2025 | The Mora Chapel: A Place of Living History

ANNUAL MINISTRY APPEAL
At Carmel Mission, we are proud of our rich history and the significant accomplishments of our saint, Junipero Serra. It is amazing to consider that in our Mora chapel are items he himself used every day to worship the same God, in many of the same ways as we do today. They form a living history for our church, our community, our state, and our nation. Preserving this for future generations is only possible with your generous support. This year, I have set a goal of $300,000 and decided to dedicate the funds we raise to preservation and restoration efforts in the Mora Chapel. Our Diocesan contribution of $75,900 will directly support our vital diocesan ministries.
Our Mora Chapel is named for renowned artist and sculptor Jo Mora, who spent much time at our beloved Carmel Mission, and was captured and inspired by its beauty and historical significance. Mora wished to contribute to both, and so accepted a commission and worked for four years to create a beautiful cenotaph for St. Junipero Serra, unveiling it in October, 1924. The cenotaph is a main feature of our Mora Chapel and stands as a true and tremendous monument to the amazing accomplishments of our founder and first pastor, St. Junipero Serra.