Discovering Our Lady of Bethlehem: Her Journey with Fr. Serra

by Judith Fife Mead Marian Therese Horvat

Fr. Junípero Serra brought this life-size statue of Our Lady carrying the Christ Child on the first Expedition to California in 1769. As you will read, his history is closely intertwined with hers. In this short, easy-to-read book, you will learn how Our Lady of Bethlehem came twice to California over the sea; how she presided over the Missions; how she was exiled during the sad period of secularization, and how she was lovingly returned during the Mission restoration in the mid-1900s. Today she stands, regal and maternal, in the side Chapel of San Carlos Borromeo Church in Carmel There she waits, showing herself most expressive and willing to receive pilgrims and visitors. To discover Our Lady of Bethlehem is to find an important part of our American Catholic History.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent, simple account of the statue of Our Lady of Bethlehem and the California missions founded by St. Junipero Serra. She is so beautiful and worthy of our attention and devotion. This would also be a great read for any students in California studying the California Missions, especially those researching Mission San Carlos Boromeo.

[Athena Beanbowl]

I don't want to leave a star review of this essay just because it's a souvenir from the mission I visited, and I really appreciated the history and the religion. I'm just not personally affected by the spiritual power people associate with this location and Our Lady of Bethlehem. I think personal experiences with religion are sacred. To each their own. For context, the essay is briefly personal to the authors, and mostly a quick biography of the saint Junipero's life. Of course, historical context is often the most interesting part of, well, learning history. I had a great time researching further and gaining insight into my own state's history.