Radio Maria from the Marian Library

Francesca Franchina, MS Ed., a long-time member of the Marianist Family, will be doing a series of Marian broadcasts through the local stations for Radio Maria WHJM (FM 88.7) in Anna, Ohio and WULM (AM 1600) in Springfield, Ohio.  Called " Francesca and Friends: Why Mary?," the program airs every Wednesday from 12:00 - 1:00 PM EST focusing on what is going on in the world about Mary, how to speak with others about Mary, and Mary in Scripture.

On Wednesday, June 2, Francesca Franchina speaks with University of Dayton Administrator, Bill Hunt, Director of Development, Amy Vukcevic Williams, 2010 UD Alumni Reunion Coordinator and Linda Lyons Petric, Co-Chair, Sondra Fella Wagner, Sally Bringman Eifert, and others, about the Mission and Goals of Catholic Higher, the Five Characteristics of Marianist Education, Education/Leadership, Called Chosen Sent, World Networking and the joy of planning and pulling together class reunions. CALL IN TOLL FREE. PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM (during the live show); 1-866-333-6279.

The broadcast may also be heard on-line at radiomaria.us  The website also provides access to some previous broadcasts.  We'll keep you informed about future programs.  An encore of each show is broadcast Monday night from 8:30-9:30 pm EST one week after the original.

Fran's series, Through the Tummy to the Heart, (T5H) airs every Tuesday from 5:00-5:45 PM on RADIO MARIA WHJM and also online. The series encores Saturdays from 3:00-3:45 pm.  Tune in 88.7 FM (WHJM) in the northern Archdiocese of Cincinnati and on line at radiomaria.us from anywhere in the world. Send email to Francesca with questions, comments, suggestions at fran@866333mary.com. Send email while the programs are going on if you cannot get through or if you are listening outside of the USA. CALL IN TOLL FREE; PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM (during the live show); 1-866-333-6279.

Living With Mary Today! Live: Thursdays and Fridays 2:30-3:00 PM EST: From the Pontifical International Marian Research Institute (IMRI) at the University of Dayton Marian Library, internationally-known Mariologists Fathers Johann Roten, Francois Rossier, Thomas Thompson, and Bertrand Buby of the Society of Mary (Marianists), and other IMRI faculty; Schoenstatt Sisters Jean Frisk and Danielle Peters, Michael Duricy and Brother Erik Otiende will discuss Marian themes such as The Blessed Mother and Ecumenism; Mary and The Family; Mary and Suffering, Marian Teachings and Writings of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI; Mary and Scripture from the Founder of the Marianists, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade; Mary and Vatican II, Marian Apparitions and others. The Marian Library at the University of Dayton houses the largest collection of Marian books and artifacts in the world, and IMRI is the site of post-graduate studies in Mariology for the Doctorate, STL and STD. Find out more by visiting marypage.org. The University of Dayton; The Marian Library and IMRI are collaborators with the International Satellite Radio Maria Network and Radio Maria Ohio.  Click here for the complete schedule of future programs planned to date.

This week's programs:

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Serra in Mexico (by Brother John Samaha, S.M.)

July 1 is the liturgical festival of Blessed Junipero Serra, apostle of California and devotee of our blessed Mother. Although he served longer in Mexico, his work in Mexico is little known. For details see the article below.

Blessed Junipero Serra, the Mexico Years (1749-1769)
by Brother John M. Samaha, S.M.

Serra's influence on California history and missions from 1769 until his death in 1784 is generally well-known. But few are familiar with his work in Mexico in the twenty years previous. Prior to setting foot in Alta California, Blessed Junipero Serra labored lovingly in Mexico for two decades. Millions have visited his California missions, but few have seen those he established and served in Mexico. The Franciscans were the first evangelizers in Mexico in the early sixteenth century. Following a prolonged lull of almost two hundred years, a second major thrust of evangelization was mounted in the eighteenth century. In the forefront were the Spanish Franciscans. The first churches in Mexico were built by the Franciscans in 1524-1525 in what is now the greater Mexico City region. Still today Franciscan foundations--churches and convents--are found in most parts of the country. The structures were often massive and imposing, about a block long, and dominated the towns that grew around them. Although the 1848 secularization reform laws appropriated much church property, many locations are still operational parishes.

Serra Arrives in Mexico

Blessed Junipero Serra was a major player in the second wave of evangelization launched in the eighteenth century. In 1749 Junipero set sail from Spain in the company of two of his former students, Fray Juan Crespi and Fray Francisco Palou, who later became Junipero's biographer. They became an indomitable trio of lifetime companions and co-workers in the world of New Spain. After ninety-nine days on rough seas the Franciscan contingent reached Veracruz on December 6, 1749. Records indicate they had endured great hardships at sea: thirst, hunger, near-shipwreck, a leaking ship, a mutinous crew, storms, and other perils and privations. But Palou reported: "Junipero was never heard to complain."

From Veracruz they walked, in imitation of St. Francis of Assisi, 275 miles over four mountain ranges to Mexico City. Upon arrival in Mexico City, Junipero went directly to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe to pass the night in prayer. The following day the new missionary contingent walked to the Apostolic College of San Fernando, founded in 1734, one of three apostolic colleges in Mexico.

Orientation to Mexico and Its Mission

These apostolic colleges were outstanding Franciscan training centers for the formation of an elite band of missionaries who were specially selected and rigorously trained. The program was a Franciscan innovation in missiology, the study of evangelization strategy, a twelve-month course of preparation for missionary work. These special centers prepared missionary teams for Mexico, California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. Serra and his companions steeped themselves in these studies.

Serra Assigned to Sierra Gorda, 1750-1759

After only five months in the program at the Apostolic College of San Fernando, Junipero volunteered to answer an emergency call to fill an immediate need in the Sierra Gorda northeast of Mexico City and Queretaro, an area in central Mexico that had resisted colonization and evangelization. He rose to the challenge to evangelize the resistant Pame Indians. With Crespi and Palou, Serra set out on foot to the high altitude mountain ranges of the Sierra Gorda. Some peaks exceeded 10,000 feet.

The Legacy of the Sierra Gorda Missions

Appointed president of this mission territory, Junipero and his collaborators over a period of years erected five baroque-style mission churches: Mission San Miguel Arcangel at Conca, Mission Santiago at Jalpan, Mission San Francisco del Valle at Tilaco, Mission Nuestra Senora de la Luz at Tancoyol, and Mission Nuestra Senora la Purisima Concepcion de Aguas at Landa. Constructing these folk-baroque mission churches was a labor of love. They are considered sermons in stone and stucco. With an eye for elegant style, Junipero and his construction teams made certain that these buildings were dressed inside and out with elaborate carvings and bright colors and finely sculptured facades. Enshrinement of our faith called for the best human efforts. The practice of faith needed to be dynamic and displayed in an exquisite fashion. So the churches were attractive, eye-catching creations. This was Junipero's objective. These glorious edifices synthesized the two cultures of old Spain and the local natives by blending Christian symbolism with native craftsmanship and artistry. So impressive are these gems that UNESCO designated these five mission churches international heritage sites in 2003.

The friars, including the diminutive Junipero (about 5'2"), worked alongside the laborers in the task of construction. But Junipero did not stop at construction skills. He taught himself and others how to sew, and made bright-colored clothing for the children. He hired a music teacher and taught the natives and colonists to sing the liturgy. With his flair for the dramatic and solemn, Junipero arranged pageants, dramatic skits, processions, and liturgical celebrations. Every Saturday evening a procession in honor of our Blessed Mother wended its way through each mission town with flowers, candles, torches, singing, and the recitation of the rosary.

In addition he cared for the mission population's temporal needs by providing livestock, seeds, grains, fruit trees, and vines. Through his providence the mission peoples were able to learn skills and trades. Part of his missionary strategy included the development of self-supporting agricultural and economic communities. Serra's parting words to the Pames when he was recalled to the College of San Fernando are now emblazoned on a bronze plaque at a Sierra Gorda museum: "I arrived with nothing. I leave you taking nothing. But I leave you with a great treasure, the faith." Francisco Palou reported of his intrepid missionary superior, "He won the hearts of all."

Serra Faces New Challenges, 1759-1767

After a period of service, Franciscan policy called each missionary back to the apostolic college that had prepared him. Fray Junipero Serra returned to San Fernando in 1758 after nine very productive years in the Sierra Gorda. This was a time of sabbatical, a renewal period, during which he worked as novice master, choir master, counselor, and preacher of retreats and missions. Junipero followed the usual program of six months at the college and six months on the road preaching missions. His reputation marked him as a dynamic and effective preacher with a style that touched the heart of his hearers.

With the expulsion of the Jesuits from Spain and its colonies by King Carlos III in 1767, the Franciscans were called to fill the vacuum in the northern missions of the lengthy Baja California peninsula. Junipero Serra was assigned as president of those missions in that year and made Loreto his base.

Adelante, 1769

Loreto became his point of departure when he was appointed president of the new missionary expedition to Alta California. In 1769 Fray Junipero Serra and his companions headed northward to develop the history of California, beginning with Mission San Diego. This undaunted missionary lived wholeheartedly his motto: Siempre adelante. Nunca atras. Always go forward. Never turn back.

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Form Seeking Expression--Marian Artistic Creations, by Christina Saj, will be on display from April 19 - June 18, 2010 in The Marian Library.  Click here for virtual exhibit.  The Marian Library Gallery is located on the seventh floor of Roesch Library.  Free and open to the public, hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or by appointment.  Call 937-229-4214.

N.B. Prints and postcards related to the Exhibit of Polish Madonnas by Wislawa Kwiatkowska are no longer available for purchase at The Marian Library.

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