The fifth mission to be founded in Alta California was named after St. Louis of Toulouse. He was born in the year 1274, the son of  Charles II, King of Naples. The boy’s uncle was Saint Louis, King of France, and his aunt was Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. After being held hostage for seven years in Barcelona, he made his profession as a Friar, was ordained a priest, and was consecrated Archbishop of Toulouse. His life of devotion to his faith was the greatest monument that marked his death in 1297. He was canonized in 1317. His feast day is August 19.

Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse

On his way to Mexico, Fr. Junipero Serra, assisted by Fr. Jose Cavaller, erected a cross on September 1, 1772, and with the aid of friendly Indians started the 5th mission. Dedicated to a saint highly favored by Franciscans, it was here that tiles, similar to those used for roofs in Spain, were first manufactured. Through this new industry the easily ignited reed or tule roofs of the other mission were replaced with the colorful tiles.