struggle emerged between Serra and Portola over the primary purpose of the expedition.

The first part of the expedition faced setbacks, including disease and the loss of a support ship.

Father Serra's leg was healed by an old mule handler using animal salve, marking the first of several miraculous events.

The expedition arrived in San Diego on July 1st, 1769, to find their situation dire with few men and low food supplies.

Father Serra and eight soldiers were left behind to establish the mission while the rest of the expedition sought supplies.

The natives initially resisted the Spanish, refusing their food and attacking the San Diego mission.

Despite being outnumbered, the Spanish soldiers successfully repelled a native attack on the San Diego mission.

Father Serra faced the prospect of abandoning his mission project due to the lack of resupply and the expedition's failure.

A novena to St. Joseph resulted in the miraculous appearance of a resupply ship, saving the mission project.

Father Serra began traveling to native villages, learning their language to attract converts and strengthen the mission.

Transcripts

in the mid 18th century a land rush

developed for control of the vast

California wilderness in the name of

Spain an unlikely group of soldiers and

priests undertook an epic quest to

establish settlements along the

treacherous west coast of North America

forever changing the future of

California and its natives join us for a

journey filled with wondrous miracles

and bitter acts of betrayal as we go in

search of history to explore the saints

and sinners of the California missions

in the 1700s the west coast of North

America was a wild and unsettled land

nothing much had changed since the first

european juan Rodriguez Cabrillo had set

foot in California in 1542 and claimed

it for the Spanish monarchy in fact so

little was known about the region that

some cartographers still incorrectly

pictured California as a large island

early accounts of the California natives

were equally as fanciful with sailors

describing everything from a race of

man-eating monsters to a band of

beautiful female warriors clad in gold

in truth California was home to more

than 63 tribes of hunters and gatherers

with an abundance of natural resources

coastal California supported an

indigenous or Aboriginal population of

nearly three hundred and forty thousand

making it one of the most densely

inhabited areas in North America the

natives lived a rich and relatively

peaceful existence but they had no idea

that their world was about to be torn

apart in 1767 King Carlos the third of

Spain received word that English and

Russian explorers were heading towards

California to solidify the tenuous

Spanish claim that Juan Cabrillo had

made 200 years earlier the king approved

the bold plan to establish permanent

Spanish settlements in the California

wilderness

Spanish system with colonization

involved both church and States in kind

of an interlocking directorates it's an

expedition which is supposed to plant

the Spanish flag and the Christian cross

in Alta or new California Carlos the

third decreed that Franciscan priests

accompanied by a small group of soldiers

would depart from Mexico on an

expedition to establish Spanish missions

along the coast of California

representing the military was captain

Gaspard de Portola a lifelong soldier he

possessed great tact and spiritual

understanding these qualities made him

uniquely suited to lead this delicate

alliance between the sacred and the

secular Portola was a friend of the

church er he was they were all friends

of the church because they were

Spaniards in they were all Catholics but

as friends of the church they were kinds

of people who were not taken with

everything that the church did the

church basically was from their point of

view an arm of the state

representing that arm was the bookish

and frail Franciscan missionary Junipero

Serra

although the 56 year old Padre seemed an

odd choice to lead the mission Sara felt

that converting the natives of

California was the calling of his life

but that Junipero Serra in particular

stands out as an extraordinary

individual practiced both in holiness

and in learning who is willing to give

everything that he had his health in

particular to the welfare of people

whose welfare he considered to be in

jeopardy

outwardly father Sarah and captain

Portola exhibited a strong rapport but

beneath the surface a subtle power

struggle was beginning to take shape

the reason was that there was a

fundamental disagreement about what this

sacred expedition was all about was it

to convert the Indians or was its

primary purpose to establish a Spanish

military presence in new California so

what you had right from the beginning

was a series of conflicting

interpretations of this movement for a

time all conflicts were put aside as the

first part of the expedition set sail

from La Paz Mexico On January 9th 1769

the 219 soldiers sailors and priests of

the mission expedition were divided into

two groups the advance party comprised

of three ships filled with supplies left

first to prepare for the arrival of the

other men

the bulk of the expedition would travel

over land under the direct command of

captain Portola and father Serra

if all went well both expeditions would

rendezvous in three or four months near

the bay of San Diego the second mission

would be built at Monterey Bay 370 miles

to the north between these two anchors

19 more missions would eventually be

built each spaced about one day's travel

from the next a road called El Camino

Rail would link them all serving as a

tenuous lifeline for this chain of

wilderness outposts as far as the

Spanish Gloria lover Minh which was

headquartered in Mexico City was

concerned California was sort of the end

of the world the land-based port a la

expedition faced setbacks from the start

a mosquito bite on father Sarah's leg

became ulcerated making it impossible

for him to sleep or walk

expedition leader Gaspar de Portola did

not want father Serra jeopardizing the

entire endeavor and insisted that he

withdraw the padre steadfastly refused

I trust in God who will give me the

strength to arrive a San Diego even if I

die on the road I will not go back

father Serra placed his faith in prayer

and an old mule handler who healed his

leg with animal salve it would be the

first in a series of extraordinary

events surrounding the holy man several

times in Sara's life there were

incidences which seemed to be miraculous

and of course it did work as we know

from the story and he was able to

continue on the journey overland to San

Diego

after four months of laborious overland

travel through the endless deserts of

Baja California Sarah and Portola

arrived in San Diego on July 1st 1769

they soon learned that one of the

support ships had been lost at sea and

the sailors of the two that remained had

been ravaged by a deadly disease

had they known more about the native

foods in the area they would have

certainly had very few problems with the

disease many were suffering from which

was scurvy there was really plenty of

food in the area but not knowing how to

treat it at that time they didn't

realize that the remedies were well on

hand with fewer than half of the

original 219 men still alive and food

supplies at a dangerously low level

their situation was dire captain Portola

sent one of the surviving ships the San

Antonio back to Mexico for more supplies

then he pressed North by land for

Monterrey leaving father Serra and eight

soldiers behind to care for the sick and

establish the mission

in his first letter from Alta California

father Sarah described the difficult

path they had taken let those who are to

come here as missionaries not imagine

that they are coming for any other

purpose but to endure hardships for the

love of God and for the salvation of

souls though intent on saving native

Souls through baptism the missionary

soon found what a difficult task that

would be the Indians wanted nothing to

do with their religion or lifestyle

Indians absolutely refused to eat the

food offered by the Spaniards in fact

why would they want to eat their food

they had plenty of their own food they

had got along just fine for thousands of

years clothed fed and organiser

societies into societies that would not

be pleased the Europeans but

nevertheless were self-sufficient from a

native point of view

the Indians were unhappy with the

Spanish intruders and showed their

displeasure by stealing from them

nothing was safe not even the sheets on

which sick men were lying father Serra

dismissed these acts in a kindly but

condescending fashion

as the Indians were viewed more as

children the missionaries didn't

consider them equals in that sense that

they were not capable of reasoning like

adults so they would treat them that way

as children on August 15th 1769 Sara's

children suddenly turned violent a large

contingent of Indians launched a

surprise attack against the fledgling

San Diego mission intent on driving the

Spaniards away the natives had chosen

their moment perfectly with half of the

soldiers away on patrol only for

military men remained to defend the

mission Sara stayed in the chapel during

the attack praying that none of the

unbaptized natives will be killed

although fiercely outnumbered the four

soldiers of the missions successfully

repelled the Indians all native arrows

proved no match for the Spanish biscuits

captain Portola and the men of his

expedition finally limped back into San

Diego six months after their departure

they returned on the 24th of January of

1770

having suffered much of having eaten

their mules and of not having found any

such place as Monterey

Portola was distressed to find that the

ship San Antonio which he had sent back

for supplies six months earlier had not

yet returned without additional food

captain Portola knew his men would soon

starve the only option was to declare

the mission project a failure and

retreat to Mexico the decision was a

bitter blow to father Serra who was

about to see his lifelong aspiration

abandoned before it even started

with the fledgling San Diego mission on

the brink of starvation

Father Junipero Serra was faced with the

prospect of abandoning his heart's

desire

the California mission project

a key resupply ship had not been heard

from in eight months and mission leader

Gaspar de Portola prepared to retreat to

Mexico by land secretly father Serra

made plans to remain behind alone he

refused to abandon his calling to

convert the natives even if it meant

sacrificing his own life meanwhile

publicly the Padre begged captain

Gaspard de portola to delay the group's

departure for nine days until March 19th

the feast day of the expedition's patron

st. Joseph's sera decided for one more

try he decided on a novena which is a

set of prayers that are said over a

period of nine days in honor of a

particular Saint in this case Saint

Joseph so he had everyone assembled go

through the prayers every day in honor

of Saint Joseph but March 19th arrived

without any sign of the errant ship

lookouts kept a constant vigil

throughout the day even as final

preparations were being made for

departure

then just before sunset st. Joseph

answered father Sarah's prayer

a white sail suddenly appeared on the

distant horizon

ever afterward for the rest of Sara's

life a high mass at each mission was

always celebrated on the 19th of every

month in honor of st. Joseph's captain

Portola and his men used the newly

arrived supplies to strengthen and

expand the mission compound father Serra

began traveling out to the native

villages learning their language and

redoubling his effort to attract

converts it took nearly seven months