| Father Junipero Serra,
the California mission founder, who was lame, walked many thousands of
miles as he fulfilled the duties and requirements of his position. His
superior was deep in Mexico, necessitating travel there and throughout
California in his missionary work amongst the Indians.On one occasion,
he had need to visit a distant place. Father Junipero and a traveling
companion were required to traverse a great desert. They went forth, with
limited food and drink. They unfortunately, became disoriented and hopelessly
lost, but they continued on bravely, with their hunger and thirst growing
evermore and their strength waning. They prayed and they kept going on.
In the distance, a grove of trees became visible. They went directly to
the trees. Amidst three trees was a little Mexican house. There was a
"Mexican Family"consisting of a Father, a Mother and an Infant
Child. this "Special Family" provided water, food and the rest,
they so needed. Soon they were recovered and were sent on their way replenished.
They made their destination easily. When they got back to their own mission
they told their wonderful experience, with the Mexican family. They were
informed it was impossible, for their was nothing out in the desert for
many leagues. Father Junipero and his companion assured the missioners
of the Mexican Families existence. They promised to take whomever desired
to meet the Family in the desert, as soon as an opportunity presented
itself. One day, he returned to the desert along with a small group of
interested parishioners, for the purpose of properly thanking the Mexican
Family. They found the three trees, but there was no house, no family! |
