1713 - 1784
Father Junipero Serro is considered part of the California legend was born Miguel Jose on November 24, 1713. At the age of 16, he entered the Franciscan Order and took the name of Junipero. At the age of 56, he was chosen to replace the Jesuits in Baja California and made his first expedition with Gaspar de Portola to Alta California where he founded the first missions.
Father Fermin Lasuén was successor to Father Junípero Serra. On June 13, 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was founded by Father Lasuen, accompanied by Father Antonio Peyri. Mission San Luis Rey was named for Louis IX, a king of France and patron of the Franciscan Order.
Father Antonio Peyri was 29 years old when the mission was established, he continued his stay at Mission San Rey Luis de Francia for 34 years. Under his guidance, the mission became the most successful mission along the El Camino Real. Seven thousand baptisms were recorded in the mission journals and by 1826, there were 4,000 Indians living and working at the mission.
Back to Mission San Luis Rey Homepage