Miquel Jose Serra, Father Serra, was born in Mallorca, Spain, on November 24, 1713. His parents were highly religious, so he attended catholic school in childhood. Father Serra was a bright boy, so his teachers suggested he go to the capital city, Palma, for further studies. Serra studied with a whole heart and decided to become a priest. Father Serra travel California to spread the message of Catholic Christianity under Franciscan Order.
He studied very well and became a professor of theology. In his 30s, he lived a very comfortable life in Mallorca. At some point, he felt dissatisfied with his life and moved to America to become a missionary. At that time, travelling from Spain to America took work. Many died during this voyage, but Father Serra proved lucky and reached Mexico in 1749. He walked 250 miles on foot to Mexico City to prepare for the hardships he would face as a missionary.
Serra spent eight years working as a missionary in Mexico City. He translated Christian prayers into the Mexican native language so that they could understand them better. He was humble and respected everyone who came to him for guidance.
This area was a Spanish colony, and Spain, a Catholic state, wanted to spread Catholicism there. Father Serra happily agreed to do this task for the Spanish government and travel to California. He also taught the natives about farming and the Spanish way of life.
Father Serra founded many missions in the different parts of California. It was not easy because most native people feared the Spanish government and did not cooperate with him. He earned their trust first, motivated them to convert to Christianity, and taught them different farming practices.
Why was Junipero Serra important?
Junipero Serra was a significant person in history. He travelled from Spain to America to preach Christianity. He was sent to the suburbs of California by the Spanish government so that he could teach the native people how to do farming and convert them to Christianity. Junipero Serra was important for many other reasons, too. He worked for the welfare of the native people and forced the Spanish government to make laws that would support the natives of California.
Father Serra worked hard to win the natives’ trust because they feared the Spanish government. He always welcomed the newcomers with kindness and great hospitality. Explore about What Birds Chirp at Night in California now.
How did Father Serra die?
Father Serra lived a noble life of almost 70 years. He started multiple missions and helped the natives of America learn how to preach Christianity. He also taught them modern ways of farming. He also helped them understand the Spanish lifestyle. As per the historian, he converted more than 5300 natives to Christianity during his stay in California.
He died on August 28, 1974, at the missionary headquarters. Father Serra did not believe in medication, so he never took any medicine during his whole life. He was bitten by an incest during his travel to America from Spain and suffered from massive pain and swelling but did not take any medicine to cure it. This injury haunted him throughout his life.
Junipero Serra was granted the title of “Christian Saint” by the catholic church after his contribution to humanity. He devoted his life to preaching Catholicism to the natives of California and its suburbs.