Worlds of Junipero Serra: Historical Contexts and Cultural Representations
Steven W. Hackel
Abstract
In September 2015, Junípero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. Like most complex historical figures, Junípero Serra has been interpreted in countless ways since his death in 1784, and he is often contextualized mainly in California despite his time spent elsewhere. This book situates Serra in the context of all the major places that he lived, learned, and proselytized: Mallorca, Central Mexico, and Alta California. And it draws upon scholarship from all three regions to create a rare glimpse into the life of the saint in multiple cultural dimensions. Its essays discuss ... More
In September 2015, Junípero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. Like most complex historical figures, Junípero Serra has been interpreted in countless ways since his death in 1784, and he is often contextualized mainly in California despite his time spent elsewhere. This book situates Serra in the context of all the major places that he lived, learned, and proselytized: Mallorca, Central Mexico, and Alta California. And it draws upon scholarship from all three regions to create a rare glimpse into the life of the saint in multiple cultural dimensions. Its essays discuss Serra’s use of music and art, his representation in popular culture, his education, and ideology, Franciscan influences, the plans and building of his missions, as well as the Native people affected by his missions, and other important topics revolving around his life and the history of Serra and the Catholic church in Mexico and California.
Keywords:
California,
Serra,
Missionaries,
California Indians,
California Missions,
Serra Gorda,
Mallorca,
Spanish Colonization,
Mission Art,
New World Saints,
Franciscan Missions,
Franciscan Missionaries,
Catholic Church
Bibliographic Information
| Print publication date: 2018 |
Print ISBN-13: 9780520295391 |
| Published to California Scholarship Online: September 2018 |
DOI:10.1525/california/9780520295391.001.0001 |
