Junípero Serra

Blessed Junípero Serra (November 24, 1713–August 28, 1784) was a Majorcan (Spain) Franciscan who founded the mission chain in Alta California. Born Miquel Josep Serra i Ferrer in Petra, Majorca, he renamed himself in honor of Saint Juniper, who had also been a Franciscan and a follower of St. Francis of Assisi. Once he entered religion, he taught philosophy in Palma, but in 1749 he went to North America, first to Mexico City, where he taught at the College of San Fernando.

See also

• History of California
• Spanish missions in California