Book excerpt: In 18th-century Spain, daring stories of missionaries spreading the Gospel in the New World ignited the imagination of a devout young boy. Miguel Serra's dream soon became a reality. As Franciscan friar Junípero Serra, he traveled to the New World and tirelessly preached the love of Christ to the natives living in the uncharted wilderness of California. Join the "founding father of California" on his amazing journey. Experience the zeal of the saint who established the first nine Catholic missions in California, from San Diego to San Francisco.