Roles of the Padres at Mission San Juan Capistrano

The Franciscan padres at Mission San Juan Capistrano fulfilled diverse duties:

• Religious Ministry: Sacraments, catechesis, worship for Native communities.
• Agriculture & Farming: Managed fields, introduced European crops and techniques.
• Education & Cultural Exchange: Taught reading, writing, math, crafts (carpentry, blacksmithing).
• Healthcare: Ran infirmaries, treated injuries and illnesses.
• Leadership & Administration: Oversaw mission economy, supplies, labor.
• Cultural Preservation: Documented indigenous languages, customs, and beliefs.
• Social Welfare: Provided food, shelter, aid regardless of faith.

The mission functioned as a self-sustaining religious, economic, and social center.