What best concludes the paragraph about the changes seen in the missions?

The sentence that highlights the secularization of the missions encapsulates the major transformation that occurred within that context. Secularization refers to the process where religious institutions or practices lose their significance or power in favor of non-religious, often governmental control or influence. By concluding the paragraph with this point, it reinforces the overarching theme of change within the missions, highlighting that they were not static entities but instead underwent significant shifts in their role, governance, and social impact. This aligns with a common narrative around missions, where wealth and influence often lead to complexities in their jurisdiction and operations. The other options do not reflect the essential changes that were integral to the discussion about the missions, making the focus on secularization the most relevant and informative conclusion.