The Man who Founded California

Book excerpt: The Archbishop of Birmingham, England, presents a popular but thorough biography of Blessed Junipero Serra, the tireless Franciscan missionary who came to California in the 18th century to evangelize the Indians. Well-known for the historic missions which he helped establish all along the coast from San Diego to San Francisco, Father Serra is even recognized by the secular society of the U.S. government as the "founder of California". His larger than life-size statue stands in a hall of the U.S. Capital as one of the pioneers who created the United States of America. Archbishop de Murville presents a historical and spiritual biography of Serra from his childhood and student days in Majorca, Spain, to his time in Mexico, and to his great missionary work in California. Recently beatified by Pope John Paul II, Father Serra's presence and work is still very much alive through the beautiful missions that are visited by millions every year.