![[Blessed Junipero Serra]](saintj44.gif "19kb gif painting of Blessed Junipero Serra, date unknown, artist unknown; please do not write to ask about this image")
Apostle of California Miguel José Serra Ferrer
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.
Cause of Padre Serra
Old Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105, USA
- or -
Franciscan Friars - Province of Saint Barbara
1500 34th Avenue
Oakland, CA 94601-3091, USA
New Catholic Dictionary Catholic Encyclopedia Catholic Online Famous Hispanics New Perspectives on the West SaintCast - mp3 audio San Diego Biographies USA Council of Serra International Wikipedia The Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Brunson