Saint Junipero Serra
Also known as
- Apostle of California
- Miguel José Serra Ferrer
Profile
Entered the Franciscan University at Palma, Spain at age 15, and joined the Order at age 17, taking the name Junipero after the friend of Saint Francis. Ordained in 1737, and taught philosophy and theology at the Lullian University.
In 1749, Serra was sent to the missionary territories of the west of North America. A mosquito bite he received early in his trip to the New World left one leg swollen; this and his asthma made walking a painful process for the rest of his life. In 1768 he took over missions in the Mexican provinces of Lower and Upper California, missions the Jesuits were forced to abandon by order of King Charles III. A tireless worker, Serra was largely responsible for the foundation and spread of the Church on the West Coast of the United States. Founded twenty-one missions, converted thousands of Native Americans, and trained many of them in European methods of agriculture, cattle husbandry, and crafts. Dedicated religious and missionary, penitent and austere in all areas of his life.
Blessed Junipero Serra is the namesake of the Serra Club, an international Catholic organization dedicated to the promotion of vocations, and the support of seminarians and religious novices. Many of his letters and other writings have survived, and the diary of his travels to the west was published in the early 20th century.
Born
- 24 November 1713 at Petra, Spanish Majorca as Miguel Jose Serra
- 28 August 1784 of tuberculosis at Mission San Carlos, California of natural causes
- buried at Carmel, Monterey, California
- 9 May 1985 by Pope John Paul II (decree of heroic virtues)
- 23 September 2015 by Pope Francis
- canonization recognition celeberated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, presided by Pope Francis
Name Meaning
- jester of God (= Junipero)
MLA Citation
- “Saint Junipero Serra“. CatholicSaints.Info. 6 April 2024. Web. 18 May 2024. <>