Father Serra

Father Junípero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan friar who played a key role in the early colonization of California in the 18th century. He founded numerous missions, aiming to spread Christianity and integrate Native American populations into Spanish colonial society. While admired for his dedication and vision, Serra's legacy is complex, as some view his efforts as cultural preservation and community building, while others criticize the impact of colonization and missionization on Native peoples. Recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church, his work significantly shaped California’s history and religious landscape.