S JUNIPERO SERRA (1713-1784)

 Apostle of California – Patron of Vocations Miguel Jose Serra 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, he 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 and his asthma made walking a painful process for the 

    rest of his life. In 1768 he took over missions, the Jesuits were forced to abandon in the Mexican provinces. A tireless worker, Serra was largely responsible for the foundation 

    and spread of the Church on the West Coast of the US; Founded twenty-one missions, converted thousands of Native Americans and trained many of them in European methods of agriculture, 

    cattle husbandry, and crafts. He was a dedicated religious and missionary, penitent and austere in all areas of his life. 

    He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2015.





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