Diocese begins Serra anniversary celebrations with Panetta talk

December 11, 2012

The Diocese of Monterey has launched a yearlong series of initiatives commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-84), who founded Franciscan missions throughout California.

“I think it’s a beautiful opportunity too for our people to really not only commemorate Blessed Serra and the 300th anniversary of his birth but also to follow the teaching of our Holy Father Benedict XVI to have this Year of Faith and to really have that personal encounter with Christ our Savior,” Bishop Richard Garcia told Vatican Radio.

“I’ve asked all seven of our missions to incorporate the two, not only to honor and commemorate Blessed Serra but also to do something for the Year of Faith,” he added. “Now, some of the missions are having more retreats for example, some of the missions are offering days of prayer, some of them will have concerts.”

The anniversary commemorations began on November 24 with a $75-per-plate event at the Carmel Mission Basilica. The keynote speaker was Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, a Monterey native with a strong track record of supporting legalized abortion.

 

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Further information:

• 300 Years of Fr. Serra (Diocese of Monterey)
• California celebrates a great missionary in the Year of Faith (Vatican Radio)
• Leon Panetta attends 300th birthday of Junipero Serra (KSBW-TV)
• Jesuit university honors co-sponsor of federal Freedom of Choice Act (CNA, 2008)