Reprint of the original, first published in 1875.

History and description of the California missions.

Describes the life and works of the Franciscan priests who helped the Spanish colonize California by establishing missions for the native peoples and new settlers.

In 'California Missions: A Guide to the Historic Trails of the Padres', Karl F. Brown meticulously examines the history and significance of the California missions, blending both historical facts and personal insights into a captivating narrative. Brown's detailed descriptions and engaging storytelling make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the cultural and architectural heritage of the missions. The book's vivid imagery and thorough research immerse readers in the landscapes and stories of these iconic structures, highlighting their importance in shaping California's history and identity. Karl F. Brown, a noted historian and expert on California's mission history, brings his wealth of knowledge and passion for the subject to this comprehensive guide. With years of research and fieldwork under his belt, Brown presents a nuanced and comprehensive exploration of the missions, shedding light on their complex legacy and historical significance. His expertise and dedication to preserving California's cultural heritage shine through in this meticulously crafted work. I highly recommend 'California Missions' to history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers looking to explore the rich history of California. Brown's expertly written guide offers a deep dive into the missions' past and present, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to learn more about this iconic part of California's history.

From the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to the 1960s, Mexican American Catholics experienced racism and discrimination within the U.S. Catholic church, as white priests and bishops maintained a racial divide in all areas of the church's ministry. To oppose this religious apartheid and challenge the church to minister fairly to all of its faithful, a group of Chicano priests formed PADRES (Padres Asociados para Derechos Religiosos, Educativos y Sociales, or Priests Associated for Religious, Educational, and Social Rights) in 1969. Over the next twenty years of its existence, PADRES became a powerful force for change within the Catholic church and for social justice within American society. This book offers the first history of the founding, activism, victories, and defeats of PADRES. At the heart of the book are oral history interviews with the founders of PADRES, who describe how their ministries in poor Mexican American parishes, as well as their own experiences of racism and discrimination within and outside the church, galvanized them into starting and sustaining the movement. Richard Martínez traces the ways in which PADRES was inspired by the Chicano movement and other civil rights struggles of the 1960s and also probes its linkages with liberation theology in Latin America. He uses a combination of social movement theory and organizational theory to explain why the group emerged, flourished, and eventually disbanded in 1989.