
On Wednesday, a Vatican panel approved the scheduled canonization of Father Junipero Serra when Pope Francis visits Washington D.C. in September. Widely disparate reactions followed the announcement, with some Californians thrilled and others bitter about conferring sainthood on the 18th century churchman largely responsible for the mission system in California.
by William Bigelow8 May 2015, 10:07 AM PST0

The memory of Rev. Junipero Serra, the 18th-century Catholic priest who established California missions but was also accused of terrible mistreatment of Native Americans, has catalyzed wildly disparate actions on the part of Californians.
by William Bigelow6 Apr 2015, 11:55 AM PST0

The question of whether to canonize or not to canonize Father Junipero Serra has raged now that Pope Francis has decided to nominate Serra for sainthood. The dichotomy among Californians triggered by Serra’s nomination springs from significantly different viewpoints.
by William Bigelow18 Jan 2015, 11:18 AM PST0