Father Junípero Serra

Father Junípero Serra was an 18th-century Spanish missionary known for founding several Roman Catholic missions in California. Born in 1713 in Mallorca, he joined the Franciscan order and dedicated his life to spreading Christianity among Indigenous peoples. Serra established missions that aimed to convert and educate Native Americans, but his legacy is complex. While he played a significant role in California’s colonization, his efforts also contributed to the disruption of Indigenous cultures and communities. Serra was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2015, reflecting both his religious significance and the controversial impact of his work.