Tourism Minister honours 18th century Majorcan monk

PETRA
THE museum and study centre dedicated to 18th century Franciscan monk Friar Juniper Serra celebrated its 50th anniversary last Friday.
Serra, originally from Petra on Majorca, founded the California missions at the time when part of what is now the United States of America belonged to the Spanish.

The regional, and national importance of the anniversary was highlighted by the attendance at its celebrations of regional Tourism Minister, Miquel Nadal, and the United States Honorary Consul in the Balearics and President of the Friar Juniper Serra Museum Association, Tumi Bestard.

Other dignitaries present were the Mayor of Petra, Joan Font, and Pere A. Serra, President of the Grup Serra publishing company of which The Majorca Daily Bulletin forms part. Catalina Fons, Secretary of the museum's Board of Directors said on the occasion: “The idea of setting up the museum was really a homage to Friar Juniper Serra.” “But from now on,” said Mayor Joan Font, “the most famous son of Petra is going to help bring tourists here from all over the world.” The presentation of the museum's new web site, as yet inactive, coincided with the celebrations on Friday. It will become the tool that opens up the life and work of Friar Juniper Serra, and by default the history of Petra on Majorca to the rest of the world, he added. After unveiling a plaque honouring the monk, Pere A. Serra and Tumi Bestard presented the Tourism Minister, Miquel Nadal with a statuette which is a replica of the full-size statue of Friar Juniper Serra located at the Capitol, near the White House in Washington.