Saint Junipero Serra's Camino: A Pilgrimage Guide to the California Missions($22.00Value)

Description

Travel Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino Real in California with a pilgrim’s heart—and this book in hand— and prepare to continue, in your own way, the forward journey that he began in the 1700s. You’ll make your way to 21 missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma north of San Francisco Bay. The more you seek, the more you will find. The more you ask, the more you will receive. Such is the nature of a pilgrimage.   Each of the missions is a unique jewel and a spiritual oasis. Some are found wedged into cities; others are surrounded by mountains and valleys. They range from simple to ornate. The grounds are filled with bells, statues, fountains, and gardens, all symbols of life and feasts of color. Old Spanish mission art can be found next to Indian wall paintings. Symbols of piety from two centuries form a wonderful holy mix.             But author Stephen J. Binz does not gloss over the sometimes-painful historical aspects of the missions. The mission histories are difficult reading, documenting mistreatment and uprisings. But despite the many flaws of the Spanish mission system, the gospel still found ways in these missions to break through to hurting communities—and it continues to break through today.   For each of the 21 missions, this guide offers you the street address for your GPS, the mission’s website, a brief history of the place, the story of the mission’s patron or namesake, and information about the mission bells. You’ll be given a tour of the mission church, as well as a prayer service for your visit. But this book is much more than a simple travel guide. You’ll learn more about the life of Saint Junípero Serra, whose vision is responsible for this holy Camino. You’ll be enriched by two interwoven traditions: the Spanish Franciscan and the American Indian. You’ll find yourself becoming more committed to being a missionary disciple, always desiring to communicate the reason for the joy and hope that is within you.  Let the journey begin. A 2018 Catholic Press Association Book Award winner. “Stephen Binz has written a great practical guidebook for exploring the California missions and the spiritual legacy of St. Junípero Serra. I pray that this book will lead many people to rediscover the ancient practice of the pilgrimage and to renew their commitment to the new evangelization of California and the American continent.”  —Most Reverend José H. Gomez , archbishop of Los Angeles   “Just as for centuries pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this concise volume will encourage a similar Camino to the twenty-one missions in our state. Binz’s California history is correct, his prayer-guide devotional, and his artistic descriptions captivating.”  —Michael C. Barber, S.J. , bishop of Oakland   “I am most pleased to endorse this superb and very timely new book written by Stephen J. Binz. I see this book as a tremendous addition to our library of significant works telling the story of the life and legacy of St. Junipero Serra and his companions, and helping us in trying to build bridges.”  —Richard J. Garcia , bishop of Monterey   “I am very grateful to recommend this work of Stephen J. Binz.... I find that his personal descriptions of the missions beautifully describe the reality of Faith, prayer and history that is evident at each of the missions. This is especially true of Mission San Juan Capistrano, where I frequently visit as the bishop of the diocese where this mission is located, and where I like to stop and pray in the ‘Serra Chapel’.”  —Kevin W. Vann , bishop of Orange   “Part hagiography of a courageous missionary, part honest historical reference, and part handy travelogue, Stephen Binz’s Saint Junipero Serra’s Camino is first and foremost a spiritual preparation and call to action in our own sharing of the Good News of the Gospel. With keen detail and deep spirituality, Binz encourages each of us to fully embrace our role in the New Evangelization by following in the footsteps of California’s spiritual giant, St. Junipero Serra. This Californian can’t wait to journey with Binz to discover Father Serra’s journey in bringing the faith to my home state and beyond!”  —Lisa M. Hendey , founder of the Catholic Mom blog and author of the Chime Travelers series   “What an extraordinary pilgrim’s guide this is! This book shows how to maximize a pilgrimage experience and make its graces and challenges a part of one’s ongoing spiritual development. It is invaluable for anyone wanting to understand Junípero Serra.”  —Murray Bodo, OFM , author, Francis: The Journey and the Dream     “Few writers are as dependably accessible and warmly instructive as Stephen Binz. Anyone looking for a new way of pursuing spiritual growth, and a generous introduction to one of the Church’s newest saints, will be enriched by this wonderful book.”  —Elizabeth Scalia , editor-in-chief at Aleteia and author, Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life     “Stephen