But to Jorge Escamilla, Father Serra — who will be canonized by Pope Francis on Wednesday in Washington — is much more than a source of spiritual solace. He is also a vital touchstone, signaling the importance of Latinos in the multicultural history of the Catholic Church and the United States.
“He spoke Spanish. I speak Spanish. The pope speaks Spanish,” Mr. Escamilla said gleefully after a packed Spanish Mass last Sunday at San Buenaventura, explaining why he will be one of thousands traveling to Washington for the canonization. “I belong.” More>>