Franciscan missionary to southwestern North America. Born on November 24, 1713 at Petra, Spanish Majorca as Miguel Jose Serra; died on August 28, 1784 of tuberculosis at Mission San Carlos, Monterey, California. Joined missionary college of San Fernando, Mexico, in 1749, and became famous as a fervent preacher, making long journeys on foot, though suffering much from lameness. In 1767 he was appointed superior of the Franciscan missions in Lower California, and in 1769 founded the first mission in Upper California. Difficulties with the military governor compelled Serra to appeal to the viceroy, who decided in his favor. In 1778 the faculty of administering Confirmation was granted. His principal writings are the Representacion, drawn up by the order of the viceroy; his Diario, and many letters. Beatified on September 25, 1988 by Pope John Paul II. Feast, July 1,.