Catholic Saints St. Junipero Serra
Jul 1, 2025
Matthew Meeks, Chief Marketing Officer of the Augustine Institute, brings a fresh perspective on St. Junipero Serra, the founder of California’s missions. He discusses Serra's compassionate advocacy for Native American rights, contrasting his approach with that of other missionaries. Meeks also tells the story of Serra’s courageous journey from Spain to the New World, exploring his commitment to spiritual guidance and community-building. The conversation reflects on understanding Serra's historical significance amidst modern criticisms, encouraging a deeper appreciation of his legacy.
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Founder Of California's Mission Cities
- St. Junipero founded the first missions in California and shaped much of the state's Catholic place names.
- Tim Gray emphasizes that California's history is inseparable from his missionary work and the mission churches.
Prayer In The Streets Of Los Angeles
- Matthew Meeks recalls living in Los Angeles and seeing saints' names woven into daily life across the city.
- He describes how driving past streets and missions turned into constant prompts for prayer and devotion.
A Bill Of Rights For Native Peoples
- Matthew Meeks says St. Junipero drafted a Bill of Rights to protect Native peoples and took it to Mexico City for ratification.
- This framed him as an early advocate for native legal protections in the region.