M.N.L. Couve de Murville presents a popular but thorough biography of Blessed Junipero Serra, the tireless Franciscan missionary who came to California in the eighteenth century to evangelize the Native Americans. Well known for the historic missions that he helped establish all along the coast from San Diego to San Francisco, Father Serra is even recognized by the secular society of the United States government as the "founder of California". As one of the pioneers who created the United States of America, his larger than life-size statue stands in the hall of the U.S. Capital.

Archbishop Couve de Murville presents an historical and spiritual biography of Serra from his childhood and students days in Majorca, Spain, to his time in Mexico, and to his great missionary work in California. Recently beatified by Pope John Paul II, Father Serra's presence and work are still very much alive though the Beautiful missions that are visited by millions of people every year.

This deluxe edition includes numerous illustrations, most in color, of the life and work of Serra, especially of the missions that dot the landscape of California, many gloriously restored to their original beauty.