Karon Melillo DeVega Art Collections

Mission San Juan Capistrano - California

San Juan Capistrano, the seventh Mission in a chain of twenty-one Missions founded by the Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order, was originally founded 30 October 1775 by Father Fermin Lasuen, but was quickly abandoned due to unrest among the indigenous population in San Diego. on All Saints Day, 01 November 1776 Franciscan Father Presidente Junipero Serra returned to San Juan Capistrano and refounded the Mission. Named for St. John of Capistrano, Italy, 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 as Serra's Chapel. Previously established by Father Fermin Lasuen 30 October 1775, but abandoned because of incidents at Mission San Diego. Father Serra made the journey on foot to San Juan Capistrano, and refounded it in 1776. Sometimes called the "Jewel of the Missions" because of its beauty and unique architecture. The small chapel at San Juan Capistrano Mission is the only place still standing in California where Father Serra said Mass. The Great Stone Church construction was begun in 1796 and completed in 1806; it was destroyed by earthquake in 1812. the tremors caused the doors to the church to jam and 40 souls died within the church due to the fact that the earthquake happened during mass. The Mission was occupied by the Spanish Catholic church, the Father Padres, Sisters, Spanish soldiers and the Juaneno Indians who were native people indigenous to the area. the original Great Stone Church was built in the shape of a cross. For greater study of the San Juan Capistrano Mission, here is their official website address where you can find more information: http://www.missionsjc.com/ Located in Orange County California