Location: The Convento Museum
This personal reliquary cross, once belonging to St. Junípero Serra, stands as one of the most significant artifacts of California’s colonial missionary history. Serra brought the cross from his birthplace of Mallorca, Spain, to the New World. The artifact gained even greater historical importance when it was discovered resting on Serra’s chest during his exhumation in 1943, nearly two centuries after his death.
In 2015, St. Junípero Serra’s personal cross embarked on a remarkable journey to Vatican City, where Pope Francis bestowed his blessing upon it during a general audience. Following this significant event, the revered artifact was returned to Carmel Mission and placed on display in the Convento Museum.
Inspired by St. Junípero Serra’s own mission cross, a new reliquary was commissioned for his canonization. California artists Marirose Jelicich and Rev. Ronald Schmit collaborated to create this exquisite piece: a white metal cross adorned with semi-precious stones and gold-leafed rays.
The reliquary incorporates Serra’s relics and an image of the Virgin Mary, honoring the saint’s devotion. Its reflective surfaces serve as a powerful metaphor, symbolizing God’s light and mirroring the faith and holiness of Christians.
On September 23, 2015, in Washington, D.C., the specially crafted reliquary took center stage during St. Junípero Serra’s canonization ceremony, presided over by Pope Francis.
Today, this exquisite piece resides near the altar inside the Carmel Mission Basilica, serving as a testament to St. Junípero Serra’s enduring legacy and sainthood.
