Quote - Father Junipero Serra

Siempre adelante - nunca para atrás.

Move forward - never turn back. 

Having grown up in southern California in my teenage years, the California missions and their history were an important part of the history of this state.  What I have learned from Father Serra and his contributions as a missionary is that the state of California would be a very different place today without Father Serra's influence.  I read a book about Father Serra recently.  The author, who teaches at a Catholic school in northern California, feels like people are bullying the memory of Father Serra with the criticism he is receiving recently from secular society.  Like that author, I can say without any apologies necessary that Father Serra is a hero of mine and a profound example of faith for me.  Father Serra in now a saint in our Catholic faith.  The courage and strength that his quote expresses should be an inspiration to us in our lives of faith.