Bishop Barron on the Canonization of Junipero Serra

Film Focus: On the occasion of his canonization, Bishop Robert Barron introduces St. Junipero Serra. He gives details about his life and his missions. Importantly, he discusses and addresses both sides of the argument whether or not St. Junipero Serra should have been canonized.

Text Focus: Pg. 274

Discussion Questions:

1.   Who was St. Junipero Serra? Discuss three to four facts about his life.

2.  What do you think motivated St. Junipero Serra to leave his comfortable life to go to the new world?

3.  What benefits did the missions of St. Junipero Serra give to the natives of Alta

California?

4.  After watching this video and hearing the arguments, do you think Junipero

Serra should have been made a saint? Why or why not?