Slideshow and Video: Celebrating St. Junipero Serra

Ever since his Holiness Pope Francis canonized St. Junipero Serra on Wednesday afternoon, the campus of Thomas Aquinas College has been abuzz with celebrations of California’s new patron saint.

On Wednesday night, the men of the residence hall formerly known as Blessed Junipero Serra sang at the evening Mass. For the propers of the Mass, they sang arrangements composed by junior Giorgio Navarini, who also served as director of the self-styled “Serran Choir.” Below is a video of their rendition of the Sanctus:

On Thursday morning, the community gathered in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel for a mid-day Mass in St. Junipero Serra’s honor. Head Chaplain Rev. Paul Raftery, O.P., served as the principal celebrant and homilist. “As we see in the life of St. Serra, when the Holy Spirit becomes active in us, through His gift of fortitude, we become free from any paralyzing fear and allow God to do great things through us,” said Fr. Paul. “If there is one virtue he especially manifested in his life, it was supernatural courage. He was always pressing on to do great things, not remaining content where he was.”

Following the Mass, the College’s four chaplains led a procession to the statue of St. Junipero Serra that stands outside the residence hall that bears his name. Blessing a wreath and then placing it at the foot of the statue, Fr. Paul announced that, henceforth, Blessed Junipero Serra Hall would be known as Saint Junipero Serra Hall, reflecting its patron’s new status among the Communion of Saints.

“On this day to this great new saint, let us ask for his intercession, that we might, too, have this supernatural courage and zeal,” said Fr. Paul. “St. Junipero Serra, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.”