Father Serra is regarded as a hero of pioneer California.

Father Serra's remains have not been transferred to the sarcophagus.

Such an honor means at least one miracle has been attributed to Father Serra by the church.

It charges mistreatment of Indians by Father Serra and his associates.

In 1985 the church took the first of three steps necessary to designate Father Serra a saint.

Father Serra founded eight other missions before his death in 1784, these initially or eventually incorporating vineyards.

In 1984, Father Serra was declared "venerable," the first step toward sainthood.

Grilled pork chops seemed to have been cooking since Father Serra was a lad.

Father Serra presided over the confirmations of 213 people on October 12 and 13, 1783; divine services are held there to this day.

On discovering the statue of Father Serra, an official at the mosque notified police.