In 1954 the California Mission Trails Association is cited in a proclamation signed by Governor Goodwin J. Knight for their work promoting the California Missions. The first week in May was declared Mission Trails Week in California. Below is the text from the scanned document.
Executive Department, State of California
PROCLAMATION
The cultural and economic traditions of our State are closely interwoven with the 21 early Catholic Missions of California, founded between 1769 and 1823 by missionaries of the Order of Saint Francis under the leadership of Father Junipero Serra. The spiritual determination and outstanding ability of this dedicated group laid the foundations for many of our State’s outstanding cities.
This year we in California are honored to have these historic landmarks as the reverent objectives of a special pilgrimage for the Franciscan National Marian Congress. We take pride in the heritage which brought about this national recognition.
The California Mission Trails Association has done much to perpetuate the fame of these unique monuments to man’s faith in God and the future, and of the many fine communities which have risen near them.
Since the Marian Congress tour of the Missions will be held during that period, I, Goodwin J. Knight, Governor of California, hereby proclaim the period of May 2-9, 1954, as MISSION TRAILS WEEK in California. I urge that all Californians familiarize themselves with the importance of the fine work done at our 21 Missions in bringing religion, industry, and culture to our State, and extend recognition to their fellow citizens who today live and work in the areas where the early Padres first brought civilization to our State.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto SEAL set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State to be affixed this 23rd day of April, A. D., One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-Four.
Governor of California
[Goodwin J. Knight]
ATTEST:
[Frank M. Jordan]
Secretary of State
By:
[Chas. J Hagerty]
Assistant Secretary of State
FILED
In the office of the Secretary of State of the State of California APR 23, 1954
Frank M. Jordan, Secretary of State
NOTE: We acknowledge that for California Native Americans, the Spanish Mission system disrupted the Native way of life and traditions through the use of forced manual labor, severe punishments, and the spread of deadly diseases. Despite this trauma and loss, California Native American people survived, persisted, and continue to practice their culture and traditions. It is our objective to share this complex and difficult history with the public in an appropriate and respectful way. The impact of the Spanish Mission system is still widely felt today.