Carmel Mission
Mission San Carlos Borremeo del Rio Carmelo (Carmel Mission)
The Basilica of Mission San Carlos Borremeo del Rio Carmelo
(Carmel Mission) was founded by Fr. Junipero Serra in 1770, making it the
second of the 21 California missions. Though the Carmel Mission was founded in
Monterey, it was quickly decided that Carmel-by-the-Sea was a more appropriate location
for its purpose. The fledgling establishment was moved to the Rio Road site in
1771 and the Carmel Mission Basilica was dedicated in 1797. Fr. Serra was
buried within its grounds.
The Mission
Carmel Mission is considered the most authentically restored
Franciscan mission, and despite its many events and services, the Mission's
courtyard and gardens are peaceful places to meditate or rest. Self-guided and
docent-led tours are available; see the Carmel Mission website for more
information. Admission to the grounds and mission is $5 for adults, $4 for
seniors, and $1 for children under 17. All funds go to mission restoration
projects.
Museum
Carmel Mission also has four museum galleries that give
insight into the history of both the Monterey Peninsula and all of the
California Missions. The Harry Downie Museum shows the history of Carmel
Mission's restoration. Carmel Mission's Munras Family Heritage Museum gives the
history of one prominent area family, showing how their history intertwines
with the history of the Peninsula. The Jo Mora Chapel Gallery has ever-changing
art exhibits, but its centerpiece is the Mora-sculpted Serra Memorial
Centotaph. The Convento Museum shows visitors what Carmel Mission was like during
different eras through interpretive displays, and allows them to see the cell
where Junipero Serra lived and died.
Entrance donations ($5 adult, $4 senior, $1 child) go to the restoration of the mission. Carmel Mission's museum is open Monday through Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sundays, 10:30am-5pm.
Place of Worship
Carmel Mission is still an active parish, providing
worshippers many opportunities to attend mass. Mass is held Monday through
Friday at 7am, noon and 5pm; on Saturday at 8:30am and 5:30pm; and Sunday at
7:30am, 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm and 5:30pm. Check the official Carmel Mission
website for more information about each Mass.
Weddings
Couples wishing to marry within the Roman Catholic Church may hold their wedding at Carmel Mission. See the Carmel Mission website for more information.
...