Despite the hazards of hostile Indians, epidemics and near starvation in the wilderness, Father Serra, the little lame friar, founded many of the great missions of California, and brought Christianity to thousands of savages in a fierce, new world. This was his great dream and this is the story of that dream come true.

Father Serra faced perils from birth. He was not a strong child and it was a miracle to his parents that he survived. He had a brilliant mind and a strong feeling for the Church. Listening to the seamen's tales of fabulous Mexico in his little Spanish fishing village, he prayed that someday he would cross the ocean and convert the Indians there to Christianity.

The village friars arranged for him to attend the University at Los Palmas. Impressed with his intellect, his professors urged him to continue his studies, hinting that he might rise high in the Church. But Father Serra's humble heart was set on missionary work and at seventeen he sailed for Mexico.

In spite of a snake-bitten leg which never healed, Father Serra walked through the wildest parts of Mexico converting the Indians. He helped and loved the fierce Aztecs, learned the speech of the sulky Pamás and translated the great prayers of the Church into their language. His ability to bear pain and hardship astonished and captivated the savages. His faith and unfailing sense of humor sustained him until the expedition reached its goal.

Father Serra built a line of nine missions, laying the foundations of such great cities as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Monterey. The little lame friar who might have become a cardinal remained in the wilderness to be a servant of God. A thrilling story written with depth and tenderness.

From the dust jacket