Novena to Blessed Junipero Serra

Blessed Junipero Serra

July 1  

In 1988 Pope John Paul II declared Junipero Serra among the Blessed worthy of public veneration and designated July 1 has his feast day. At his beatification, Fray Junipero Serra, O.R.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."

Novena To Blessed Junipero Serra 

June 22 - July 1

DAY ONE 

Junipero Serra was born on November 24, 1713 in the Spanish village of Petra on the Balearic Island of Majorca.  His parents, both illiterate farmers, instructed him in the rudiments of faith and enrolled him in the local Franciscan school at age seven.  At age fifteen, he entered the Franciscan Order in Palma, the capital of Majorca.  In addition to his formal studies, Junipero enjoyed reading the lives of the saints, wishing to follow those "who had labored for the conversion of souls."  He decided to imitate them even to the point of "offering his life and shedding his blood as they had done." 

However, Junipero was hindered by poor health and wrote:  "I was almost always ill and so small of stature that I was unable to reach the lectern, nor could I help my fellow novices in the necessary chores of the novitiate."  Only after his solemn profession into the order, at age seventeen, did his health and stature improve.  Whenever he remembered and spoke of the joy that was his when he made his profession, he broke forth with these words:  "All good things come to me with wisdom."  (Wisdom 7:11).

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, from early childhood you experienced prolonged pain and suffering, yet with youthful innocence you did not lose faith, hope or charity.  You placed your trust in God and His holy purpose during your novitiate and were able to overcome untold afflictions.  Obtain for me the grace to deepen my belief in what God has revealed.  Strengthen my hope in Him and intensify my love of Him in heart and deed.  

Prayer For Our Holy Father 

God, Our Father, we ask You to look with mercy and love on the Supreme Shepherd You have chosen for us.  Give him health and strength to guide and govern Your holy people.  May he, through word and example, direct, sustain and encourage the people in his care, so that with them he may share everlasting life.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen.

Prayers
Novena Prayer 

O God, in Your ineffable mercy, You chose Blessed Junipero Serra as a means of gathering many peoples of the Americas into Your Church.  Grant that through his intercession our hearts may be united in You in ever greater love, so that at all times and in all places we may show forth the image of Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Litany of Blessed Junipero Serra 

God, the Father of Heaven,  Have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World,  Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,  Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,  Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,  Pray for us.
Mother of the Church,   Pray for us.
Queen of Angels,  Pray for us.
Patroness of the Americas,  Pray for us.

Blessed Junipero Serra,  Pray for us.
Who opens my eyes and heart to the challenges of today,  Pray for us.
Prophet and penitent who saw the suffering Christ in the poor,  Pray for us.

Protector, lover, defended of the Indians and our faith,  Pray for us.
Admirer of all creation, the sea, the sky, and all the earth,  Pray for us.  
Model of priestly service and saintly son of St. Francis,  Pray for us.
Beloved of God and of all those in need,  Pray for us.
Peacemaker in the face of violence,  Pray for us.
Teacher of perseverance and trust in prayer,  Pray for us.
Apostolic missionary, Pastor, and Patron of the Californians,  Pray for us.

Pathfinder for those seeking true direction in their lives,  Pray for us.
Patron of all Serrans,  Pray for us.
God's fearless leader,  Pray for us.
Who keeps my gratitude fresh each day,  Pray for us.
Who accepted both success and suffering as gift,  Pray for us.
Who bore his physical and emotional pain in imitation of the Crucified,  Pray for us.
Who spoke the truth openly and courageously against power and injustice,  Pray for us.
Whose charity and humility endured a lifetime,  Pray for us.
Who proclaimed the Gospel, fed the hungry, and clothed the naked,  Pray for us.
Who was always faithful, zealous and loyal,  Pray for us.
Who was close to the sick and dying,  Pray for us.
Who is guide to my feet in following Christ, Pray for us.
Who told us "Always go forward and never turn back,"  Pray for us.

O Christ, may your compassion shine forth from the depths of our hearts and embrace all we meet,
Hear us, O Lord.
You who fills the emptiness in our life with your presence,  Hear us, O Lord.
Tender-hearted and merciful God, Hear us, O Lord.
Christ hear us,  Christ hear us.
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.

Let us Pray

O Lord Jesus Christ, reward the apostolic zeal of Your Seraphic son, Blessed Junipero Serra, who leaving home and fatherland, labored for the salvation of souls in Spain, Mexico, and California.  By Your Most Holy Name may he be raised to the full honors of the altar.  Through the intercession of Blessed Serra, look with favor on my special prayers which have no earthly answer.  This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Say the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father,

DAY TWO 

Junipero was ordained a priest at age 24, and earned a doctorate in Sacred Theology at 28. By age 35, he held the highest ranking professorship at the University of Majorca.  He was also a brilliant orator  After one particularly inspiring sermon, it was recorded that "his sermon was worthy of being printed in letters of gold."

However, the voice of God called Junipero to be a teacher of nations.  In his words:  "I had no other motive but to revive in my soul those intense longings which I had since my novitiate when I read the lives of the saints.  These longings had become deadened because of the preoccupation I had with studies."  On feeling his reawakened call to become an apostolic missionary, he "had recourse to God in prayer, choosing as his intercessors God's Most Pure Mother and Saint Francis Solano, Apostle of South America."

After Junipero left Majorca for Mexico in 1749, he sent a farewell letter to his parents. He wrote, in part, "I wish I could give you some of the happiness that is mine; I feel that you would urge me to go ahead and never to turn back.  What you consider and endure as a great sorrow will be turned into a lasting joy, for, of we are no more to see each other in this world, we will be united forever in eternal glory.  That is my prayer."

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, at the height of earthly honors you abandoned all to become a missionary for the greater honor and glory of God.  You struggled with the decision at first, especially, pained by knowing you would never see your family again.  Your deep faith and zeal for saving souls gave you the courage to go forward and renounce all security and comfort.  Help me to strengthen my faith.  Listen for God's call, and "go ahead and never turn back" as I do what He asks.

Prayers For the Church 

O Lord, remember Your Church.  Deliver her from all evil and make her perfect in Your love.  Gather us together from the four winds into the Kingdom which You have prepared for us.  Bring Your salvation to peoples everywhere.  Help all those who are persecuted and oppressed.  Guide our minds that we may see what is true, our will that we seek only good, our hearts that they may love nothing but what You love.  Direct us and our families, our societies and nations.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen.
                                                 

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY THREE 

On December 7, 1749, after a three-month transatlantic crossing to the New World, during which the ship was temporarily blown off course by a violent storm that threatened to shipwreck, Junipero first stepped ashore on continental North America at Vera Cruz, Mexico.  He chose to walk the 275 mile stretch of El Camino Real to Mexico City's San Fernando Apostolic College.  Along the way, mosquito or chigger bites infected his lower left leg.  Recurrent inflammations, eventually developing into an ulcerated, possible cancerous growth, would afflict him for the rest of his life.

From the pulpit, he would move his listeners to sorrow and penance for their sins by strong admonishments in imitation of his patron Saint Francis Solano, to whom he was devoted.

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, you tackled many obstacles and made untold sacrifices.  In addition to those naturally placed in your path, you willingly assumed additional burdens.  If you, so holy a man, gladly bore such severe penances for your sins and the salvation of souls, how much more should I, in my constant struggle with temptation undertake as I struggle to be more selfless and do more for others!

Prayer for the Sick 

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our family and communities, and for all who are in need.  Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in Your healing presence.  Show Your mercy as you close wounds, cure illnesses, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits.  May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and may they join us in thanking You for all Yours gifts.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra. Amen.

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY FOUR 

Junipero's missionary career began in the rugged, mountainous Sierra Gorda region north of Mexico City.  He spent eight years (1750-1758) among the Pame Indians and served as president of the five-mission chain.  He quickly mastered their difficult language, instructed them in Christianity by composing a native catechism, songs, and paraliturgical celebrations, and helped them become skilled at various trades.

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, for your all-consuming love of Our Lord, to the point of risking your life on several occasions, you were afforded miraculous occurrences and divine favor.  Help me to develop a more intimate and devoted love of Jesus, the Word of God Incarnate, His Mother Mary, and all the saints, so that I, too, may gain the gift of divine grace.

Prayer for Vocations 

O Mary, Immaculate Patroness of the Americas, who has erected a throne of mercy in Guadalupe, Mexico in the center of this hemisphere, guide and direct our efforts in making known your Son's name among all nations.  Holy Mother, send many to serve your Divine Son in this world.  Call to religious life numerous generous people who offer their life to the service of the Gospel, that they may become living witnesses of holiness.  We pray for those who serve you as priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and lay ministers.

Inspire, form and nurture with the care of a mother, many vocations to the Franciscan family, so that the spark of love, work and burning sacrifice may glow forever in this land of Your love.  Open the minds and hearts of many men and women that they may accept Your challenge to build the Kingdom. Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen.

 Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY FIVE 

At age 53 Junipero ventured to Lower California as newly appointed president of the peninsula's fifteen missions.  He soon learned of Spain's forthcoming temporal and spiritual settlement of Upper California.  He volunteered and was appointed president.

During the 95 day, 750 mile journey north by land from Loreto to San Diego Bay, Junipero experienced great pain.  He wrote, "I had much trouble in standing on my feet because of the left foot was much inflamed, and the swelling reached halfway up my leg, which was covered with sores."  Refusing all advice to turn back, Junipero said, "Even if I die on the road, I will not turn back.  Although I would be buried here, I shall gladly remain among these people, if it be the will of God."

Junipero arrived at San Diego on July 1, 1769, and on July 14 he established Presidio-Mission San Diego de Alcala, California's first Christian settlement.

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, when your health was in jeopardy, when the future looked bleak, you never wavered.  You bore "crosses" and continued "harvesting souls" from among your "tender mission plants."  As you said, "What becomes of the ox that does not plough for without plowing, can there be a harvest?"  Help me to learn from your example and remember that "God keeps His promise.  He will not let you be tested beyond your strength (Corinthians 10:13).

Peace Prayer for Those in Need 

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.  O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen. 

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY SIX 

Blessed Junipero truly believed in the power of novenas.  While he was stationed at San Diego, scurvy killed many of the soldiers, provisions were running perilously low, and the supply ship had not returned from Mexico with replenishments.  The dire situation forced a decision to abandon San Diego and California if the ship did not arrive soon.  The limit was set at March 20, 1770, one day after the Solemnity of Saint Joseph. 

With the participation of all the soldiers and sailors, Junipero began a nine-day novena of prayers to Saint Joseph.  On March 19, the ninth day of the Novena and the feast of Saint Joseph, with everything ready for departure from San Diego, a ship was seen on the the southern horizon at 3 p.m.  Junipero's heart was filled with "singular joy and happiness" and he "ceaselessly thanked God."  Showing his gratitude to the saint, he sang a High Mass in his honor with the greatest solemnity.  This holy devotion he continued on the nineteenth of each month, up to the last month of his life.  

With replenished supplies and a new sense of purpose, the expedition decided not to abandon San Diego.  They continued north to Monterey and established the second presidio-mission, San Carlos Borromeo, on June 3, 1770.  This would become Junipero's permanent California home, mission headquarters, and eventually his burial site.  

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, you understood the power and grace of prayer, especially when it is channeled into a novena.  As Our Lord said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you (Luke 11:9)."  You knew that He would not forsake you in your hour of need.  As Saint Joseph was your special intercessor, you are mine, and are able to intercede for me before God, as long as I heed Our Lord's admonition:  "You will receive all that you pray for, provided you have faith (Matthew 21:22)." 

Prayer for Missionaries 

Father, You will the Church to be the sacrament of salvation for all.  Inspire us to spread the Gospel until You have made us one people.  Bless, O Lord, we beseech You, the labors of our missionaries, both at home and abroad, that with the aid of Your grace they may, by the preaching of Your Word and the holiness of their lives, lead many into the one true faith and to life everlasting.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen.  

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY SEVEN 

After Junipero's first complete tour of the fledgling California mission chain in 1772, he saw that provisions were irregular, Indian affairs were poorly managed, and many other changes needed to be made.  He decided to travel to Mexico City to personally appeal to the Viceroy.  This arduous two-year journey twice brought him to the gates of death.  While in Mexico he was described as "a lion, giving in only to fever, for none of the ailments that constantly afflicted him, especially shortness of breath, chest pains, and sores on his legs and feet, have ever kept him from his apostolic duties."  

Junipero presented his petitions to Viceroy Bucareli in a now famous 32 point Representation.  This was California's first "Bill of Rights," which succinctly outlined the province's needs and offered concrete solutions to its problems.  All his requests were granted.  

Junipero made the long journey back to California and noted that "It is the place for me to live in and I hope to God that it is where I shall die."  With renewed vigor upon his return, baptisms at Mission Carmel increased dramatically.  

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, you may have lived with spiritual eyes raised to Heaven, but you knew that your primary goal of glorifying God through the conversion of souls could not be obtained without temporal feet planted firmly on earth.  You risked your life to travel to Mexico and then witnessed great success in the flowering of California.  Help me to effect change where possible, accept limits when necessary, and never forget that God is the source of and reason for everything I do.

Prayer to Mary Immaculate Patroness of the United States of America 

Blessed Mother Mary, we turn to you in prayer for all the people in these United States.  We again place ourselves in your care.  We ask you to make us more alive in faith, more generous in your love, more trusting in your hope.  Teach us to imitate Jesus, as you did.  Help us to become a people who hunger for justice and who burn with compassion for those who suffer in our midst.  Make us a people who cherish and defend the dignity of every human person.  Free us from all selfishness and self-interest, that we may truly be the builders of the Kingdom of God.  Help us to stand among the family of nations as a people of vision and courage, who will gift this world with new life, new hope and the unity for which your Son died.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra. Amen.  

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY EIGHT 

After devoting his life to a dynamic apostolic ministry among the California Indians, Junipero slowed down by mid 1784 and prepared to die.  By late August, the royal surgeon was unable to alleviate his old lung trouble, and along with his age, strenuous lifestyle, and ulcerated leg, he was diagnosed as having a "worn-out body."

On August 27, Junipero received Viaticum, his last Holy Communion.  He walked the few hundred yards from his cell to the sanctuary of Mission Carmel's Church, where he knelt and began to sing, Tantum ergo, Sacramentum, veneremur cernui (Down in adoration falling, Lo, the Sacred Host we hail).

On August 28, Junipero promised visitors that "If the Lord in His infinite mercy grants me the eternal happiness which I do not deserve because of my faults, I shall pray for all dwellers in these missions and for the conversion of so many people whom I leave unconverted."  Junipero Serra died later that day in his cell with his crucifix clasped to his breast.

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, your long and bloodless martyrdom ended in a holy and peaceful death.  Your promise to pray for us in Heaven gives me great comfort for I know you are protecting me.  Pray for me, that I too may leave this world with God's grace and confidence, worthy to share in the gift of Christ's Resurrection.  May our souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Prayers for the Deceased 

O loving Lord Jesus Christ, You wept at the death of your friend Lazarus, and had pity at the sorrow of his sisters, Mary and Martha,  In Your great mercy remember all those who have died, especially those I remember with love today (here mention those deceased for whom you would like to pray).  I ask You to heal the sorrow of any family member or friend who has recently lost someone dear (here mention those you would like to remember) and to strengthen in them Your gift of hope in life everlasting.  Lord, in Your own life, You knew fear during Your agony in the garden, and suffering as You hung on the cross,  With renewed faith in You, through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra, I ask that You help me to carry the crosses of my daily life and bring me safely home to live with You forever in heaven. Amen.  

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

DAY NINE 

Native peoples and settlers kept Junipero's saintly memory alive after his death.  Streams of visitors have paid their respects at his Mission Carmel grave, including Pope John Paul II on September 17, 1987. The Canonization Cause of Junipero Serra was introduced to the Vatican in 1935, and on May 9, 1985 he was elevated to the rank of Venerable, that is, having led a life of heroic virtue and thereby worthy of veneration.  To move to the next step of beatification and the titled of Blessed, a miracle must have taken place through Venerable Junipero Serra's intercession before God. 

In 1960, when Sister Mary Boniface Dyrda, O.S.F. was near death, she prayed the novena to Venerable Junipero Serra.  Sister Mary Boniface was a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help for 58 years and died in January, 2000. 

After praying to Servant of God Junipero Serra and reciting the novena, she was miraculously cured of Lupus disease.  In her words, "When I was taken to the hospital to die, our chaplain suggested that we make a novena in honor of Father Serra.  There was quite a sudden change.  I was able to sit up in bed.  I experienced a steady improvement and after another week I was dismissed.  Thanks be to God and to Father Serra!" 

This cure was unanimously verified by the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and accepted by His Holiness as a miracle in 1987.  Pope John Paul II proclaimed Fray Junipero Serra Blessed at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, September 25, 1988.  In order that Blessed Junipero Serra be proclaimed a saint, another miracle must be obtained through his intercession.  

Meditation 

Blessed Junipero Serra, you served God with humble confidence on earth, and because "whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12), you now enjoy His beatific vision.  We thank God for raising you to the rank of Blessed so that more people will draw near and imitate you, seek your powerful help and in doing so humble themselves, that they may one day be exalted with you in eternal glory,

Prayer For a Holy Death 

O Lord and savior, support me in my last hour by the strong arm of Your sacraments, and the fragrance of Your consolations.  Let Your absolving words be said over me, and Your holy oil seal me; and let Your Body and Blood be my food.  Let Your Mother Mary come to me, and my angel whisper to me.  May Your glorious saints and my own dear patrons smile on me, that in and through them I may die as I desire to live, in Your faith and in Your love.  Lord Jesus, hear our prayer through the intercession of Blessed Junipero Serra.  Amen.

Prayers 

Recite the Novena Prayer, Litany, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to the Father.

For devotional items related to the

Catholic Church
please visit
Lynn's Timeless Treasures

___

Credits
Novena taken from Blessed Junipero Serra Meditations and Novena, Franciscan Friars of California, Serra Press, 2000

Photos taken on the grounds of the Mission San Carlos Borromeo (Carmel Mission) - L.A. Momboisse