Stephen J. Binz is an award-winning author and Catholic biblical scholar, holding graduate degrees from the Pontifical Gregorian University and the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, with additional studies at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He has written over forty books in biblical theology, commentary, and spirituality. In addition, he is a popular speaker, offering keynotes and addresses at national, regional, and diocesan conference, as well as education for priests and parish leaders, missions, and retreats. Binz has developed study programs in the Bible for three decades and is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study, offering study of Scripture to parishes internationally. He is also a pilgrimage leader, offering tours to biblical lands and other sacred sites. He has earned four First Place certificates in the "Excellence in Publishing Awards" of the Association of Catholic Publishers and a First Place and Second Place with the Catholic Press Association. He lives with his wife Pamela in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You may see his speaking topics and publications at www.Bridge-B.com.
"Stephen Binz has written a great practical guidebook for exploring the California missions and the spiritual legacy of St. Junípero Serra. I pray that this book will lead many people to rediscover the ancient practice of the pilgrimage and to renew their commitment to the new evangelization of California and the American continent." --Most Reverend José H. Gomez, archbishop of Los Angeles "Just as for centuries pilgrims have walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this concise volume will encourage a similar Camino to the twenty-one missions in our state. Binz's California history is correct, his prayer-guide devotional, and his artistic descriptions captivating." --Michael C. Barber, S.J., bishop of Oakland "I am most pleased to endorse this superb and very timely new book written by Stephen J. Binz. I see this book as a tremendous addition to our library of significant works telling the story of the life and legacy of St. Junipero Serra and his companions, and helping us in trying to build bridges." --Richard J. Garcia, bishop of Monterey "I am very grateful to recommend this work of Stephen J. Binz.... I find that his personal descriptions of the missions beautifully describe the reality of Faith, prayer and history that is evident at each of the missions. This is especially true of Mission San Juan Capistrano, where I frequently visit as the bishop of the diocese where this mission is located, and where I like to stop and pray in the 'Serra Chapel'." --Kevin W. Vann, bishop of Orange "Part hagiography of a courageous missionary, part honest historical reference, and part handy travelogue, Stephen Binz's Saint Junipero Serra's Camino is first and foremost a spiritual preparation and call to action in our own sharing of the Good News of the Gospel. With keen detail and deep spirituality, Binz encourages each of us to fully embrace our role in the New Evangelization by following in the footsteps of California's spiritual giant, St. Junipero Serra. This Californian can't wait to journey with Binz to discover Father Serra's journey in bringing the faith to my home state and beyond!" --Lisa M. Hendey, founder of the Catholic Mom blog and author of the Chime Travelers series "What an extraordinary pilgrim's guide this is! This book shows how to maximize a pilgrimage experience and make its graces and challenges a part of one's ongoing spiritual development. It is invaluable for anyone wanting to understand Junípero Serra." --Murray Bodo, OFM, author, Francis: The Journey and the Dream "Few writers are as dependably accessible and warmly instructive as Stephen Binz. Anyone looking for a new way of pursuing spiritual growth, and a generous introduction to one of the Church's newest saints, will be enriched by this wonderful book." --Elizabeth Scalia, editor-in-chief at Aleteia and author, Strange Gods: Unmasking the Idols in Everyday Life "Stephen Binz has written an excellent volume. It makes an important contribution to popular studies of Saint Junipero Serra, and it will be a great help to people who are visiting the California missions." --Robert Senkewicz, professor of history at Santa Clara University, author, Junípero Serra: California, Indians, and the Transformation of a Missionary "Stephen J. Binz has studied and learned the purpose of the California missions and their place in the history of the West Coast of America. I welcome this book and pray that it will assist future readers to assimilate and further the notion of evangelization, and how it will figure into the final analysis of missionary work along El Camino Real." --Msgr. Francis J. Weber, scholar of California Catholic history "I recommend this book to everybody, whether you are journeying along the California Camino or staying in the comfort of your own home. This is an all-in-one and must-have resource for anyone interested in learning more about the missions and the newest American Saint who founded them." --Daniel P. Horan, OFM, author, The Franciscan Heart of Thomas Merton "This book by Stephen J. Binz provides a timely, comprehensive, and liturgically invaluable resource for those seeking to balance the historical and spiritual dimensions of their experience..... Binz effectively guides the reader through the evangelization of California by way of a heartfelt reconciliation of words, deeds, prayers, and cultural histories not often appreciated in today's increasingly secular world." --Rubén G. Mendoza, PhD, RPA, California State University, author, The California Missions Source Book "In California our El Camino and its missions offers wayfarer pilgrims a range of meaningful experiences and relevant insight into the life of California's Founding Father, Saint Junípero Serra.... From rugged coastlines to serene vast valleys, each step of El Camino is at the crossroads of history serving as a living rosary chain of our faith. Definitely recommend for those taking the journey." --Jewel-Sean Yahut Gentry, MA Ed., California Missions Coordinator, Diocese of Monterey, Carmel "Saint Junipero Serra's Camino by Stephen Binz is an excellent guide for the pilgrim who wants to walk with the saint. I heartily endorse the book." --John Cella, OFM, director of Franciscan Pilgrimage Programs "An excellent resource for catechetical ministers and for all who align their lives more closely with the Gospel of Jesus and embark on the journey of transformation as missionary disciples." --Edith Prendergast, RSC, former director of religious education, archdiocese of Los Angeles
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