Pope Looks Forward to Serra Beatification
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VATICAN CITY — Pope John Paul II said Friday he is looking forward to the beatification Sept. 25 of Junipero Serra, the 18th-Century Franciscan priest who founded California’s missions.
In a speech to a group of visiting bishops from California, the pontiff recalled his visit to the state last September and said that his stop at Serra’s tomb in Carmel “has a very special relevance now.”
“In less than three months from now, some of us will gather again here as the church beatifies him, officially proclaiming him worthy of honor and imitation by all,” the Pope said.
The way for Serra’s beatification, the second of three steps leading to sainthood, was cleared last year.
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