Those who attack the saint accuse him of genocide, enslaving the Indians, and destroying native culture. By dint of repetition, this narrative may lead some to question his good reputation: “Maybe he was harsh on the Indians. After all, weren’t the natives living in peace and harmony before Fr. Serra and the ruthless Spanish arrived?”
The record needs to be set straight.
St. Junipero Serra was a friend and dedicated father to the natives. He improved their lifestyle and brought them Western civilization. Most importantly, he brought thousands of natives into the fold of Holy Mother Church and therefore saved many souls.
His early life
St. Junipero was born in 1713 on the island of Majorca, Spain. His parents named him Miguel Jose. During his childhood, he was frail and never enjoyed good health.
At a young age, Miguel Jose had a keen mind and excelled in university studies. He eventually entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name Junipero after St. Juniper. He became famous for his learning and was appointed to the chair of Duns Scotus at the University of Palma, the university’s most distinguished position. He had a prestigious academic career ahead of him. However, God had other plans.
St. Junipero was born in 1713 on the island of Majorca, Spain. His parents named him Miguel Jose. During his childhood, he was frail and never enjoyed good health.
At a young age, Miguel Jose had a keen mind and excelled in university studies. He eventually entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name Junipero after St. Juniper. He became famous for his learning and was appointed to the chair of Duns Scotus at the University of Palma, the university’s most distinguished position. He had a prestigious academic career ahead of him. However, God had other plans.
2 comments:
As a Catholic. I don't get the uproar. The Catholic Church doesn't give a damn about actual Catholics. For over a century the Catholic Church have SOLD anything they deem unnecessary. They have sold churches, cementeries. convent's , schools,etc. Not giving a damn about it's parishioners. The Irish, italian, polish, spanish all built Catholic Churches in their neighborhoods through out the country. They supported their churches for decades. Only to be sold out from underneath them. Look at the Catholic cemeteries we all have generations buried in. They are all sold to private companies who don't give a Damn. Weeds over grown on grave sites. Grass not being cut. Some graves become flooded EVERYTIME it rains. What do they do to fix it??? NOTHING!! So no. I don't feel for the church in this instance.
The Catholic Church.
SO CONSUMED in their efforts to feed the poor. To clothe the poor. To defend the weak and helpless.
BUT, they want YOUR money to do it, while they clothe THEMSELVES in gold, satin, and silver.
The Vatican holds BILLIONS of dollars in art work, literature, and historical records. BILLIONS.
Just ONE painting could build 10 hospitals, or 10 schools.
But they need YOUR MONEY for the poor.
They keep building their treasures on Earth....
God is waiting to talk to them about that.
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