Description

In 18th-century Spain, a young boy’s heart was set ablaze by the daring stories of missionaries spreading the Gospel in faraway lands. These tales, filled with adventure and purpose, sparked something deep inside him. His name was Miguel Serra, and as he grew older, his dream of following in the footsteps of those brave missionaries became his life’s mission. But he wasn’t just any missionary—Miguel (known as Junípero), would go on to leave an indelible mark on the history of California. Read about the founder of the California Missions in this engaging children’s book.

As a Franciscan friar, Junípero Serra made his way to the uncharted wilderness of California, where he worked tirelessly to share the love of Christ with the native people. His commitment to spreading the Gospel was unwavering, and his motto, “Always forward, never back,” embodied his determination to push through every obstacle, no matter how difficult the journey. Imagine the sheer courage it took to step into the unknown, relying on faith and conviction to guide him. He went on to found the California missions.

Fast forward to September 23, 2015, when Pope Francis, during his historic visit to the USA, canonized Father Junípero Serra as a saint. This momentous occasion included a special message from the Pope, encouraging all of us to follow the example set by this remarkable missionary. He said, “Friar Junípero’s witness calls upon us to get involved, personally, in the mission of the whole continent.” His words ring especially true for families today, where the foundation of faith and courage is nurtured in our homes.

This beautifully illustrated book, perfect for children ages 9 and up, invites young readers to embark on a journey alongside St. Junípero Serra. Through his passionate mission work, Serra helped establish 21 Catholic missions along the coast of California. The California missions, still standing today, are visited by millions of people each year and are living monuments to his unwavering dedication. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, your children will not only learn about the historical significance of these missions but also be inspired to live out their faith with the same zeal and conviction as St. Junípero Serra.

For parents and grandparents, this book is a fantastic tool to discuss the Faith and Catholic history across the globe. It’s an invitation to share with your children how one man’s journey changed the course of history!

“Junipero Serra is a great example for Catholics. He dedicated his life to the mission of evangelization, to bringing the good news of the Gospel to America. He understood that the purpose of the Church is to help us all grow as human persons and to respond to God’s call: to love God and love others.”
— Most Reverend Jose Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles