This is the San Luis Rey de Francia Missions of California Educational Project. Parental Supervision is Recommended.:. San Luis Rey de Francia - the cross-shaped King of the Missions - was founded by Father Fermin de Lasuen on June 13, 1798. The 18th California mission, it was also the largest and most highly populated. Its success was due to Father Antonio Peyri, who counseled Native Americans for 33 years. By 1831 the mission had produced 395,000 bushels of grain and 2500 barrels of wine. Over 53,000 head of livestock grazed its land. After secularization, no services were held at Mission San Luis Rey for 46 years. Restoration began in 1895. It is now again a working mission, operating as