St. Junípero Serra

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St. Junípero Serra (1713–1784) stands as one of the most influential Catholic missionaries in North American history, remembered for his deep sanctity and his foundational role in the evangelization of California.

Born Miguel José Serra on the island of Mallorca, Spain, he was the son of poor farmers and raised in an environment of humility, hard work, and deep piety. At age 16, he entered the Order of Friars Minor, taking the name Junípero in honor of one of St. Francis of Assisi’s earliest companions—known for his joyful simplicity and burning zeal. Though he became a brilliant professor of theology, Serra left behind academic comfort and prestige for the uncertain path of missionary work.

In 1749, he arrived in New Spain (present-day Mexico) and began ministering to indigenous populations, often walking hundreds of miles on foot through rugged terrain. He learned native languages and defended their dignity—especially in the Sierra Gorda region—where he taught both the faith and essential life skills like agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship.

His most lasting legacy, however, began at age 56, when he joined the Portolá expedition into Alta California. In 1769, Serra founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of 21 California missions. He personally established nine of them, including Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel, where he is buried. These missions would become both centers of evangelization and the seeds of California’s cultural development.

While modern historical assessments raise important questions about colonization and cultural loss, records show that Serra often defended Native peoples against military abuses and labored tirelessly to improve their lives within the constraints of the era. His motto, “Siempre adelante, nunca atrás” (“Always forward, never back”), testifies to his unwavering perseverance through illness, injury, and hardship.

He was canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015, becoming the first saint canonized on U.S. soil. Today, his statue stands in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., representing the state of California.

As I reflect on the life of St. Junípero Serra, I often wonder about his parents—simple farmers who offered their son to the service of the Church. Did they know that their sacrifice would bear fruit across oceans? That the child they raised in faith would one day be called saint?

God honors our sacrifices—especially those made with faith and love. The Catechism tells us that “the person who surrenders himself to the God he loves above all else thereby consecrates himself more intimately to God’s service and to the good of the Church” (CCC 931). Each of us has a mission. Each of us has been given a unique talent to fulfill it.

So what is your mission?

Don’t bury your talents. Most of us hesitate to act because we feel unworthy. We tell ourselves: “Maybe when I have a doctorate in theology…” or “Once I’ve figured out my life…”—then I’ll follow Jesus.

No. Follow Christ now—just like St. Peter, who laid down his nets and followed the Lord without fully knowing who He was. He obeyed at the moment of his calling. That’s faith. That’s discipleship.

St. Junípero Serra didn’t wait. He answered—limping forward at times, but always forward.

St. Junípero Serra’s life was fueled by an unshakable love for Christ and a passion to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Feast Day: July 1
Patron of: California, Hispanic Americans, and Missionaries

"Always forward, never back."
— St. Junípero Serra