Junípero Serra was born in Spain in 1713. At age 16, he joined the Franciscan Order and was later ordained a priest. Father Serra worked as a teacher and librarian, but what he wanted most was to be a missionary and preach the Gospel.

In 1749, he finally got his chance. Father Serra and another Franciscan sailed to Mexico. After they arrived, they walked 250 miles to Mexico City. For eight years, Father Serra worked among the native peoples of Mexico, teaching them about God and the Catholic faith.



In 1768, Father Serra led a small group of Franciscans to California, to continue their work of spreading the Gospel to the native peoples. Father Serra and his companions walked several hundred miles from Mexico to California. There, Father Serra established nine missions. These missions were villages in which the native people could live, work, and learn to become Christians.

For the rest of his life, Father Serra served the native people of California. He endured many hardships to bring them the Gospel. Because of his great love for God, Father Serra persevered in his work. We celebrate the feast day of this holy priest on July 1.

Family Activity

	Learn more about the California missions founded by Blessed Junípero Serra.

	•		On a map of California, identify the nine missions founded by Blessed Junípero. They are San Diego de Alcalá (1769), San Carlos Borromeo (1770), San Antonio de Padua (1771), San Gabriel Arcángel (1771), San Luis Obispo de Tolosa (1772), San Franciso de Asís (1776), San Juan Capistrano (1776), Santa Clara de Asís (1777), and San Buenaventura (1782).
	•		You might also check out a book from the library about the California missions and research the history of one or two missions.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.