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Junípero Serra Ferrer O.F.M. (Petra, Mallorca; November 24, 1713-Monterrey, Alta California; August 28, 1784), baptized as Miguel José Serra Ferrer and better known traditionally as Fray Junípero Serra, was a Spanish Franciscan friar. Doctor of philosophy and theology, he moved to America, where he founded nine Spanish missions in Alta California, and presided over fifteen others.

STORY ABOUT HIM
He was beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II on September 28, 1988, and on September 23, 2015 he was canonized by Pope Francis, in the city of Washington DC From that moment on, he is also known by many Catholics as Saint Junípero. Serra. As father president, he founded a number of missions and assisted in the founding of others, with a total of nine missions between them.

In July 1771 he founded the Mission of San Antonio de Padua and in August that of San Gabriel, the latter in the current metropolitan area of Los Angeles. On September 1, 1772 he founded the Mission of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa.3 He also participated in the founding of the Mission of San Juan Capistrano in 1776 and that of San Buenaventura in 1782. It is known that he visited the missions of Santa Clara de Asís and San Francisco de Asís, the latter in the town of San Francisco.

The missions were primarily created to evangelize the natives. Another objective was the integration of people in Spanish society and their training to assume ownership and management of land. As head of the Order in California, Serra dealt not only with religious positions, but also with other Spanish authorities in Mexico City and with local military officers who commanded nearby garrisons.

PRAYER
Saint Junipero Serra, your missionary zeal brought the light of Christ to millions. You endured so many hardships, and labored so much that your work resonates today in the hearts of hundreds of millions of Catholics. Saint Serra, I petition you today to help me deliver the light of Christ through my words and deeds to others. May I instruct by example and faithfully guide others to Christ, just as you so wonderfully did centuries ago. I pray that you stand beside me, that you grant me the wisdom and words to share. Please intercede for me before the throne of Christ, may you both witness the work I do on His behalf. I offer my labor and my sacrifice to you. Please receive me as your faithful servant, in Christ, My Lord, I pray. Amen

SHRINES AT THE UNITED STATES
There are no shrines in USA.