Thy dauntless spirit sowed the "mustard-seed"
Which grew as if by miracle of wonder rare,
Upon this now rich land which thou did'st till,
O let they mantle on thy clients fall
Who on thy gracious aid do humbly call.



Chapter I.



Junipero Serra, Leader of the Heroic Band of Spanish Missionaries of
California. His Coming to San Fernando, Mexico, Thence to California.



Junipero Serra, whose name and labors may be termed a compendium of
Christian virtues, was born on November 24, 1713, in Petra, a village of
the picturesque Island of Majorca, on the northeastern coast of Spain,
and a part of the Province of fair Catalonia, one of the most valuable
and beautiful portions of Spain. This child, around whom our story
clusters was baptized on the day following his birth, and received the
names of Miguel Jose. His parents were poor people from a material
standpoint, but gifted with a rich heritage of the noblest, and
sublimest character; qualities which make the Spanish peasant so
delightful.

From his tenderest youth, Miguel Jose evinced an ardent desire to enter
the priesthood and displayed a zealous missionary spirit. His pious