St. Junipero Serra canonized in DC ceremony
September 23, 2015
Pope Francis presided on September 23 at the canonization of St. Junipero Serra, the 18th-century missionary who brought the Catholic faith to the West Coast.
An estimated 20,000 people attended the canonization-- the first such ceremony ever celebrated on US soil-- at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
"He was the embodiment of a Church that goes forth," the Pope said; "a Church that sets out to bring everywhere the reconciling tenderness of God."
The Pope, in his homily-- delivered in Spanish-- reminded the congregation that all Christians are "heirs to the bold missionary spirit" of those who spread the Gospel to new lands and new societies. He said: "A Christian experiences joy in following a command: Go forth and proclaim the good news."
The canonization of the Franciscan missionary had been criticized by some Native Americans, who argued that in establishing 21 missions in California, St. Junipero had suppressed the people's beliefs and culture. Pope Francis rejected that criticism, saying in his homily: "Junipero sought to defend the dignity of the native community, to protect it from those who had mistreated and abused it."
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Posted by: Jason C. -
Sep. 23, 2015 5:55 PM ET USA
Truly a great day. Anyone will be edified by reading of St. Junipero's life and work. Start with his friend and companion Francisco Palou's biography (especially look for the Maynard Geiger edition with its copious endnotes). Sancte Iunipere, ora pro nobis!
