In the Footsteps of St. Junípero Serra: Pilgrims Walk the Camino de California
By Catholic San Francisco
Starting June 6, 2025, pilgrims will set out on the Camino de California, a Eucharistic pilgrimage that traces the historic El Camino Real. This 17-day journey will connect all 21 Missions across California, inviting participants to walk in the footsteps of Saint Junípero Serra and deepen their faith while engaging with the state’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The pilgrimage begins in Sonoma at Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost mission, and concludes in Los Angeles at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on the Feast of Corpus Christi for the final event of the USCCB’s three-year Eucharistic Revival. Along the way, pilgrims will participate in Eucharistic processions, Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, and acts of mercy at the mission sites; many of which are also Jubilee pilgrimage sites.
In the Archdiocese of San Francisco, significant events are planned for June 6 and 7. On June 6, after morning Mass in Sonoma, pilgrims will proceed to San Rafael for a Eucharistic procession from Albert Park beginning at 2:00 p.m. to Mission San Rafael Arcángel, led by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. The event includes Benediction in the main church at 2:30 p.m. and refreshments following provided by the Knights of Colombus. Later that day, the pilgrimage continues with a Rosary and Benediction at the Golden Gate Bridge at 4:30 p.m., culminating in the arrival at Mission Dolores in San Francisco.
On June 7, the journey continues with a 9:00 a.m. Mass at Mission Dolores Basilica, celebrated by Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J. The Mass will be followed by a tour of the Mission grounds, including the cemetery. Pilgrims then visit St. Patrick’s Seminary & University in Menlo Park for lunch and evening talks and testimonies.
All three sites have been designated as local pilgrimage sites by Archbishop Cordileone as part of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage from Indianapolis to Los Angeles traverses the southwest United States. The Camino de California is also part of a broader initiative to revitalize the spiritual significance of the California missions, originally established in the late 18th century by Franciscan missionaries led by St. Junípero Serra.
The two pilgrimages will converge in Southern California as they make their way to Los Angeles for the Corpus Christi celebration.
Open to all, the pilgrimage offers opportunities to participate for a day, an hour, or the entire two weeks. No registration is required, and participants are encouraged to join as they are able.
For more information, including the detailed itinerary and ways to participate, visit the official website at www.caminodecalifornia.org