The Royal Road

Robert Royal recently traveled along the El Camino Real in California, starting in San Diego and heading north toward San Francisco, San Rafael, and Sonoma. The route follows historical paths established by Spanish Franciscan missionaries in the 18th century, much of which is now traced by California 101.

Royal noted that the mission names and the capital city of Sacramento reflect the history of Catholic missionary work in the Americas. He suggested that bishops should remind the faithful of the Catholic presence in the land as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.