SAINTLY SKETCH The Significance of Blessed Junípero Serra by Gerard Beigel, S.T.D. In the providence of God, Mission San Carlos Borromeo was destined to hold the remains of the Franciscan priest who planted the Gospel of Jesus Christ in California: Blessed Junípero Serra. It is only a matter of time, please God, before he will be canonized as a saint of the Church. As someone who is already beatified, he is held up to the faithful as a model of heroic Christian virtue. Let us reflect upon the spiritual character of this man who continues to influence the Church....