THE STORY OF JUNÍPERO SERRA

THE STORY OF JUNÍPERO SERRA: Founder of the California MissionsFollow the extraordinary path of Saint Junípero Serra from his humble birth in Mallorca in 1713 to his final breath at Mission Carmel in 1784. This authoritative account presents the complete story of the man Pope Francis called 'one of the founding fathers of the United States.'Drawing on primary sources including Serra’s own writings, official correspondence dated 1749-1784, and mission records, this meticulously researched biography traces Serra’s transformation from brilliant university professor to tireless missionary who walked thousands of miles to establish nine California missions despite chronic physical pain.Readers will stand alongside Serra during pivotal moments: his fateful decision to leave academia in 1749, his arduous 2,000-mile journey to petition the Viceroy in 1772, and his steadfast defense of indigenous converts against exploitation by colonial authorities between 1778-1782.With careful attention to historical context and theological understanding, this biography examines Serra’s complex legacy - the architectural, agricultural, and spiritual foundations he established that continue to influence California today.Neither hagiography nor critique, this balanced work presents Serra as he was - a man of his time whose determination to bring Christianity to new territories left an indelible mark on American history, culminating in his canonization on September 23, 2015.For Catholics seeking inspiration and historians demanding substance, this definitive biography delivers both scholarly rigor and captivating narrative. An essential addition to any collection of American Catholic history.