Dear Friends of Carmel Mission,
Our first pastor travelled many miles from Petra, Majorca to Carmel, California. St.Junipero Serra had a long and arduous journey, but was protected by God and led by the Spirit. He was single minded in his quest to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those who had not yet heard it.
The tools of his trade, he carried with him – the Caravaca Cross, his Bible, his Chalice. We are indeed very blessed that we have these precious items displayed in our museums. He had but one intention in his heart and that was to make known the fact that God loves all people and wants all those He created to come home to Him, when their work is done.
There are many tales told about St. Junipero Serra, some true, some false. He never dealt in fake news, but was guided by the truth.
Oral tradition is very important, but it is often interpreted in the prevailing currents of culture, and adapted sometimes as another convenient cudgel to add to the politically correct armory of anger and aggression.
If you truly want an insight into the mind and motives of St. Junipero, please read his own writings.
You will find few cudgels to beat him with. In line with an extreme asceticism that came with him from Europe, he was the first to inflict punishment on himself, because of his awareness of his failings and shortcomings.
When good people are chastised and maligned, they are following in the footsteps of the Saints. Those using the more subtle cudgels of calumny and detraction to attack both the vulnerable and the venerable, might care to look in the mirror and examine their own scars.
If we are not seeking healing here at Carmel Mission, then we have no business in this sacred space.
Fr. Paul
Pastor at Carmel Mission