Junipero Serra was an 18th-century Franciscan priest whose passionate, charitable missionary work laid the foundation for Spanish colonization of what is now the state of California. When Father Serra met the first native people with whom he would share the Gospel, he kissed the ground and thanked God for the opportunity. In addition to sharing the faith, he taught them agriculture, cattle raising, and arts & crafts.
Feast Day: July 1
Patronage: California, Hispanic Americans, Ministry Vocations
