father junipero serra significance

What a kind woman. And of course, he is being canonized by the first Hispanic pope — the first to speak the Spanish language as his native tongue, and a pope who himself is an immigrant’s son. It then became Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Rio Carmelo. Junipero Serra Statue: Visit to Junipero Serra Statue - See 26 traveler reviews, 6 candid photos, and great deals for San Mateo, CA, at Tripadvisor. Pope Francis announces that he plans to canonize Father Junipero Serra when he travels to the U.S. in September. In our secular, “post-Christian” age, it is perhaps an inconvenient truth to remember that — from the beginning, America was a spiritual project. Peter M. Escalante is the celebrant and homilist. Today that beautiful Mission is Vincenzo Criscuolo, O.F.M. As we have seen, Father Serra had great compassion and love for the native peoples. Peter has added some updated information about the Mass schedule and a time change of Confessions. Comparing the "missions" to "slave plantations" is historically inaccurate: the missions were intended to be centers of Christian catechesis and Spanish civilization; in contrast, American plantations in the South were operated for the financial profit of their owners, who sometimes treated their slaves as human chattel. In Father Serra’s writings we find him returning again and again to this noble ideal of the missionary. We see the same love, the same tender mercy and zeal for souls, in the famous story of the burning of the San Diego Mission in 1775. Calling for a Nat'l Day of Prayer & Fasting... Bill celebrates Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints, November 2020.youtu.be/hl3B79s12ac ... Solemnity of All Saints Nov 2020 Mass at Mission San Diego de Alcalá. This canonization also comes at a time when American society and culture are being aggressively secularized and “de-Christianized.” This process — being carried out by governing and cultural elites — raises grave questions about America’s national identity and its historic commitment to freedom of conscience, religious liberty and to a civil society that respects the rights of believers and religious institutions to help shape the common good. Once, he came upon a native grave and found that the bones had been unearthed and scattered, probably by wild animals. For practical purposes, the missions needed to be as self-sufficient as possible, since supplies from Mexico arrived only infrequently. What was the purpose of the missions? Father Serra seemed to understand the rage that drove native violence and resistance to the missions. Priests and parishioners in Southern California are praying for the safe return of Bishop Moses Chikwe, the auxiliary bishop of Owerri Archdiocese in Nigeria, who served for several years in the Diocese of San Diego as a priest before returning to his country. It is clear that Pope Francis — the first Pope from the New World — understands the Christian “roots” of the Americas and the continent’s importance for the Church’s mission in the 21st century. Raymond Philip God blessed you. His canonization should sound a call for America to return to its deep religious and intercultural roots — as a nation born from the universal mission of the Catholic Church and the encounter of the Gospel with the first nations, cultures and peoples found in this land. Serra and the Grace of Guadalupe. They humiliated, tortured and executed Father Serra’s friend, a fellow missionary priest, Father Luís Jayme, making him California’s first martyr. The Serra Family Home On one of these streets lies the family home, which Junípero’s father acquired when the future friar was six years old. Junipero Serra - "Father of the Missions" Writing Sheet. His father sent him off to a Franciscan school where Serra received high grades, convincing him to join the Franciscan order. Despite Father Serra’s record defending indigenous peoples, statues of the saint have become focal points for protests and demonstrations across California in … I’m so sad to hear of her passing, Saddened to hear of her passing. Select Organization: "Pastor of Mission San Diego de Alcala Catholic Parish in San Diego" and Amazon Smile will donate a percentage of your purchase total to the Mission San Diego de Alcala. He did not idealize or romanticize the people he came to serve. Thank you for this beautiful gift, Merry Christmas! Junípero Serra Serra played a decisive role in the European settlement of the New World. The church In contrast, the Franciscan friars at the missions considered the Amerindians "children" who sometimes needed to be disciplined; the policy of "spare the rod, spoil the child" continued in the U.S. down to the 20th century. www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html ... Pope Francis proclaims “Year of St Joseph” - Vatican News. Sor María held up the missionary as the highest form of discipleship. Welcome and may God bless your ministry. November 3rd, 2020 For all his words about their gentleness and kindness, his writings also document many menacing encounters with the native peoples. Junípero Serra: Historical Summary and Biographical Outline Rev. Community Discussion on the Father Serra Statues July 7, 2020 Page 2 3of There are two Father Serra statues on display in and around City Hall. Fr. It is clear that Pope Francis — the first pope from the New World — understands the Christian “roots” of the Americas and the continent’s importance for the Church’s mission in the 21st century. Have not had the pleasure of making your acquaintance. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us all!! Father Serra’s Missionary Vocation and the ‘Spiritual Project’ of America I want to begin by placing Father Serra in his historical context. In contrast, with the "Gold Rush" in the mid-19th century, many of the "Forty-Niners" exterminated any Amerindians who got in their way. For those of us from America, the canonization holds a rich symbolism and spiritual significance — it is even more powerful and more personal for those of us who are Hispanic and Mexican. Happy birthday Father. Merry Christmas! All of this prevents us from making an honest appraisal of Father Serra and America’s religious beginnings. At the time, the Spanish government and the Catholic Church were working side by side; therefore, to occupy this new land (California), the Spanish sent missionaries to start up missions. Happy Birthday to you FA. He spoke out daily against the cruelties of soldiers and administrators. LEGACY OF SAINT SERRA EXHIBIT Presented in the Sala, circa 1800 Open Daily 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saint Junípero Serra, a Franciscan missionary born and raised in Mallorca, Spain, was appointed the Father President of the Alta California Mission’s inRead more Hope to soon. As we know, the pope’s announcement has opened old wounds and revived bitter memories about the treatment of Native Americans during the colonial and missionary period of America’s history. We will miss such a lovely lady. When an Amerindian contacted one of these diseases, it quickly spread - often with fatal results similar to the recent Ebola epidemic in Africa. He said: “Let the murderer live so he can be saved, which is the purpose of our coming here and the reason for forgiving him.”. During the attack, warriors killed several people. Washington, DC 20064 Contact Us, © 1887-2021 The Catholic University of America. The missions were established as Christian communities, where Amerindians could learn and practice the Catholic faith. But at the heart of everything Father Serra tried to accomplish every day was his conviction that the indigenous peoples of the New World were children of God, created in his image and endowed with God-given rights that must be promoted and defended. Llull stressed respect for human dignity and freedom of conscience. Mass at the Mission for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Father Serra offers the Church an inspiring missionary spirituality, one that is rooted in the Church’s missionary identity and the missionary identity of every disciple. 2. Founder of the Knights of Columbus will be beatified Friday, October 30. We are so glad you are at our Parish. God Bless Our Parish. © 2021 Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. Father Serra’s canonization in the nation’s capital will bring graces and blessings. Peter and Fr. We thank you and realize how blessed we are to have you as our shepherds. Father Serra patiently gathered up the bones and gave them a solemn respectful burial. Her “bilocations” were widely reported. Father Serra’s Love for His Spiritual Children. Third, I think Father Serra shows us “a way” for the Church — and especially for the Church in America. But in order for his canonization to bear spiritual fruits in America, I believe we need to start a new conversation about Father Serra and the missionary era. There were only four on our side against more than 20 on theirs. His writing and thinking are practical, administrative. Let's all join together.. A dozen other missions were subsequently established in California by his successors. THE BURIAL PLACE OF FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA 289 mortar and to serve as helpers to the stone-masons . It was founded on July 16, 1769 by Father Junipero Serra. John T. Ford, C.S.C., Professor of Theology and Religious Studies and Coordinator of Hispanic/Latino Programs in CUA's School of Theology and Religious Studies, provides history and insight into this new saint. Leaving behind his comfortable life as a theologian and preacher, he told his parents in his farewell letter: “The dignity of the Apostolic Preacher … is the highest vocation.” In addition, many locations in California - such as schools and streets - bear his name. Father Junipero Serra and California Mission links! Pope Francis kisses a first-class relic of Blessed Junípero Serra, a gift from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, presented by Archbishop José H. Gomez. Please send our condolences to Deacon Ernie. He even observes the beauty of their singing voices. (and the reasons why...) And may all the glory be to our Great God.”, [For more on Archbishop Gomez’ talk, go to the Los Angeles Tidings Online Website:  http://www.angelusnews.com/voices/archbishop-gomez/the-spiritual-discovery-of-the-new-world-7874/#.VVJMR_lViko], 10818 San Diego Mission Road The missionary, she said, follows the “vocation of the Apostle” in “imitation of the Master.” So as his canonization gets closer, we should try to learn more about him. One way to think about him is that he was a kind of “working class” missionary — a guy who tried to get things done. The “New World” that Jesus Christ had promised for the end of the age. “I was quite a while with him there dead, and my little apartment a pool of blood. A year later, on December 24, 1771, Father Junipero Serra decided to relocate the Mission close to the banks of the Carmel River. When he is declared a saint later this year, Father Serra will be the latest in a line of “missionary saints” from the Americas that Pope Francis has elevated during his pontificate. So wonderful! God bless you Linda Grosso! Using a missionary strategy that had been developed in Mexico, Serra envisioned the missions as centers of evangelization for the Amerindian population of California. In my opinion, his writings and example should be studied right along with the great Dominican friars, Bartolomé de Las Casas and Antonio de Montesinos. The house In my opinion, Father’s Serra’s famous Representación of 1773 deserves to be studied as a landmark of Catholic social teaching and a primary document in the history of human rights. PROJ-14599 HPC/07/01/2020 Page 1 of 2 ` PROJECT DESCRIPTION Discussion of the landmark status of the 1989 Father Serra Statue located in front of City This item is informational, to clarify the public record that Father Serra’s Missionary Vocation and the ‘Spiritual Project’ of America. He was a man of mercy — not only in his words but also in his actions. Her spirit was there and I know she was pleased to have so many friends who will miss her. Terrific to use as part of This is an 8-1/2 x 11 Letter size document with blank lines for students to write about Father Serra. Why did many Amerindians die at the missions? From a long-time-ago, far-away parishioner! By age 24, he was officially Father Junipero Serra. At Mission San Diego de Alcalá parish, Fr Peter M. Escalante with the piano, and Fr Raymond Philip Napuli with the violin, play Angels We Have Heard on High.... With the Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as ... Fr. But let me try to suggest a few conclusions. Stories of the Franciscan missions and New World missionaries like St. Francis Solanus and Venerable Antonio Margil were the “stuff” of popular books and preaching. Hnat, also a parishioner of Southwest’s St. Dominic Church says the significance of the nine-foot-tall bronze sculpture isn’t lost on her. To my mind, the critical reaction highlights just how distorted Father Serra’s legacy has become over the years. And there I was with the dead man, thinking most probably I would soon have to follow him, but at the same time praying to God that the victory would be for our Catholic faith without losing a single soul.”. Junipero Serra, pray for this land that you helped to found." Peter M. Escalante is the celebrant and homilist. The first is a Bronze Statue located across the street from the front entrance to City 620 Michigan Ave., N.E. Mass at Mission San Diego for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time. And that is the Church’s mission in our day — to proclaim God’s love and mercy for every person and to protect the vulnerable and the weak. Father Serra rarely used the ordinary terms used by colonial authorities and the society of his time — words such as “barbarians” or “savages.” Instead, he referred to the native people as “gentiles” — using the biblical term for those who do not yet know the living God. San Diego, CA 92108, (619) 283-7319 Office My friends, this is classic Junípero Serra! Wednesday night, the Pope will hold a mass to declare father Junipero Serra a saint. When he embarked on his missionary voyage to the New World in 1749, at the age of 35, he carried only two books with him — the Bible and Sor María’s “The Mystical City of God.”. It was lovely just like she was. He complained bitterly that they were men “without any fear of God whatever in their hearts.” He decried the systematic rape of indigenous women and fought for the removal of military officers who did nothing to stop it. ... Beautiful service & Linda was a beautiful woman & a friend to so many! But in its 32 articles, Father Serra provides detailed practical proposals that cover virtually every aspect of government and community life — from education and communications to military defense and foreign relations; from agriculture and the economy to weights and measures, and trade. Fr. 3. We were so fortunate to be able to have a funeral mass for her. Rarely mentioned, however, was a fourth aspect: the protests against Serra often replicate the "Black Legend" - a prejudice against the Spanish-speaking world in general and Catholicism in particular; this legend has recurred in various forms since the middle of the 16th century. Miss all of our Mission friends. He insisted that conversions must be based not on coercion, but on prayer and persuasion and the “inculturation” of the Gospel message in people’s language and customs. www.catholicnewsagency.com/amp/news/southern-california-catholics-pray-for-kidnapped-bishop-moses... www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html. Bill Springer, Associate Pastor of Mission San Diego. Father Serra came to this New World with a burning love for the land and its people. May you continue to be blessed always. What is the significance of Serra's canonization? He was a problem-solver, not a prophet or philosopher of human rights. All of these ideas would later come to define Father Serra’s own thinking and missionary practice. The deepest motives of Father Serra and the missionaries who founded America were religious, spiritual and humanitarian. Beautiful greeting. Junipero Serra is called the ‘Father of California'” and his statue is one of only two that stand in the Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol representing the state. In the 1700s, Spain had control of what is now Mexico and wanted to occupy what is now California so that the Russians wouldn't take the land. One final point on this. Amen 14 posted on 07/01/2009 2:13:36 PM PDT by Salvation (With God all things are possible.) It’s amazing that in all the stories we have from his missionary journeys, all the tens of thousands of words he wrote in letters and diaries — we find hardly a hint of racist thinking or feelings of cultural superiority. Mass at the Mission for the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time.youtu.be/jguNXLUm5kg ... Post of thanks from our new Associate Pastor Fr. His birthplace of Mallorca was a leading Franciscan missionary center. And most radical of all, he insists that “the law of nature” dictates that the Church — not the colonial powers — be entrusted exclusively with the care and governance of the natives to ensure their temporal and spiritual welfare. Our beloved #SanGabrielMission , founded in 1771, devastated by fire before dawn. He needs our prayers for a safe return. He never engaged in theological and moral debates in the royal courts, as de las Casas did. Father, we ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra and Mary, the Mother of the Church and religious vocations. For the Church, these lands — from the top of what is now Canada to the tip of what is now Argentina — were the Mundus Novus. In a letter to the Holy Father dated December 12, 2014, the Minister General of … Look forward to meeting you in person soon. When Pope Francis canonized Serra during his 2015 U.S. visit, making Serra the first Hispanic saint to minister in the continental U.S., the mission held a major celebration. Enjoyed listening to your violin presentation yesterday...absolutely beautiful. And so we look upon him as a father looks upon his children.”. In this, again, we see that Father Serra was far from a “man of his times.” For even though the popes had long before condemned slavery and the slave trade, the world of “his times” still considered the native peoples, along with African Americans, to be less than fully human. Thank you for this Beautiful Gift. Let me close with some final words from this new saint of Pope Francis. John Bray suggested naming the club after Father Junipero Serra. Photo: Catholic News Agency. Thank you all for the Happy Birthday greetings! Father Junípero Serra, often called the "Apostle of California," was born in Petra on the island of Mallorca (off the east coast of Spain) in 1713. He seemed to know that he was a pilgrim and a stranger in this land, a migrant missionary. The celebrant and homilist is Fr. Happy birthday Fr Raymond Philip . There is actually an icon of Serra that shows him carrying an image of … However, the death rate was much higher in the 18th century than it is today; for example, in Mallorca, where Serra was born, one out of every three infants died before the age of one. Blessings, Padre! Please watch to get the latest information. Prayers for the family. What was meant by the accusation of "cultural deprivation"? Romanticize the people he came upon a native grave and found that the Gospel was true for. Making an honest appraisal of Father Serra ’ s canonization is providential the latest information.youtu.be/T7RbUp6xPnQ... Sisters & Brothers let! Of missionary excitement and expectation in the early 1700s problem-solver, not a prophet or philosopher of human rights serve... 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