Saint of the Day: July 01, 2024
Junípero Serra, originally named Miguel José Serra, was born on November 24, 1713, in Petra, Majorca, Spain. His parents, Antonio Nadal Serra and Margarita Rosa Ferrer, were farmers. Baptized at St. Peter’s Church in Petra on the same day, Junípero would grow to become a significant figure in the history of California.
Early Life and Education
Serra’s early education began at a primary school run by Franciscans in Petra. At 15, his parents entrusted him to a cathedral canon in Palma, where he attended philosophy classes at the Franciscan monastery of San Francisco. On September 14, 1730, Serra took his first step toward religious life by becoming a novice at the Convento de Jesús near Palma. A year later, he made his profession and chose the name Junípero in honor of St. Francis’ companion. Serra continued his studies in philosophy and theology at the Convento de San Francisco. Although the exact date of his ordination remains unknown, it is believed to have occurred in December 1738. He earned his doctorate in theology from the Lullian University in Palma in 1742 and was appointed the primary professor of theology there in January 1749.
Journey to America and Missionary Work
Responding to a call to serve as a missionary in America, Serra, accompanied by Francisco Palóu, set sail on April 13, 1749. They arrived in Vera Cruz, Mexico, on December 7, 1749. Opting to walk rather than use the provided horses, Serra traversed the 250 miles from Vera Cruz to Mexico City, arriving on January 1, 1750, after spending the previous night at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Within six months, Serra volunteered for the Sierra Gorda missions, spending 1750-1758 there. He oversaw the construction of a church, promoted religious and economic development, and learned the Otomí language to effectively teach the Pame Indians. Under his leadership, mission churches were built in four other towns as well.
Leadership and Establishment of Missions
After his time in Sierra Gorda, Serra held various positions at the College of San Fernando, including choir director, master of novices, college counselor, and confessor. He also preached missions in different cities in Mexico. In 1767, he was appointed president of the ex-Jesuit missions of Baja California. His zeal for missionary work led him to volunteer for expeditions to Upper California in 1768. He reached Loreto on April 1, overseeing the establishment of 15 missions, from San José del Cabo to Santa María.
Founding of Upper California Missions
Serra’s dedication to spreading the faith saw the founding of nine missions in Upper California, including:
• San Diego
• San Carlos
• San Antonio
• San Gabriel
• San Luis Obispo
• San Francisco
• San Juan Capistrano
• Santa Clara
• San Buenaventura
He also participated in founding the Presidio of Santa Barbara. Despite health challenges, including leg and foot issues, Serra dedicated the next 15 years to evangelizing in Upper California.
Death and Legacy
Serra passed away on August 28, 1784, at Mission San Carlos, where he was buried in the church he had constructed. By the end of 1784, the first nine missions had baptized 6,736 Indians, with 4,646 residing in them. Known for his zeal, optimism, and devotion to his converts, Serra fought for the Church’s freedom against royal interference and played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding California’s missions.
Beatification and Canonization
Serra’s beatification process began in 1934 and concluded in 1949. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988, and canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015. Widely recognized as the Apostle of California, numerous monuments and memorials along the Camino Real commemorate his legacy.