July 1, 2026, Memorial of St. Junípero Serra, Holy Rosary (Glorious Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary,Today, July 1, the Feast of St. Junípero Serra (1713–1784), we read in the Gospel (Matthew 8:28-34) how Jesus confronted the demonic torment of two possessed men.The most unsettling part was not only the presence of evil but the reaction of the townspeople: after witnessing Christ’s power, they preferred that He leave. Grace has arrived, but they experience it as a disruption and prefer to remain attached to security and possessions.Jesus came not to make our compromises more comfortable, but to save us.Today’s saint, St. Junípero Serra, a Spanish Franciscan priest known as the "Apostle of California", lived with missionary urgency. His motto was: “Always forward, never back.” That is a fitting answer to this Gospel.When Christ enters with authority, the Christian response is not retreat but movement toward Him, even when His grace unsettles what we have grown accustomed to.Only Jesus can bring true peace, because only Jesus has authority over sin, fear, and evil.St. Junípero Serra left Europe at age 35 to become a missionary. He founded the first nine of 21 Spanish missions in California, spanning from San Diego to San Francisco. His work helped spread Christianity and shape modern agriculture in California.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 1, 2026, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET