Dinner with the Saints: St. Junipero Serra
We are invited to St. Junipero Serra’s table!
What’s for dinner?
Tumbet. A layered vegetable dish with potatoes, eggplant, and peppers, fried in olive oil and topped with a tomato sauce. Bread rubbed with olive oil and topped with various ingredients like cheese, ham and for desert Ensaimada: A sweet pastry, often spiral-shaped, made with flour, eggs, and lard, and topped with powdered sugar.
When I normally think of pilgrimages, I often envision them as taking place abroad. A pilgrimage is typically understood as a meaningful journey, often of a deeply spiritual or religious nature, made to a sacred or holy place. This coming academic year students from the Catholic campus ministry of Western Carolina will have an opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to California. Yes, California. They will visit the sites founded by our dinner guest St. Junipero Sierra.
"Siempre adelante, nunca para atrás" (Always forward, never back), -St. Junipero Serra
This quote truly embodies his unwavering and steadfast spirit. Born in the historic and picturesque town of Petra, located on the beautiful island of Majorca, Spain, on November 24, 1713, St. Junipero Serra made the significant decision to enter the Franciscan Order at the relatively young age of 16. Over the subsequent years, he distinguished himself not only as a dedicated and passionate preacher but also as a highly accomplished and respected professor of theology. His profound knowledge, combined with his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith, earned him a well-deserved reputation among his peers and followers alike. St. Serra is often honored with the title “Apostle of California” due to his instrumental role in exploring and evangelizing the region.learned the Otomí language and used a visual method of teaching religion.
He joined an important expedition led by Gaspar de Portolà to Alta California, where he established the very first mission in San Diego. Over time, he went on to found eight more missions strategically placed along the California coast, including well-known missions at Monterey/Carmel, San Antonio, San Gabriel, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Clara, and San Buenaventura.
Students who will participate in this pilgrimage will have the opportunity not only to visit these historic missions but will also engage in a form of “camino,” experiencing the journey in a meaningful way. Additionally, they will have various chances to participate in service activities, deepening their connection to the communities and the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage.
May they carry with them a profound zeal, unwavering dedication, steadfast perseverance, and a heartfelt commitment to serving others, particularly those who are marginalized and often overlooked.
Tumbet
Click on image for recipe
Blessed Junipero Serra, Pray for us!
Keep at it!
Keep praying. Love the Lord.
Peace and Grace.
