Saint Junipero Serra, O.F.M., S.T.D. (1713-84) has historically been revered as the Apostle of California. Since his canonization by Pope Francis in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015 and his beatification at Saint Peter’s Basilica on September 25, 1988, at which time Pope John Paul II declared him a “shining example of Christian virtue,” he is now Saint Junipero, the Patron of California.
On his deathbed at Mission Carmel, Saint Junipero promised that if God granted him “eternal happiness,” he would pray for “all [dwellers in these missions] and for the conversion of so many whom I leave unconverted.” Armed with the knowledge that he promised to continue his apostolate from heaven, and knowing that he is indeed there as affirmed by his canonization, we are guaranteed that Saint Junipero is listening to our needs and problems. He is truly a heroic friend and ally, and able to intercede for us before God Himself. As such, he is a wonderful source of grace, inspiration, and solace, not only for those within his “Golden State,” but beyond as well.
- August 11 2020 7:00 pm The Franciscan Missionary Tradition: From Assisi, Italy to San Francisco, California
- August 18 2020 7:00 p.m. Junipero Serra in Spain and Mexico
- August 25 2020 7:00 p.m. Junipero Serra in California
- September 1 2020 7:00 p.m. The Making of a Saint: Junipero Serra and the process of Canonization
About the teacher
Andrew A. Galvan is a descendant of the Ohlone, Bay Miwok, Plains Miwok and Patwin Indians whose ancestral lands comprise the greater San Francisco Bay Region. His family’s roots reach back beyond European contact in the area. Andrew traces his ancestral lineage to the laying of the cornerstone of the first buildings at Mission San Jose by his great-great-grandfather Chief Tarino. The cornerstone for the present restored Mission San Jose Church was laid by his father Felipe “Phil” Galvan in June 1982. Recent research has discovered his great-great-great-great grandfather’s baptismal entry in the Registers of Mission Dolores, dated November 1794.
The above comes from a posting on the San Francisco Archdiocese website. Application form at bottom of original story.
Thank you SF Archdiocese and thank you Andrew Galvan. I think we are seeing the best possible reaction to the mob: a deep look into the real St. Serra and his heart for God and those whom he served. This is the Church at its best, earnestly contending for the faith, shining light amidst the darkness.
Yes, thank you, SF Archdiocese and Andrew Galvan. I am glad the college is named Ohlone, which Andrew Galvan helped get through, as its helps us remember the history of that area. I have always been treated well when I stopped off at the Mission and giftshop or went to the newer church there, and one of my relatives got her phone back when she left it on a seat in the old mission. Someone had already turned it into the office.
God bless all.
Andrew G you are an amazing person! Thank you for all your work!
Haven’t seen a priest or prelate yet who can defend Serra adequately and without the Indian victimization myth. Why would this chap be different?