A tapestry featuring an image of Blessed Junipero Serra hangs outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception before Pope Francis arrives for Mass and the canonization of the Spanish missionary Sept. 23 in Washington. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

A tapestry featuring an image of Blessed Junipero Serra hangs outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception before Pope Francis arrives for Mass and the canonization of the Spanish missionary Sept. 23 in Washington. (CNS photo/Bob Roller)

By Catholic News Service • Posted September 24, 2015

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here is the text of the formula for canonization of Junipero Serra, as pronounced by Pope Francis Sept. 23 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.:

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother bishops, we declare and define Blessed Junipero Serra to be a saint, and we enroll him among the saints, decreeing that he is to be venerated as such by the whole church.

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”