Buenaventura Sitjar

Buenaventura Sitjar was a Franciscan missionary who served in California until his death.

He was born in Porreras on Majorca on 9 December 1739; died at San Antonio, California. 3 September., 1808. He became a monk in April, 1758, joining the College of San Fernando in Mexico. In 1770 he received orders to go to California, and reached San Diego on 21 May 1771.

He helped found the San Antonio Mission and served there until his death on 3 September, 1808. During his tenure, 3400 Indians were baptized. He became fluent in their language, Telame, and wrote a dictionary translating it into Spanish. His body was buried in the church's sanctuary.

References

[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14030b.htm New Advent article on Buenaventura Sitjar]