St. Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage

St. Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage
Last year, I joined a group of 300 people who celebrated our own St Junipero Serra in a big way. We walked from Mission Santa Barbara to Mission San Buenaventura along the El Camino Real. We walked, we sang, we prayed, we talked, we made new friends, all in his honor. And I want you to join me this year! 

I was so nervous beforehand. Could I really walk 35 miles in just two days? That is way more than 10,000 steps a day! And I’m old and a little overweight and a couch potato. But I really wanted to do this. I am a big fan of St. Junipero Serra – I wanted to honor him. I also loved the idea of the walk, getting to smell the roses and take in the details of that quick 35-minute drive we take for granted. So, I started training. I did my 10,000 steps every day (about 5 miles); wearing the shoes I planned for the pilgrimage. On weekends, I walked farther and longer until I made 10 miles a day.

I felt privileged to participate in this weekend event. The St. Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage was expertly organized. Numerous priests, monks and sisters walked the whole route and provided spiritual leadership. We attended Mass each day and learned about St. Junipero Serra, and we even carried a relic from St. Serra himself! Volunteers saw us safely across every street crossing and ensured we stayed together and on the correct route. A trailer of “pleasant” port-a-potties was always there when you needed it. Knights of Columbus provided delicious meals. We enjoyed frequent snack breaks, with plenty of time to rest and rejuvenate. We camped overnight in the school yard at St. Joseph’s in Carpinteria. We traveled light – our camping supplies traveled on a van, ready and waiting for us in Carpinteria, and again in Ventura.

Please consider joining me in this unique opportunity to honor St. Junipero Serra. We’re telling you now, early, so you have plenty of time to get out your walking shoes and start training. I look forward to seeing you on the Pilgrimage! 

Siempre Adelante!

A fellow parishioner,
Stevie Garcia

Fourth Annual Saint Junipero Serra Walking Pilgrimage Save the Date: August 10 - 11, 2024
For more information and to register: www.stserrapilgrimage.org Registration opens after Easter and closes on July 4
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Fun fact – St. Junipero Serra was establishing Missions during the same years George Washington was founding our country! 

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