Saint Junípero Serra
By Father Scott Archer July 1, 2020 The story of Saint Junípero Serra begins in the 18 th century on the island of Mallorca off the eastern coast of Spain. He was the son of Antonio Serra, a farmer, and Margarita Ferrer. Born on November 24, 1713, in the village of Petra, at baptism he was given the name Miguel José . At the age of sixteen, he went to Palma, the capital of Mallorca, and applied for admission into the Franciscan Order. He was very short, and the provincial took him to be much younger than he was, so he was refused admission. He was admitted after his tutor and some Franciscans spoke up for him, and he received the gray habit of the Observant Friars Minor. At profession they were allowed to replace their baptismal name, and Miguel José became Junípero. There was one desire that burned in the heart of Fray Junípero above all others; to become a missionary in order to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and baptize the pagans of the New World. On August ...