the joy of the gospel in these lands. father junipero serra, he was the embodiment of a church which goes forth, a church which sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling, tenderness of god. junipero serra left his native land and its way of life. he was excited about blazing trails going forth to meet many people, learning and valuing the particular customs and ways of life. he learned how to bring to birth and nurture god's life in the faces of the native community -- of everyone he met. junipero serra sought to defend