Must-See at the Mission

Serra Memorial Cenotaph

Location: The Jo Mora Chapel Gallery

The cenotaph, a tribute to St. Junípero Serra, was created by noted sculptor Jo Mora between 1920 and 1924. Commissioned by Fr. Raymond Mestres, pastor of Carmel Mission, it was intended to serve as a sarcophagus containing Serra’s remains within the church. It soon became apparent that the sculpture was too large for the sanctuary. The decision was made to build a small chapel nearby to house the artwork, which then became a cenotaph.

A cenotaph is a tomb or a monument honoring person or whose remains are elsewhere.

Mora began by crafting a small plaster model of the monument. Upon receiving Father Mestres’ approval, this initial design served as the foundation for a second, full-scale model. After Mestres gave his final approval, Mora sent the figures to New York for casting.

Right: Fr. Mestres and Jo Mora reviewing the clay model of the monument.

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The final version of the monument included figures of the padres surrounding a Renaissance-style tomb carved of travertine stone showing scenes from the “conquest” of California with images of Native Americans, soldiers, neophytes, and the padres. The travertine was first quarried in California. The inserts and medallions are made of Hautville marble, and the main figures are cast in bronze.

The figure of St. Junípero Serra lies as he was prepared for burial, clothed in a Franciscan habit with a stole, crucifix, cord, and rosary. His bare feet rest on a bear cub, the symbol of the young State of California. Serra’s close associate, Fr. Juan Crespi, life-size and bending forward, stands at the head.

Fr. Lasuén kneels at the left at the foot, his hands folded across his breast. It was Lausuén who succeeded St. Serra as Presidente of the Missions. Fr. Lopez, a young friar who died at the Mission in 1797, kneels at the foot on the right. All four priests are buried in the sanctuary.