Catholic Blesseds, Saints, Solemnities & Holy Days

Saint Junípero Serra (1713–1784), a Spanish Franciscan missionary, is known as the “Apostle of California.” He left behind a prestigious academic career to follow his calling to evangelize Indigenous peoples in the Americas. Despite physical suffering and significant cultural challenges, he founded nine of California’s 21 missions, creating centers of faith and community that laid the foundation for California’s Catholic heritage. His life speaks to the power of resilience, faith, and a belief in the transformative nature of relationships.

Imagine leaving behind everything familiar—your home, your career, your culture—to follow a calling that promises nothing but hardship. That’s exactly what Junípero Serra did. A gifted theology professor in Mallorca, Spain, Junípero left his comfortable academic life in 1749 to become a missionary in the New World. His journey was anything but easy. After arriving in Mexico, he spent 20 years ministering to Indigenous communities before being tasked with establishing missions in California.

His work in California began with Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first of nine missions he would found. The challenges were overwhelming: an unfamiliar land, strained relationships with local tribes, and his own chronic health issues, including a leg injury that caused him constant pain. Yet Junípero believed deeply in the transformative power of faith and relationships. He didn’t approach his mission with arrogance but with humility, learning local languages and customs to better serve the people he hoped to evangelize.

One story stands out. On one of his many arduous journeys, Junípero walked miles on an injured leg to advocate for the rights of Indigenous people against military leaders who sought to oppress them. His courage and dedication earned him the respect of both Indigenous leaders and Spanish authorities. His motto, “Always forward, never back,” defined his life of service.