16 lessons from Saint Junípero Serra, the Apostle of California

Junípero Serra was canonized on September 23, 2015, in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. His feast day is celebrated on July 1 in the United States, but the universal Church celebrates it every August 28.

Saint Junípero is the patron saint of vocations and is known today as the Father of the California Missions, Apostle of California, Founding Father of the United States and the first Hispanic saint in the North American country.

The following quotes give an idea of ​​this holy man, whom Pope Francis called the “Evangelizer of the West”:

1. Father Junípero Serra to Governor Felipe de Neve: “When we (the Fathers) came here, we did not find a single Christian, that we have generated them (the Indians) all in Christ, that we, each one of them We came here with the sole purpose of doing them good and for their eternal salvation; and I feel confident that everyone knows we love them.” (January 7, 1780)

2. Father Junípero Serra wrote to his superior in Mexico City, Father Juan Andrés, to update him on life in San Diego. Referring to the Indian revolt of August 15, he wrote: “And so it turned out, thank God, for seeing many of his companions covered in blood, they all fled. And I believe that none of them were killed; therefore, everyone can still be baptized.” (February 10, 1770)

3. Father Junípero Serra to Father Francisco Pangua, his tutor in Mexico City, describing the native peoples: “They are in places that cannot be visited without walking a lot and sometimes going on hand and foot, but I put my trust in the Lord, who created them.” (February 26, 1777)

4. Father Junípero Serra to Viceroy Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa: “Despite my lukewarmness, my eyes filled with tears when I saw with what good will they (the Chumash) came to my aid, linking me on both sides by arms to cross the steep mud hills, which he could not overcome either on foot or on horseback. (March 1, 1777)

5. Father Junípero Serra to Governor Felipe de Neve: “We go out of our way for the good of these poor people, and in doing so we do not cause any harm to others. Nor do we undertake the work for any base or unworthy motive, as some parties have tried to imply in some quarters.” (April 18, 1780)

6. About the expedition to San Diego he wrote: “The scorching sun made the trip very difficult. For the last four nights, a lion roaring very close by kept us awake. May God protect us from him, as He has done until now… Furthermore, there were footprints of Gentiles, but not a single one was seen.” (May 24, 1769)

7. Father Francisco Palóu wrote in the Life and apostolic works of the venerable Father Junípero Serra: “The great heart of Father Junípero seemed too small to contain the great joy that overflowed his soul when he saw such magnificent worship rendered to God, to whom he did not cease to give thanks for having sent such a good number of friars to help in the Missions. and in conversions.” (May 30, 1771)

8. Father Junípero Serra wrote to Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursua (Viceroy of New Spain), in Mexico City, “that at the first request of the Missionary Father… he (Commander of the Presidio) withdraw the soldier or soldiers that they may have given a bad example (to the neophyte), especially in matters of incontinence, and that they be removed to the prison and another or others who do not have a reputation for being indecorous and scandalous are sent in their place.” (June 11, 1773)

9. Father Junípero Serra wrote to his superior in Mexico City, Father Juan Andrés, from San Diego, warning Franciscans who might come to California of the many challenges they might encounter, ending with: “But for a willing heart everything is sweet, suave est lovers”. (July 3, 1769)

10. Father Junípero Serra to Fray Paloú, in San Diego: “I pray to God to preserve your life and health for many years.” (July 3, 1769)

11. Father Junípero Serra wrote home from Cádiz, Spain, to console his parents, writing that they would surely encourage him: “Always move forward! Never back down!” (August 20, 1749)

12. Father Junípero Serra wrote to Viceroy Teodoro de Croix: “As regards the care we take of our converts, allow me to tell you: they are our children, since no one, except us, has begotten them in Christ. The result is that we look at them like a father looks at his family. We pour out all our love and care on them.” (August 22, 1778)

13. Father Junípero Serra wrote to Father Francisco Pangua: “Pray, from time to time, a Hail Mary to our Immaculate Queen, so that she guides us, defends us and looks at us with good eyes, so that we behave as be pleasing to Her and to Her Most Holy Son.” (August 22, 1775)

14. Father Pedro Font, writing from the Colegio de San Fernando, Mexico City, stated about Serra: “Despite his many and laborious years, he has the qualities of a lion that only surrenders to fever.” (August 26, 1773)

15. Father Junípero Serra wrote to Fray Miguel de Petra from Mexico City: “I realize my nothingness and weakness for such a glorious undertaking. But God is powerful, and he can call great things out of nothing.” (September 29, 1758)

16. Father Junípero Serra wrote to Viceroy Antonio María de Bucareli y Ursúa in Mexico City: “One of the most important requests I made… was that if the Indians, Gentiles or Christians, killed me, then they should be forgiven.” (December 15, 1775)

One can learn a lot about how to be an evangelizer from Saint Junípero Serra. What I get from him are lessons of courage, respect, fidelity, humility, relationships, justice, sacrifice, perseverance and dedication.

San Junípero Serra and Pablo TacIndian saint of the California missions, seminarian and scholar, pray for us!

Christian Clifford is an educator and author who lives in the San Francisco Bay area with his wife and son. The opinions expressed in this article correspond exclusively to its author.

Originally published on June 30, 2023 in the National Catholic Register. It has been translated, adapted and updated by the ACI Prensa team for republication.