St. Junipero Serra
Feast Day: July 1
"O Lord, I am silling to siffer whatever you wish. I place my life in Your hands." -St. Junipero Serra
Saint Junípero Serra is celebrated as a devoted missionary, evangelizer, and founder of the California mission system. His feast day, observed on July 1st, honors his tireless work to spread the Catholic faith and his enduring impact on the Church in the Americas. Canonized in 2015 by Pope Francis, St. Junípero is remembered for his missionary zeal, deep faith, and commitment to the salvation of souls.
A Life of Mission and Evangelization
Born in 1713 on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Miguel José Serra took the name Junípero when he joined the Franciscan order. A brilliant scholar and teacher, he left a promising academic career to answer the call of God to serve as a missionary in the New World. In 1749, he sailed to Mexico, where he ministered to native communities for nearly two decades.
Later, Fr. Serra was sent north to Alta California, then a remote and rugged land. Despite suffering from a serious leg injury that caused him pain for the rest of his life, he pressed forward in his mission to bring the Gospel to the native peoples of California.
Between 1769 and 1782, St. Junípero founded nine of California’s twenty-one Catholic missions, including the first in San Diego and others in locations that would later become major cities, such as San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, and Santa Clara. His work provided both spiritual and practical support, teaching the faith while introducing farming, trades, and education to the local communities.
A Legacy of Faith and Compassion
St. Junípero Serra’s life was dedicated to bringing souls to Christ. He often defended native peoples from abuse by colonial authorities and sought to protect their dignity within the constraints of his time. His writings and personal actions reflect a man driven by love for God and a sincere desire for the salvation and welfare of those he served.
While the mission system brought both spiritual blessings and cultural challenges, Serra’s personal legacy is one of faith, sacrifice, and missionary courage.
Patron of Vocations and California
In recognition of his missionary spirit and lasting impact, Saint Junípero Serra is honored as the patron saint of vocations to ministry and of California. His motto, “Siempre adelante, nunca atrás” — “Always forward, never back” — captures his spirit of perseverance in the face of hardship.
The Call to Evangelize
Saint Junípero Serra’s life is a powerful example of dedication to the Gospel. His missionary work reminds us of the Church’s call to share the Good News with all people, to serve others with love, and to persevere through difficulties for the sake of Christ.
As we honor Saint Junípero Serra, may we be inspired to live lives of missionary discipleship, bringing Christ’s love and truth to the world.
Saint Junípero Serra, pray for us!
