I’m delighted that you have chosen to visit this very special place. You follow in a long line of saints, popes, kings and queens, presidents, and prime ministers who have graced us with their presence. One of those distinguished pilgrims, St. Pope John Paul II, commented during his visit here in 1987, “This serene and beautiful place is truly the historical and spiritual heart of California.”
Each person who visits with us is warmly welcomed and offered the opportunity to grow in their knowledge of California and their knowledge of how much God loves them. There is so much to do here during your visit, including walking in the footsteps of our beloved founder and first pastor, St. Junípero Serra, known as “the Apostle of California.”
There are several museums, a wonderful collection of art and religious artifacts, and beautiful fountains and courtyards, all deserving some of your time. I pray that you will truly enjoy your visit with us and that you take with you some of the love that sustains the “heart of California.” May you move (in the words of St. Junípero), “Always Forward, Never Back,“ with renewed hope in your heart and great love in your life.
Fr. Paul P. Murphy
Pastor at Carmel Mission
