Junípero Serra

The Vatican record

• 5 May 2015 — Decree of the Dicastery (decree list, 2015)

Who they were

Miguel José Serra was born and baptised at Petra, Majorca, on 24 November 1713, and went to the Franciscan school there while helping his family in the fields in a time of epidemics and famine. He joined the Friars Minor at Palma, was ordained in December 1737 and for about eighteen years taught philosophy and theology at the Lullian University.

As a missionary among peoples who did not yet know Christ he preached the Gospel in their own languages, despite obstacles and difficulties, and strenuously defended the rights of the poor and humble.

The miracles

The Dicastery's biography does not describe the miracles approved in the cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

A professor who left his chair to preach Christ to native peoples in their own tongues and defend their rights.