Canonization Definition: (Verb) In the Catholic Church, to officially declare a person who has died, a saint. First people to become saints were martyrs – those who died because of their belief in Jesus Christ.

Junipero Serra Canonization means that person lived their live with God, relying totally on God’s infinite mercy, going forward with God’s strength and power, believing in the impossible, loving one’s enemies and persecutors, forgiving in the midst of evil and violence, hoping beyond all hope, and leaving the world a better place.

Pope Francis Pope Francis will celebrate the Mass of Canonization of Blessed Junípero Miguel José Serra at 4:15 p.m. at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC on Wednesday, September 23, Earlier that same day, he will be formally welcomed at the White House by President Barack Obama and also meet with the Bishops of the United States at St. Matthew’s Cathedral.

St. Francis influenced both the lives of Junípero Serra and Pope Francis Father Serra joined the Franciscan Order which is known and admired for choosing a life of poverty and simplicity in service to God and others. Father Serra professed vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The pope had such a high regard for St. Francis, that he took the name of Francis when he became a pope. When he became pope, he was reminded not to forget the poor. The Franciscan connection between Fr. Serra and the Pope is a Christian reminder that the Church truly is one body in Christ, a communion of saints!

Let’s Celebrate! Create on Book Creator a book in celebration of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States and the Canonization of Junipero Serra. Title page 2 facts on canonization Pictures of both Pope Francis and Junipero Serra.j What else would you include?