This Monday, in the “Theology for Millennials” section, Father Mario Arroyo analyzes the recent toppling of statues of Saint Junipero Serra in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as part of the racial protests in States for the death of Afro-American George Floyd.
The Mexican priest clarifies that summary judgments on history can’t be done without committing profound injustices. Saint Junipero is a palpable example of this.” So he reminds that Saint Junipero was a man who left his land to dedicate his life to evangelize; who left his monastery in Queretaro, walking 3327 kilometers to San Francisco, who gave life to the Franciscan missions in California, which were the cradle of the great Californian cities of the present.
Saint Junipero “strongly defended the native peoples,” says Father Mario Arroyo. “He did not spare himself a trip to Mexico City, the seat of the Viceroyalty, to present a “Declaration of Rights” that defended the Indians and called for their protection.” Continue reading and discover the exciting life of this Saint.