Petra is the birthplace of Miquel Josep Serra i Ferrer, later known as Fray Junípero Serra. He joined the Franciscan order at age 16 and later became the monk who was sent by his church to Mexico in 1749, aged 36, and ultimately to California, as a missionary to spread the word of the Bible.
Junípero Serra never returned to his homeland but instead died in Mission San Carlos Borromeo in Carmel in upper California in 1784, at the age of 70.
His hometown Petra is the seat of a museum in the missionary’s name and in his honour, the Casa-Museo Fra Juníper Serra. This year the museum celebrates its 50th anniversary. A visit is recommended to those who are interested in the history of Mallorca, or the history of the United States of America, or the history of missionary efforts by the Catholic church and all the implications relative to that. The museum visit is free of charge but a small donation would be expected. One can also visit a neighbouring house where Serra supposedly lived as a child, except that this building is currently closed for minor repair work.
The photo was taken in Petra, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: July 19th, 2009. The time was 14:19:44.
The Mallorca Photo Blog 
Hey, could you get us more photos from Junipero Serra? Like the monument at Carmel Mission’s Junipero Serra School. Please!
Hello, I am doing research about Serra, our school’s namesake.
In preparation for (ironically) our school’s 50th anniversary celebration this year, I have been trying to make some connections, as well as a Google Earth Trip focusing on his movements. If you could offer any suggestions or advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
WS
hi WP, i’ll be glad to help. you’ve got to be more specific about what you want to know, though. perhaps you could first of all search ‘junípero serra’ on my blog site. you’ll find six or eight entries there (don’t forget to put the accent on the ‘í’ of ‘junípero’. that might already answer one or two of your queries. also, i recommend reading ‘fr. junipero serra’, by dr. bartomeu font obrador and dr. norman neuerburg. you’ll probably find a copy in your school’s library, albeit in castellano (spanish). also, check http://arxxiduc.wordpress.com/, and search for ‘junípero serra’, again with the ‘í’ of ‘junípero’. if you need anything else, please let me know.
klaus