Local Serra Club celebrates Father Serra’s canonization

Catholics in southern Colorado are preparing for Pope Francis’ first visit to the U.S. and the first canonization on U.S. soil.

Pope Francis will arrive to the U.S. on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he will celebrate a mass in Washington D.C., during which Father Junipero Serra will be declared a saint. The Franciscan Friar from Spain is known for creating missions and spreading the Catholic faith in California.

“We’re just very proud of the fact that he is going to be a saint,” believer Janelle O’Keeffe said.

O’Keeffe is a member of the Serra Club, which takes its name from Father Serra. The organization is present worldwide, with chapters in Colorado. They offer support to people entering the religious life.

“Our primary mission is really just to support and encourage vocations towards religious life,” David O’Keeffe said.

The organization is celebrating Wednesday’s canonization. Some members will be in Washington D.C. for it.

“(The Serra Club) is a worldwide organization, but it’s not well known, because it’s made up of small groups all over the world, and a lot of people are not familiar with it, so this is a good opportunity,” Colorado Springs Serra Club president Eleanor Gentilini said.

There will be screenings of the canonization mass at St. Paul Catholic Church and St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in Colorado Springs starting at 1:30 pm.