Introduction

Novena to begin on Thanksgiving Day 11/22/2007 and last nine days until the end of November. It may also be done during any nine-day period in the future.

At his beatification on September 25, 1988, Fray Junipero Serra, O.F.M., S.T.D. (1713-1784), was declared by His Holiness Pope John Paul II to be a "shining example of Christian Virtue and the Missionary Spirit." The new Blessed is truly an international luminary.

He distinguished himself as an exemplary Franciscan priest, respected in academic circles, and acclaimed in the pulpit by the age of thirty-five. During the next two decades, he labored as an apostolic missionary throughout central Mexico, notably in the Sierra Gorda among the Pame Indians. During the final fifteen years of his life, he emerged as a pioneer and the Apostle of California. Dramatically he demonstrated the natural and supernatural branch of his missionary motto: "Always go forward - never turn back!"

On his deathbed at Mission Carmel, Blessed Junipero Serra promised that if God granted him "eternal happiness" he would pray for "all dwellers in the missions, and for the conversion of so many whom I leave unconverted." Armed with the knowledge that he promised to continue his apostolate from Heaven, and knowing that he is indeed there as affirmed by his beatification, we are guaranteed that Blessed Junipero is truly a heroic friend and ally, able to intercede for us before God himself. As such, he is a channel of divine grace and a source of inspiration and solace.

In order that Blessed Junipero Serra be enrolled in the litany of the canonized saints, another miracle is required. Your confident prayer for that purpose is solicited sincerely and promptly. Cures and favors attributed to Serra's intercession should be reported to:

The Serra Cause
Old Mission Santa Barbara
2201 Laguna Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805 682-4713
Fax 805 682-6067

In 1988 Pope John Paul II declared Junipero Serra among the Blessed worthy of public veneration and designated July 1 as his feast day. Blessed Junipero Serra is patron and namesake of Serra Clubs, organizations founded around the world to foster vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life.