Saint of the day, July 1

July 1: Saint Junípero Serra

Born: November 24, 1713, Petra, Mallorca, Spain

Died: August 28, 1784, Carmel, California

Nationality: Spanish

Vocation / State: Franciscan priest, missionary

Attributes: Franciscan habit, mission church, cross

Patronage: California Missions; vocations

Canonization: September 23, 2015, by Pope Francis

St. Junípero Serra left behind the comfort of a successful academic life to bring the Gospel to people who had never heard it. His missionary spirit and unwavering trust in God earned him the title "Apostle of California."

Born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Junípero joined the Franciscan Order as a young man and spent many years teaching theology and preaching. Though respected as a professor, he felt called to become a missionary and sailed to Mexico in 1749. From there, he devoted himself to serving Native communities, often traveling long distances on foot despite a painful leg injury that remained with him for the rest of his life.

In 1769, Junípero traveled north to present-day California, where he established the first of nine missions he would found during his lifetime. Through these missions, he preached the Gospel, celebrated the sacraments, and worked to build communities centered on the Catholic faith.

Junípero also spoke out when Native peoples were mistreated, urging greater protections for those living at the missions. His missionary work was marked by deep prayer, perseverance, and a desire to share Christ with others despite hardship and suffering.

St. Junípero reminds us that following God's call often means stepping into the unknown with courage and trust. His life encourages us to remain faithful to the mission God has given each of us, serving others with love and allowing Christ to guide every step of our journey.

St. Junípero Serra, pray for us!

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