 The organization of the Cuernavaca monastery was founded in 1525 by the first twelve Franciscans to arrive to the new Spanish colony, along with some newer arrivals.Among these were Antonio Maldonado, Antonio Ortiz, Alonso de Herrera and Diego de Almonte.The original purpose of the monastery organization was the evangelization of the local indigenous peoples, and later to house and train missionaries to other parts of New Spain.