Francisco Palou

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Fray Francisco Palou was Spanish missionary (b.ca. 1722, Palma de Mallorca), who contributed to the mission system of California, Texas and Mexico.

1 Early description
2 Missionary travels
3 California missions contribution
4 Expeditionary travel
5 Legacy
6 Bibliography

[edit] Early description

Fray Palou was a diligent student, devout Christian, loyal disciple, tireless traveler, zealous missionary, firm defender of the faith, resourceful pioneer, successful mission builder, able administrator, and fair minded historian of California" is the tribute made by Palou's editor Herbert E. Bolton. These words are not without backing or truth. Francisco Palou's contributions to the Californian and Mexican monastery movement are vast. Along with his mentor, Junipero Serra, Palou worked to build numerous missions throughout Mexico and California, many of which still exist today. A member of the Franciscan Order, Palou eventually became the superior or "presidente" of the missions in lower California, and then eventually of Upper California as well. Palou’s accomplishments span from his early twenties to his death, leaving little room to contest the greatness of his life.

[edit] Missionary travels

As a missionary, Palou traveled and proselytized throughout the new world. His extensive travels left him ably fit to wisely discuss and teach world matter, and made him highly respected as a scholar throughout the land. Coming from simple beginnings, Palou was born in 1722 at Palma, on the Island of Majorca, and began religious work early in his life as he entered the Franciscan Order around the age of seventeen in 1739. After developing a mentor/student relationship with a man named Junipero Serra, they both eagerly joined the American Indian missions. They, along with several other missionaries reached Vera Cruz, Mexico in 1749. Palou worked in Mexico for many in missions such as Sierra Gorda. He was later recalled, along with Serra, to work in the San Sabas region in Texas. However, the biggest part of Palou's journey would not begin until 1767 when he and fourteen other Franciscan friars were sent north to extend their efforts and replace many of the Jesuit missionaries who had been previously expelled form Spain. Much of Palou's life would be spent in California, and many of his notable endeavors would be achieved there as well. Undoubtedly, Palou would be a driving force in forming the religious communities of California.

[edit] California missions contribution

Now working in California, Palou and the other friars reached Loreto in Lower California in the spring of 1768. Palou was given control of Mission San Francisco Javier. The following year, Junipero Serra left for UpperCalifornia to proceed with the further establishment of missions in that region. This left the office of "presidente" or superior of all missions in Lower California for Palou to control until 1773. When the lower Californian missions were turned over to the Dominican Fathers, Palou was able to rejoin his brethren and mentor in Upper California. He first went to San Diego, then continued onwards to Monterey-Carmel, which Serra had been using as his headquarters. Palou greatly assisted in the placement of friars as well as collected historical data, some of which is the only still surviving today on the early Californian missions.

[edit] Expeditionary travel

In 1774, Palou accompanied Captain Rivera’s expedition to the Bay of San Francisco and on December 4th, planted the cross on Point Lobos, which sits in clear view of the Golden Gate and Pacific Ocean. He was the first priest to ever reach that point. He would return to Lobos in 1776 with Lieutenant Moraga and on June 28th would offer up his first mass on the spot later under the Mission Dolores, which Palou founded but a few weeks later. Palou remained at the helm until he was called to give his mentor and close friend, Junipero Serra, his last rights in 1784 at the Mission San Carlos. With Serra's death in Carmel, Palou became the acting "presidente" of the Upper Californian missions. Palou remained in this post and served ably until failing health and the simple factor of age retired him in 1785 to the College of San Fernando. He was elected guardian of the college and his office here until his death in Mexico, where he had completed his life of Serra, most of which he had written while still in California.

[edit] Legacy

Francisco Palou led a life of servitude and humbleness despite the many key roles and offices he held throughout his life. He was vital to the establishment of several of the first nine missions inCalifornia and many of those in Mexico. He compiled a standard history of the California missions from 1767 to 1784 in his "noticias" as a four-volume set. He wrote of his mentor, Junipero Serra's life, which contains the history of the first nine mission from San Diego to San Buenaventura. Both works provide key information about early California and the missionary efforts that took place there.