Posts Tagged ‘Junipero Serra’

Pope declares controversial Junipero Serra a saint

Friday, September 25th, 2015

Pope Francis has declared controversial Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra a saint, in a move which has drawn criticism from Native Americans. At a Mass outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC, on September 23, Serra became the first saint canonised on US soil. The Pope praised Serra’s treatment Read more

Papal Mass in Washington will be in Spanish

Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Pope Francis will use the Spanish language in celebrating the canonisation Mass for Blessed Junipero Serra in Washington, DC, later this month. Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington said that this is in recognition of the US’s large Hispanic population and the fact that Serra spoke Spanish. Spanish is also the Pope’s native tongue and Francis Read more

Native Americans oppose Junipero Serra canonisation

Friday, April 24th, 2015

Native Americans are voicing their opposition to the canonisation of Blessed Junipero Serra, which the Pope plans to do on September 23. A Spanish Franciscan, Blessed Serra introduced Christianity to much of California as he marched north with Spanish conquistadors in the 18th century. Many Native Americans, though, say Blessed Serra and other missionaries helped Read more