Hey there,
You may recall a year ago when the US was in lockdown and protestors took to the streets. Many statues of historical figures were vandalized and even torn down.
In California, one statue desecration caught my attention. The likeness of Saint Junípero Serra was toppled to the ground in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
I wasn’t sure why a Catholic Saint was getting caught up in the protests of founding fathers who were slave owners and confederate soldiers.
In fact, I had never heard of Saint Junípero Serra up until this point.
Tomorrow we’ll celebrate Saint Junípero Serra so I thought it would be a good time to take a look at who he was and understand why he’s become a controversial figure in the protests for equality.
In this week’s issue of Genuflect we uncover the real Saint Junípero Serra. We look at his early life and his missionary life, including his efforts against the death penalty. We find out why his statues were toppled, defaced, and are being removed. And we look at those who are standing in support of the Saint and why.
After learning more about Saint Junípero Serra, I’m convinced that if he were alive today, he would forgive those who tore down his statue. And that’s a model we all can follow!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Early Life of Junipero Serra
Miguel Jose Serra was born in 1713 in Spain and entered the Franciscan order at the age of 17. He took the name of Juniper, one of St. Francis’ friends and followers. Learn more about this Saints’ life before he became a missionary in California.
Saint Junipero Serra | University of Notre Dame
Junipero Serra’s Story
At the age of 55, Junipero Serra pursued his yearning to convert indiginous people in California. He founded many missionaries throughout the state, baptised more than 6,000 people, and was responsible for the first “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans in California.
Saint Junipero Serra | Franciscan Media
Serra’s Anti Death Penalty Work
You could say that Saint Junipero Serra was anti death penalty before it was cool. Some believe he may have been the first person in the Americas to make the case against executions. He worked to save the lives of many indigenous people, even those who burned down the San Diego mission that killed multiple people.
How Junipero Serra Fought The Death Penalty For a California Native | Catholic News Agency
Keep Moving Forward
Setting aside all the controversy surrounding Saint Junipero Serra’s statues, his life is truly an inspirational one for following the Lord and doing His work. Bobbi Rol explains the Saint’s motto: Keep moving forward.
Keep Moving Forward | Blessed is She
Serra Statue Toppled
In case you missed the Saint Junipero Serra statue desecrations, here’s one of the stories from last year about the events that took place in Sacramento.
Saint Junípero Serra Statue Toppled at California State Capitol in Sacramento | Catholic News Agency
Why Topple Serra Statues?
Father Junipero Serra converted so many Native Americans. He founded so many missions in California. He defended the rights and lives of indigenous people. So why are his statues being toppled. Here’s the other side of the story from the Native’s perspective.
Who is St. Junipero Serra And Why Are California Protesters Toppling His Statues? | America Magazine
Exorcising Demons
San Francisco’s Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone led a Holy Hour of Reparation at the site of the destruction of the St. Junipero Serra statue in Golden Gate Park. Here you’ll find some pictures and a video from the event.
Abp. of San Francisco Performs Exorcism at Destruction Site of St. Junípero Serra Statue (Video Inside) | ChurchPOP
Why Serra Statues Should Stay
In this opinion piece, the Archbishop of San Francisco, Salvatore Joseph Cordileone, presents the alternative position as to why Saint Junipero Serra’s statues should remain on public display. And just why this Saint should be celebrated as a champion of the human rights of indigenous peoples.
Statues of Saint Junípero Serra Deserve to Stay | Washington Post
In Defense of Serra
Read in full the letter by Archbishop José H. Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles on the controversies surrounding the statues of Saint Junipero Serra.
Letter to The faithful For The Memorial of St. Junípero Serra | Angelus News
Supporters of Serra
Although I was aware of the actions of the protestors, I was not aware of the support developing around Saint Junipero Serra. Christian Clifford provides the arguments in defense of the Saint, but also notes all the work the Catholic Church and many others are doing to preserve the legacy of this Saint.
St. Junípero Serra on Trial | Catholic Exchange
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