Junípero Serra (/dʒuːnɨˈpɛroʊ ˈsɛrə/; ), known as Fra Juníper Serra in Catalan, his mother tongue (November 24, 1713 – August 28, 1784) was a Spanish Franciscan friar who founded the mission chain in Alta California of the Las Californias Province in New Spain—present day California, United States. Fr. Serra was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988.
Read more about Junípero Serra: History, Intellect, Personality and Character, Legacy, Relationship With Native Californians, Questions Over Beatification