Junipero Serra

Originally Aired: May 11, 1938 In Cavalcade of America #134, "Junipero Serra," the episode follows the journey of Franciscan friar Miguel José Serra, who adopts the name Junipero after taking his vows in Spain. Despite being a renowned university professor, Serra feels called to missionary work in New Spain. Accompanied by his friend Francisco Paolo, he travels to Mexico, where a reptile strike cripples his leg during the arduous journey. Years later, Serra brings his vision to the Viceroy of New Spain, Carlos Francisco de Croix, along with military commanders Don Pedro Fais and Gaspar de Portola, who are planning a conquest of Alta California. Serra argues passionately that military conquest alone will not secure lasting Spanish control of California. Instead, he proposes establishing missions to civilize and Christianize the native population. Despite his age and disability, the 56-year-old friar insists on joining the expedition on foot. The party travels to San Diego where Serra saves the supply ship's scurvy-stricken crew and establishes California's first mission. However, tensions between Serra's peaceful missionary vision and Don Fais's military approach threaten the expedition's success.