Pope Francis canonizes Junipero Serra
The Mission San Carlos Borromo del ro Carmelo, also known as the Carmel Mission, is the final resting place of Junipero Serra. It’s fitting then, that hundreds of people would congregate there to watch Pope Francis canonize the 18th century Spanish friar.
Church leaders were expecting a rush, and planned appropriately. In the courtyard of the Mission, dozens of chairs were set up around a Jumbotron which live-streamed the ceremony at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Ahead of the ceremony, Father Miguel Rodriguez lead mass for visitors. It was packed, with more people outside trying to catch a glimpse. Inside the church, near the altar is the final resting place of Serra, the first saint to be canonized on U.S. soil. After mass, many gathered in the courtyard to watch the festivities. As Serra was canonized, church bells rang out, symbolizing the Basilica was now a shrine.
A lot of people knew this day was coming, but didn’t know it was actually on Wednesday. Many said they were in for a surprise when they got here. However, one woman made a pilgrimage from Santa Rosa because she wanted to witness history firsthand.
“It’s so worth of it,” Gina Lopez said. “It’s just so significant, this event. I’m so grateful to be a part of it in this way.”
Another family from San Ramon turned this landmark event into a learning lesson.
“One of my family’s goals was to visit every mission,” Joey Rana said. “Not just to visit the churches but to learn a little more about California history before it became California so this is learning it to.”
Many Catholics also talked about the importance of Pope Francis’ visit to the U.S., saying he is a breath of fresh air to the religion. They also talked about how much they appreciate this approach of being humble and serving those who need help.
On Wednesday, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ homily about Serra, reading in part:
“Father Serra had a motto which inspired his life and work, a saying he lived his life by: ?siempre ?adelante! Keep moving forward! For him, this was the way to continue experiencing the ?joy of the ?Gospel, to keep his heart from growing numb, from being anesthetized. He kept moving ?forward, ?because the Lord was waiting. He kept going, because his brothers and sisters were ?waiting. He kept ?going forward to the end of his life. Today, like him, may we be able to say: ?Forward! Let’s keep ?moving forward!?”
But not everyone was as supportive of Serra’s canonization. More than a dozen people associated with local Native American groups held prayers in the cemetery next to the Basilica, where the remains of their ancestors are buried. Many were against the canonization, saying atrocities were committed against Native Americans when Serra was a missionary.
“He did not make a difference,” said Louise Ramirez, chairwoman of the Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation. “He accepted what was happening… by saying that we were children and that we didn’t know what was best for us.”
