Tuesday, July 1st

Featured Saint of the Day: Bl. Junipero Serra

Guest: Bill Ramsey, Past President of the USA Council of Serra International

Bill told us about Bl. Junipero Serra, whose feast day is today, July 1st. Bl. Junipero was a priest from Spain who traveled to the new world to spread the message of the Gospel. He founded several of the famous missions in California and is buried in the mission at Carmel. Bl. Junipero is well on his way to canonization. Below is the prayer for canonization for Bl. Junipero Serra which members of the Serra Club say at the closing of their meetings:

Heavenly Father, we ask you to look lovingly on the missionary journey of your faithful servant, Junipero Serra. His steadfast efforts in founding nine missions in California and the conversion of thousands of Native Americans have inspired the formation and work of Serra International.
This ministry in Father Serra's name is to encourage and affirm vocations to priesthood and vowed religious life. We pray that you bless this holy and courageous missionary and grant him the ultimate honor of Sainthood in your heavenly kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Thy Blessed Trinity and of Mary, Queen of vocations.
Amen.

Serra International holds as its namesake Bl. Junipero Serra so Bill also talked about the mission and activities of the Serra Club. Serra International is an organization dedicated to the encouragement of vocations, most especially to the ordained priesthood and religious life. To find out how you can become involved with Serra International to promote vocations please visit www.serraus.org.