Feast of Blessed Junipero Serra, July 1

 

Blessed Serra founded missionaries named San Diego, San Luis Abispo, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Clara, and San Francisco. Sound familiar? They should.

He was a Spaniard, but came to Mexico City as a teacher. He eventually became a missionary who converted the native Indians. He convinced the converts of his holiness by pounding his chest with a stone during sermons, whipping himself until he bled, putting lit torches on his chest, and wearing heavy shirts lined with sharp wire.

There's gotta be an easier way.