SAN BUENAVENTURA For thirteen years the heart of the venerable Serra was made sick by the postponements in the founding of this Mission.

The Viceroy de Croix had ordered Governor Rivera "to recruit seventy-five soldiers for the establishment of a presidio and three Missions in the channel of Santa Barbara: one towards the north of the channel, which was to be dedicated to the Immaculate Conception; one towards the south, dedicated to San Buenaventura, and a third in the centre, dedicated to Santa Barbara." It was with intense delight that Serra received a call from Governor Neve, who, in February, 1782, informed him that he was prepared to proceed at once to the founding of the Missions of San Buenaventura and Santa Barbara.

Although busy training his neophytes, he determined to go in person and perform the necessary ceremonies.

Looking about for a padre to accompany him, and all his own coadjutors being engaged, he bethought him of Father Pedro Benito Cambon, a returned invalid missionary from the Philippine Islands, who was recuperating at San Diego.

He accordingly wrote Padre Cambon, requesting him, if possible, to meet him at San Gabriel.