200 local pilgrims to attend Serra canonization

July 17, 2015
Lorena Rojas

Two important reasons have motivated the vicar for Spanish-speaking in the Archdiocese of San Francisco to organize a large group of pilgrims to go to Washington, D.C., to be with Pope Francis in September.

“In the first place, folks will get to see the pope during his U.S. visit,” Father Moises Agudo said. “The pope is the most important figure of the Catholic Church,” and it could also be the only chance for those who live in the U.S. to be near the Holy Father.

Also, Father Agudo said, pilgrims will have a chance to attend the canonization of Father Junipero Serra – a great opportunity to “partake in this historical moment when a Hispanic saint is canonized on U.S. soil.”

The archdiocesan Hispanic pastoral leadership team has been organizing the pilgrimage of about 200 parishioners from throughout the archdiocese to attend the canonization Sept. 23. Pilgrims will depart from San Francisco International Airport Sept. and return Sept. 25.

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone will travel to Washington to participate activities on the occasion of the pope’s visit. Talks between the Archdiocese and church officials in Washington are underway to coordinate the celebration of a Mass Sept. 23 during the papal visit.