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Mission founded in Monterey
Carmel Mission is founded in Monterey Bay by Fr. Serra. The mission was named after an Italian Cardinal from the 16th century, Saint Charles Borremeo. -
Mission moved to Carmel
Father Junipero Serra decides to move the location of the mission to Carmel which creates a more peaceful atmosphere at the mission, a better location for crops, and is closer to fresh water. Carmel Mission becomes Father Serra’s center of operation and the headquarters for all of California’s missions. -
Fr. Palou arrived to Mission
Fr.Francico Palou arrived at Carmel and oversaw constrction of a new church which was 110 feet long and was built of logs and planks with a tule-thactched roof -
Juan Bautista de Anza reached Mission Carmel
An expidition led by Juan Bautista de Anza rewached San Carlos.The pupose was to find an overland route from Sonora, Mexico to CA -
Fr. Serra's death
Father Serra Passes away after 13 years of hard work at Carmel Mission. Father Fermin Lasuen continues Father Serra’s work at Carmel Mission. -
Peak population of neophytes
The population of neophytes was 876 and many more baptisims in Carmel took place -
Stone Church was built
Fr. Lasuen oversaw building of the big stone church at the mission. He hired Manuel Estevan Ruiza of Mexico City, to do the actual construction. This stone church was begun in 1795 and was basically complete by 1797 when it was dedicated for worship on Christmas Day of that year. -
Secularization
The Mission is closed by the Mexican government and the property is taken from the church and given to natives. The mission sadly decays over the next 50 years. -
Church roof collapsed
On November 4th, 1852, the roof of the church collapsed. -
Mission turns into Catholic church
The Mission is given back to the Catholic Church by the United States government -
Period: to
Mission Restoration in progress
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Reconstruction by Downie
Mr. Harry Downie is put in control of major restorations to the mission. -
Named as Basillica
Pope John XXIII named Carmel Mission’s church as a Basilica - the highest honor for a church that signifies artistic and historical importance. When you enter the church today you can see the Umbraculum (canopy) on your right and Tintinnabulum (bell) on your left which signifies that Carmel Mission church is a Basillica. -
Pope John Paul II vists
Pope John Paul II visits Carmel Mission to honor Father Junipero Serra, and to give an important address.
