California Missions

T-shirts, hoodies, charms, and posters

Miguel Joseph Serra was born November 24th, 1713, in Petra on the island of Majorca, Spain to common farmers who had no formal schooling. At 16, Miguel went into the seminary and was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1738, taking the name of Junipero. Father Junipero Serra was a scholarly man, not only a priest, but also a professor of philosophy and held a Doctorate in Theology. In 1768 when the Spanish crown decided to colonize Upper California, Serra was chosen to head the missionary effort. At the age of 55, Serra set out by mule on the arduous 3 month overland Portola expedition. On July 16, 1769, Father Serra raised the cross and founded the first of twenty-one missions in California, San Diego de Acala. During the fifteen years of Father Serra's presidency, nine missions were founded and more than 6000 Indians were baptized into the Christian faith. Father Junipero Serra died at his beloved San Carlos de Borromeo mission in Carmel, California on August 28, 1784. Twelve more missions were built after Serra's death. The last mission was founded in 1823 in Sonoma, California.

On September 23rd, 2015, Father Junipero Serra will be canonized by the Pope in the United States and furthermore known as Saint Junipero Serra. The 300th Birthday design has been updated to reflect this momentous occasion.

Kimberleigh Gavin is a resident of San Juan Capistrano and a Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent who has created the annual "Return of the Swallows" design for the mission since 1993. Her love of mission history is reflected in this beautiful 14-color design dedicated to the accomplishments of Father Serra. Each of the 21 missions is represented in the order of their founding along with their unique cattle brand. The decorative map shows their placement along the "El Camino Real." This limited edition image is available on T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Kimberleigh also designed a 300th birthday logo for the limited edition charms in a beautiful antique gold metal.

Ash gray T-shirts and hoodies for adults plus posters and charms. T-shirts are 100% pre-washed cotton, Gildan 2000 or Fruit of the Loom Lofteez. Sweatshirts are Hanes 50% cotton, 50% polyester. See Customer Service for product information, care instructions, and size guide plus returns/exchanges & shipping policies.