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Entered the Franciscan University at Palma 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, among other
things. 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.
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