As soon as the continual fever became intermittent, I continued my
journey, and arrived in the city of Queretaro, again, so weak and sick,
that fearing for my life, they administered to me the last Sacraments
of the Church. Yet soon after I experienced a change for the better
and finally I reached this Holy College on February 6th of this present
year. I remained, however, for a long time exhausted, weak and without
any ambition or appetite.

"But now, blessed be God! I am restored and brought back to health, I am
transacting the business for which I came, and feel ready to set out on
my journey back to that vineyard of the Lord.

"During my sickness in Queretaro, I was nursed with remarkable charity
and diligence, by Padre Procurador Fr. Alexandro Llaneras, and soon
after I arrived here, in this College of San Fernando, we heard of his
death. He died of a serious fever. Death found him well prepared with
all the Sacraments, assisted by Holy Communion, equipped with patience
and entire conformity to the will of God, thus preaching to all with his
example. I beg your reverence to pray for him.

"It is only once a year that we can receive letters from and send them
to, this College. And if we can only once a year receive and write a
letter, is it surprising that we are so slow to write to those living
in another world? However, if with the help of God, I safely arrive
in California, I may drop you a letter telling at least of my arrival,
should there be nothing of more importance to communicate to your
reverence. Meanwhile, I send my best regards to your mother, my dearest
sister, to my niece, and to all our brethren. Remember me to my beloved
Dr. Onofre Verd, and to the other pupils of mine, friends and neighbors
and acquaintances, specially to Fr. Rector de Selva, Dr. Jayme Font, and
finally to all, not without the request that they pray to God, that His
Divine Majesty deign, through His infinite mercy, to make me fit and
worthy minister of His Divine Word, and grant me a holy and happy death.

"From this Apostolic College de Propaganda Fide of San Fernando, Mexico,
August 4, 1773.

"May God keep your reverence for many years;

"Most affectionate uncle, brother and servant.

"Fr. Junipero Serra."

The Meaning of California Missions

By Right Rev. Bishop Conaty, of Los Angeles

In the mission celebrations which occur in California from time to
time, there are two views which men take--the this-world-vi