Must-See at the Mission

Stepping into Carmel Mission, history comes alive. You'll encounter unique treasures like St. Junípero's cherished Caravaca Cross, a personal reliquary with a fascinating journey. Marvel at the oldest bible in California, a 1568 edition that traveled with Father Serra on his missions. Explore California's first library, originally stocked by Franciscan missionaries, and see the captivating Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel, home to the oldest statue of Mary in California. Finally, pay your respects at the final resting place of Saint Junípero Serra and learn the story behind the Serra Reliquary.

The Caravaca Cross

Location: Convento Museum

Significance: This personal reliquary cross of St. Junípero stands as one of the most significant artifacts of California's colonial missionary history. Brought by St. Junípero from his birthplace of Mallorca, Spain, the cross was discovered on his chest during his exhumation in 1943. Remarkably, the cross journeyed to the Vatican in 2015, where it received a blessing from Pope Francis during a general audience. Following its return, the cross was placed on display in the Convento Museum at Carmel Mission.

St. Junípero's 400-Year-Old Bible

Location: Convento Museum

Significance: Considered the oldest bible in California, this 1568 edition was printed in Lyon, France. It's believed St. Junípero carried it with him on his missionary journeys from Loreto to San Diego, Monterey, and finally to Carmel Mission. Notably, Ronald Reagan used this very Bible for his swearing-in ceremony as California's governor.

California's First Library:

Location: Convento Museum

Significance:

Carmel Mission houses California's first library, originally stocked with books brought by Franciscan missionaries. By 1820, the library boasted over 2,000 volumes. Though scattered after the missions were abandoned, some were recovered by the Catholic Church and Harry Downie, bringing the current collection to 550 volumes.

Our Lady of Bethlehem Chapel

Location: Carmel Mission Basilica

Significance:

This chapel enshrines Our Lady of Bethlehem, also known as Nuestra Señora de Belén, the oldest statue of Mary in California and the second oldest in the United States. Carved in 15th-century Spain, this life-sized statue accompanied St. Junípero on his journey from Mexico in 1769. Interestingly, Our Lady stands at 5 feet, 2 inches tall, mirroring the height of St. Junípero himself.

St. Junípero's Grave

Location: Carmel Mission Basilica

Significance:

Following his death in 1784, St. Junípero was interred in the sanctuary of the adobe church he had built, alongside his longtime associate, Fr. Crespi. When the permanent stone church was constructed in 1797, it was built to encompass both graves, ensuring the preservation of the burial site. His successor, Fr. Fermín Francisco de Lasuén, joined them in the sanctuary upon his own death, interred to St. Junípero's right.

Serra Reliquary

Location: Carmel Mission Basilica

Significance: In 1943, St. Junípero's remains were exhumed for archaeological and canonical purposes and reburied in a new copper coffin. Pieces of the original wood coffin were saved and later placed in the hand-crafted reliquary, built in 1984. Inside the reliquary rests a bundle of the redwood coffin fragments, upon an episcopal kneeling pillow that once belonged to Archbishop Jose Sadoc Alemany of the Monterey Diocese.

Must-See at the Mission

Learn More About the Visitor Experience

General Information

Visitor Guidelines

Photography Policy

Mission Store

Self-Guided Tour

Accessibility

Mass Schedule