Pope Frances has praised Father Junípero Serra as "the evangelizer of the West." On his September visit to Washington, the Pope plans to canonize the priest who founded California's mission system. California has two statues in the Capitol Building: Ronald Reagan's and Serra's. But some Native Americans say Father Serra was anything but a saint, and there were protests during this week's Easter celebration at the Carmel Mission, where his remains are buried.
Was Father Serra a Saint or a Sinner?
Credits
Guests:
- Julia Sulek - San Jose Mercury-News - @juliasulek
- Andrew Galvan - Mission Dolores - @oldmissionsfca
- Louise Miranda-Ramirez - Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation