23 Apr On a Mission — The Catholic Church in California
Spain’s plan to steal the land of the indigenous people and bully them into accepting Catholicism was in full force in Southern California. In the 18th Century the Church established 21 missions along the Camino Royale, now known as the 101. The missions were built to be about a day’s walk between them and ranged from San Diego to Sonoma. Los Angeles County has two of these missions: the Mission San Gabriel Archangel (in San Gabriel) and the Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana (in Mission Hills). The intention to establish Spanish power in the New World was of course short lived, but the plan to decimate and disempower the Native Americans was unfortunately “successful,” if that is what you call it.
Founded in 1771, Mission San Gabriel was the first mission in LA County and the fourth in the state. It is considered the most flourishing of the chain because of its high number of (forced) baptisms and agricultural productivity. It was built with unique Moorish-style architecture modeled after a fortress in Cordoba, Spain. The grounds hold a full Stations of the Cross believed to have been painted by Natives.
The story is that the founders of the Mission were met with a large group of armed Tongva people who were ready to defend their land from being stolen. Apparently, when one of the padres laid a painting of “Our Lady of Sorrows” on the ground, the Native people were so moved by its beauty that they laid down their arms and made peace. (Hmmm…). Today you can see this powerful painting in the Mission sanctuary.
Not only did the missionaries begin baptizing the Native people in earnest, they took away their name, calling them Gabrieleños after the name of the mission instead. The population of the indigenous people was reduced from three thousand to five hundred in a few years. There was a famous revolt against the mission by the Tongva led by Toypurina (see page xxx).
Today you can visit the church, museum, gift shop, and grounds.
427 S. Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, CA 91776
Open 9-4:30, Sundays 10-4
Mission San Fernando Rey De Espana
Established in 1797, the Mission San Fernando was also on a mission to convert and conquer the Native people, and it stole their names as well, calling them the Fernandinos after the mission.
The site is beautiful and well-preserved. One highlight is the nineteen arches lining the full length of the building. Inside is an elaborate walnut altar brought over from Spain.
Bob Hope, the famous comedian and well-loved actor, is buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. His grandson, reported that when Bob was asked by his wife where he wanted to be buried, he answered, “Surprise me.” His wife was a life-long Catholic.
Today you can visit the church, museum, gift shop, and grounds.
15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd, Mission Hills, CA 91345
Hours: 9-4:30
This is an excerpt from Catherine Auman’s book Guide to Spiritual L.A.: The Irreverent, the Awake, and the True
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