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 J. Binz is an award-winning author and Catholic biblical scholar, holding graduate degrees from the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, with additional studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has written over forty books in biblical theology, commentary, and spirituality. In addition, he is a popular speaker, offering keynotes and addresses at national, regional, and diocesan Conference, as well as education for priests and parish leaders, missions, and retreats. [Shortened version can end here.] Binz has developed study programs in the Bible for three decades and is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study, offering study of Scripture to parishes internationally. He is also a pilgrimage leader, offering tours to biblical lands and other sacred sites. He has earned four First Place certificates in the "Excellence in Publishing Awards" of the Association of Catholic Publishers and a First Place and Second Place with the Catholic Press Association. He lives with his wife Pamela in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You may see his speaking topics and publications at www.Bridge-B.com.
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