Feast Day of Junípero Serra Follows Official Announcement of Canonization Mass

Junípero Serra is depicted in a mosaic above the north arch of the East Portico of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception just a few feet from where Pope Francis will be seated at the canonization Mass for Serra.

Whether by coincidence or providence, the Catholic Church’s official announcement on June 30 of the schedule for the Mass at which Blessed Junípero Serra will be canonized preceded by one day the July 1 feast day already established for Serra. At daily Masses celebrated by Catholics throughout the United States on this date, the Collect, which is part of the introductory rite of the Mass, includes the following reference to Serra:

O, God, who by your ineffable mercy, have been pleased through the labors of your priest Blessed Junípero Serra to count many American peoples within your Church, grant by his intercession that we may so join our hearts to you in love, as to carry always and everywhere before all people the image of your Only Begotten Son.

The Mass celebrated by Pope Francis on Sept. 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception will mark the first time a saint has been canonized on American soil. For more information about the life and legacy of Blessed Junípero Serra and the process of canonization, see the official website promoting his cause for sainthood.