He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and son. By using Learn Religions, you accept our, California Mission Facts and Answers to Frequent Questions, Quick Guide to Carmel Mission for Visitors and Students, Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores). Hackel's book begins with Serra's early life in Mallorca. St. Junípero Serra (1713-1784) came from humble beginnings. Select the quote that was most memorable to you and respond to one of these questions: Well, we will let you continue on your way. The Encyclopedia of American Religious History. At age 16, he entered the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, a group of priests who follow the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. A statue of St. Junipero Serra stands outside San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, California. As if this weren't enough, Serra was known for actions intended to deny his bodily passions and appetites, sometimes causing himself pain. The Catholic Church wanted to convert the Native Americans into devoted Christians. In 1750, Father Serra was considered old at age 37. In spite of that, he volunteered to become a Franciscan missionary in the New World. Let’s keep moving forward!” — Pope Francis, at Junípero Serra’s canonization on September 23, 2015. Born on November 24, 1713, on the Spanish island of Majorca, Junipero Serra came from humble beginnings. He wore heavy shirts with sharp wires pointed inward, whipped himself until he bled, and used a burning candle to scar his chest. He’s currently being expunged from the state — and I wouldn’t bet against the U.S. Capitol building before too long. Serra spent the rest of his life as head of the missions in California, founding nine missions in all, including Mission San Carlos de Borromeo in Carmel where he had his headquarters. Inaugurated in 1959, the museum houses a number of objects related to the life of Junípero Serra, from Mallorca, to Mexico and the Californias, as well as artifacts related to the missions he founded. In spite of all this, he traveled more than 24,000 miles in his lifetime. Not everyone admires Serra, however. The country of Spain wanted to get control of California — and the ocean trade routes off its shores — before the Russians pushed into it from the north. Junipero Serra, like many religious people, genuinely believed he knew the path to salvation and eternal life—and that was something he dedicated much of his adult life to sharing with Californians. He suffered bouts of scurvy (a disease caused by lack of Vitamin C), and yet he walked and rode a horse for hundreds of miles through the rough and dangerous terrain. The suspects are accused of toppling a statue of St. Junípero Serra, an 18th-century Catholic missionary criticized by Indigenous activists. St. Junipero Serra residence hall at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In pairs, one student reads a quote aloud, then both will make a quick note about each quote: With approximately 10 minutes left in class, give the students time to individually reflect, in writing, on the exercise. They started out with 300 people, but only about half of them remained. They went for political and religious reasons. From us there is nothing except ingratitude.” That comes from a sermon by Saint Junípero Serra, founder of the California missions. St. Junipero Serra (1713-84) is a significant name in California’s history. Begin with the Prayer for the Intercession of Junípero Serra. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. The museum exudes calm and peace, and the broad porch at the entrance beckons the visitor in. In order to clear up misconceptions about our school’s namesake, I decided to present a Serran spirituality to the community. Most importantly, he brought thousands of natives into the fold of Holy Mother Church and therefore saved many souls. … Because of that, California's Indian population declined from about 300,000 in 1769 to about 200,000 in 1821. Serra was an intellectual man who was considered to be brilliant. All content copyright © Today’s Catholic Teacher/Bayard.com. His life will surely inspire them to be living Gospels. She has visited every corner of California and helps others enjoy her home state as much as she does. It seemed like he would spend his life teaching and learning, but that changed in 1750. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CS) — Here is a timeline of key points in the life, ministry and sainthood cause of Blessed Juniper Serra, the 18th-century Spanish missionary to … Reporter 1: Back to you in … Early Life . . On the way to California, Serra's leg was so sore that he could barely walk, but he refused to go back to Mexico. I initially created the lesson for a high-school class, but it can be adapted for middle-school students. He first went to Mexico before being given responsibility over missions in Baja California. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec) In his homily for the Mass and canonization of Blessed Junípero Serra on Sept. 23, 2015, Pope Francis shared, “Today we remember one of those witnesses who testified to the joy of the Gospel in these lands, Father Junípero Serra. ..Junipero Serra and the California Missions Pt 1.Junipero Serra and the California Missions Pt 2 Early Life . A tragic unintended consequence of the cultural exchange was that the majority of California Indians who did convert died due to diseases for which they had no immunity. In 1987, Pope John Paul II beatified Father Serra, a step on the way to sainthood. Set up the context and objective by reading this introduction to the class: St. Junípero Serra was a complex man living in complex times. In 2015, during his visit to the United States, Pope Francis canonized Serra, making him an official saint. When he joined the order, he changed his name to Junipero. Jared Zimmerer, Director of the Word on Fire Institute, recently sat down with Robert Senkewicz, the author of a fascinating book on the life and Missions of St. Junípero Serra. Father Junipero Serra is known as the Father of California's Spanish missions. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Terrific to use as part of your California Missions unit. Class with St. Junípero Serra Lesson Plan. A police vehicle is seen parked near a statue of Father Junípero Serra in front of the San Gabriel Mission in San Gabriel, California, on June 21, 2020. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Begin with the Prayer for the Intercession of Junípero Serra. The Spanish established missions in North America to spread Christianity to Native Americans . It was an act that some people applauded and some condemned. … Given the recent events surrounding the statues of Padre Serra, Robert shines light on the history and Christianity of the saint.. Robert M Senkewicz is Professor of History Emeritus at Santa Clara University. St. Junipero Serra’s zeal for souls overflowed in his preaching, gradually orienting him to the frontier of California, where so many souls were waiting to hear the good news of the Gospel. Reporter 1: Very good. By the time the last mission closed its doors in 1836, due to the Secularization Law passed in 1834 by the Mexican Congress, 142 Franciscan priests had ministered in Alta California. The Spanish priests and soldiers carried European diseases that the natives had no immunity to. He is quoted as saying "Even though I should die on the way, I shall not turn back.". We trust in God’s plan. . Native Americans In California Are Toppling Statues Of This Catholic Saint. Christian Clifford is a veteran Catholic-school teacher and author of three books about Catholic Church history in Spanish-Mexican California. Saint Junipero Serra was a friend and dedicated father to the natives. He improved their lives and brought them Christian civilization. His Early Life. All rights reserved. This injury bothered him for the rest of his life. It is hard to incorporate one’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a letter that deals with requesting plates from a government official. Padre Junipero Serra by Francis Palou Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo- Library of Congress, HABS CAL,27-CARM,1--20 Junipero Serra preaching- Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-132753 Book/Journal Source(s) Queen, Edward, Stephen Prothero and Gardiner Shattuck, 1996. Junipero Serra portrait- Internet Archive- from Life of Ven. From 1740-1749 he lived a comfortable life as a university professor. Several bishops further addressed St. Junípero’s life and legacy — and the movement to remove his statues — in articles and letters. However, his spirituality can be challenging for one to discern due to the bulk of his extant writings pertaining to his role as an administrator. At the age of 56, Serra went to California for the first time with explorer Gaspar de Portola. Sign up today for free resources, activities, lessons plans, special promotions, and much more! Serra traveled with the soldiers and established missions in the new territory. Bishop Robert McElroy of the Diocese of San Diego referred to Serra as a “foundational figure” of the Golden State. Father Serra was a small man who worked hard despite physical ailments that included asthma and a sore on his leg that never healed. St. Junípero Serra, pray for us! These quotes are provided to help one get to know his beliefs and how they affected his ministry. (photo: FREDERIC J. Junípero Serra was born on November 24, 1713, as Miguel José Serra in the village of Petra on the island of Majorca off the eastern coast of Spain. The first occupants of the mission were the Tonga, called the Gabrieleno by the early missionaries. Born and raised in Petra, Mallorca, Spain, he responded to God’s call and was ordained a priest in the Franciscan order in 1737. Watching the scenes around the Golden State and the country, I’m thinking he was a prophet. Saint Junipero Serra, Priest 1713 – 1784. By 1790, 11 missions and four presidios had been constructed, occupied by an estimated 30 priests and 211 soldiers. In certain circles Junípero Serra symbolizes the negative outcomes of Spanish colonialism, though the historical record proves otherwise (the Church collected 2,420 documents — 7,500 pages total — of Serra’s writings and 5,000 pages of materials written about him from those who knew him, and testimony of people inspired by his life). Junípero Serra, the saint whom the Church remembers today (July 1) on her liturgical calendar, certainly suffered persecution in his lifetime, and has become an object of scorn due to a false narrative about the Church’s missionary efforts in the New World. He personally founded nine of California's 21 Spanish missions and served as president of the California missions from 1767 until he died in 1784. Serra was sick when he arrived in Vera Cruz, Mexico, but he insisted on walking from there all the way to Mexico City, 200 miles away. Occupancy 181 men. That’s why in 2015 when Pope Francis, the first leader of the Catholic Church from Latin America, awarded the 18th century Spanish priest sainthood, there was a backlash from Native Americans. He once told the territory’s governor that if the natives should kill him, they should be forgiven and pardoned. Father Serra died in 1784 at the age of 70 at Mission San Carlos de Borromeo. CHILDHOOD AND EDUCATION. Set up the context and objective by reading this introduction to the class: St. Junípero Serra was a complex man living in complex times. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Betsy has been a travel writer since 1998. ‘Here is the truth. Junipero Serra. Saint Junipero Serra's Story. St. Junípero Serra identified himself as a spiritual father. His parents Antonio Nadal Serra and Margarita Rosa Ferrer were from the farming community. Today, a diverse parish there celebrates Sunday Masses in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Among other accomplishments, Serra introduced agriculture and irrigation systems and converted the Indians to Christianity. Saint Junípero Serra (1713-1784) took his baptismal promises very seriously and lived them to a heroic degree. . Native American groups have long argued that Junipero Serra — an 18th-century California missionary — was a white supremacist and a colonizer. Innovations in Catholic Education Awards: 2020, Innovations in Catholic Education Awards : 2019, Innovations in Catholic Education Awards 2018, Innovations in Catholic Education Awards 2017, Innovations in Catholic Education Awards 2016, Prayer for the Intercession of Junípero Serra, Prayer for Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time. (The crowd cheers.) How does what St. Junípero Serra wrote relate to the world? A statue of St. Junípero Serra in Sacramento, in a 2015 file photo. At that time, the average life expectancy was about 35 years. Father Serra was born Miguel Jose Serra on November 24, 1713, at Petra on the island of Mallorca in Spain. Lesson Plans; Pre K Lesson Plans; You are at: Home » Articles from Our Contributors » New Children's Book Shines Light on Life and Heart of St. Junípero Serra. Junipero Serra was eager to do so. He was buried under the sanctuary floor. He became a professor of theology. Junipero Serra - "Father of the Missions" Writing Sheet. This website uses cookies to provide you with the best browsing experience. In essence, the students present what is most important to them and help others to reflect and pray in the future, thus creating a charism at the grassroots level through a focus group. New York: … Junípero Serra was a Spanish priest. Junipero Serra’s early life as a Franciscan was characterized by a course of rigorous academic study, then teaching and preaching. Junipero Serra, an 18th century Spanish missionary, will be canonized as a saint during Pope Francis's trip. Father Serra worked in the Sierra Gorda area of north-central Mexico for the next 17 years. Two of these priests were killed at the hands of natives. In 1769, he finally was given the chance to do what he had wanted to do for so long: be a missionary priest. By Carol Kuruvilla. Junipero Serra Biography, Life, Interesting Facts. Serra and Portola arrived in what is now San Diego on July 1, 1769. He penned what would go down in history as the native bill of rights. To request permission to reprint online, email editor@catholicteacher.com. When he joined the order, he changed his name to Junipero. May be reproduced for classroom/parish use with full attribution as long as the content is unaltered from its original form. Yet he was also a man of his time, using harsh forms of personal penance and upholding corporal punishment, actions peculiar to us today. By Lisa M. Hendey on November 9, 2015 Articles from Our Contributors, Book Notes. Spread the good news about St. Junípero Serra with your students. Divide the students into pairs, giving each pair a copy of the printable quotes. Good luck, Junípero Serra! In 1769 he founded the first mission (Christian community) in California at the Spanish settlement of San Diego. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. St. Junipero Serra’s zeal for souls, defense of human rights and dignity, and his firm reliance on God’s providence and mercy leaves a lasting and relevant example for all Catholics. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Over the course of the remainder of his life, Bl. But in 1749 he traveled to Mexico, and for the next 20 years he served the Christian Indians north of Mexico City. In 1787, the Franciscans took over the California missions from the Jesuits, and Father Serra was put in charge. Perhaps ironically, one of those who worked to get sainthood for Serra included a descendant of Native Americans. In fact, Junípero has dedicated his life’s work to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Along the way, a mosquito bit him, and the bite became infected. Junípero: (as he limps away, smiling) I don’t need luck; I have God! In commemoration of the founder ... many Masses, sermons, and catechetical lessons, the endless labor of building civilization in the wilderness, and much of this work while vexed by a Spanish colonial bureaucracy that did not fully share his aims. New Children's Book Shines Light on Life and Heart of St. Junípero Serra 0. Inspiration from the patron saint of vocations, “Today, like [St. Junípero Serra], may we be able to say: Forward! He was a small, frail man who was also in ill health. There he was given at age 16 to the Franciscan order to educate, became a Franciscan friar, was ordained a priest, and became a professor of philosophy training others. For more information, visit Missions1769.com. Governor Jerry Brown (CA-D) called Junípero Serra “one of the innovators and pioneers” in California history. The following are excerpts from three of their responses. July 1—Memorial Liturgical Color: White Patron Saint of California and vocations “Always forward!” was his motto and his life The United States of America’s impressive Capitol building in Washington, D.C., includes the majestic, semicircular Statuary Hall. Father Junipero Serra (November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784) was born as Miquel Josep Serra i Ferrer to a family of humble means. Father Serra was born Miguel Jose Serra on November 24, 1713, at Petra on the island of Mallorca in Spain. Divide the students into pairs, giving each pair a copy of the printable quotes. At age 16, he entered the Franciscan Order of the Catholic Church, a group of priests who follow the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi. In March 1769 Captain Gaspar Portolá and Father Junípero Serra left Baja California, and reached San Diego Bay on July 1, 1769, where they were surrounded by an estimated 300,000 Indians. How does what St. Junípero Serra wrote inspire you to bring others to Christ? When the Indians caught those diseases, they often died. A central figure was Father Junipero Serra, who forcibly converted thousands of Native Americans to the Catholic faith. Apostle of California: Junípero Serra. As a result, students learn the qualities and traits of St. Junípero Serra and turn to him to intercede on their behalf. Unfortunately, not all the results of Spanish settlement were good. There is a black and white portrait of Father Serra. Saint Junipero was born in 1713 on the island of Majorca, Spain. 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