St Junipero Serra: He is Why Much of Mexico and California Became Catholic

 Today we read about an amazing man in the book In Caelo et in Terra. His name was St Junipero Serra. He became a Franciscan missionary in Spain, and traveled to what is now Mexico and California, walking the entire way, and founding missions as he went. He had a doctorate in theology, and learned the languages of the native American peoples as he traveled, writing catechisms so they could learn the Catholic faith. He is personally responsible for the conversion of much of Mexico and California, and you can still find statues in his honor (despite the efforts of some misguided people to remove them.) You can read more about him here.

God called St Junipero to do amazing things, and he answered that call. What is He calling you to do today? Do it with all of your heart and with love, and whether it's huge or tiny, God will bless it.

God, thanks for the amazing trailblazer that this missionary was. St Junipero Serra, pray for us.