Thank you for your story on the return of the Father Serra statue in the March 8 issue. 

It was with great joy that I saw the Father Serra statue returned and now in a fitting place at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. There were many who worked for a peaceful resolution to the placement of this statue, and I’m glad he is at the last mission he personally founded. As a mission docent, I can use this statue and its return for enhancing our discussion of the California mission era and Father Serra’s vision for the missions and his great love for the people here.

— Mary Mellein, Ventura