VISIT OF FATHER SERRA
BY the time the church was built, Docas could sing very well. One day Father Pena gave him a new hymn to learn.
“It is very hard, Father,” said Docas.
“Yes, but it is very beautiful, and I want you to be able to sing it when Father Junipero Serra visits us,” said Father Pena.
“I would do anything for Father Serra,” answered Docas. “He loves us so.”
So every day after that for several weeks Docas practised his new hymn until he knew it perfectly. Yisoo learned it also.
“Father Serra will be pleased,” said Father Pena, one day when Docas had sung the hymn very well.
Sometimes, when Docas was tired of singing,Father Pena told him stories of Father Serra. Once he told Docas how Father Serra had walked hundreds of miles to start the Missions.
One morning soon after they were in school, Massea, who had been out in the fields, came hurrying up to the schoolroom.
“Father Serra is coming!” he called out. Father Pena dismissed the school, and went out to meet Father Serra. They were very glad to see each other, for they had not met for a long time.
Father Pena took Father Serra all over the Mission. He showed him the fields and gardens, and the Indian village a little way from the church.
Father Serra said, “I am pleased to see how well you are getting started.”
This was his first visit to the Mission Santa Clara since the new church was built.
The next day was Sunday. Docas was excited, because Father Serra was to say the mass, and he was to sing his new hymn.
The church was full, for the white people who had just come to live at San José, about three miles away, had come to church, too. By this time most of the Indians knew when to kneel and when to make the sign of the cross, but Massea stood in the aisle with a long stick. It was his duty to watch the other Indians. If oneof them forgot to kneel down at the right time Massea poked him with the end of the stick.
After the mass, Father Serra preached; then Docas and Yisoo sang their hymn. After they had sung each verse, they waited for the people to sing it over after them.
When the service was over, Docas, Yisoo, and all the other Indians who had learned to play, took their violins and walked toward Father Pena’s house, playing dance music all the way. Father Pena and Father Serra walked along with them.
As they reached Father Pena’s house, Father Serra happened to notice Docas. He turned and said to him, “Love God, my son.”
Docas answered, “Love God, Father.”
Father Serra then said, “Are you not one of the two boys who sang in church?”
“Yes, Father,” answered Docas.
“You have studied well; I am pleased with you,” said the Father.
Father Serra stayed until next morning, and then he went to San Francisco.