Pope Benedict XVI canonizes four holy people in June 2007

Today Pope Benedict XVI will canonize four holy people and formally declare them to be saints in Heaven. Canonizations are always a joyous day for the Church! Those who shall be canonized include Fr. George Preca, Fr. Simon of Lipnica, Fr. Charles of St. Andrew, and Marie Eugenie of Jesus Milleret.


Fr. Charles of St. Andrew (1821 - 1893) was a Passionist from Ireland. Born in Holland, he spent most of his life ministering in the south Dublin suburb of Mount Argus. Consequently, he is frequently called Charles of Mount Argus. Born in 1821 in Holland, John Andrew Houben joined the Passionist order at the young age of 19. Fr. Charles of St. Andrew arrived in Mount Argus as it was being founded and he around Ireland raising funds to help build it. Fr. Charles ministered especially to the sick and dying. Because he did not master English well, he was not a formal preacher, but he reached the Faithful through the Sacrament of Confession, which he championed. As word of his healing powers spread, people from all of Ireland came to him. When his funeral occurred in 1893, thousands of people journeyed to Mount Argus, where the body of Fr. Charles lay in state for five days. His remains were moved to a shrine in the Church in 1949. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Additional information on his life and his canonization miracle are available on the Vatican's website.

Fr. George Preca (1880 - 1962) was a diocesan priest and the Founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine, M.U.S.E.U.M. Born in Valletta, Malta, on Feb. 12, 1880, he was baptized on Feb. 17, 1880. When he was 17 years old, one of his Lyceum professors, Father Ercole Mompalao, told him: "Preca, when you grow up, people who revere God will befriend you and you them. You will find your good fortune through them and they through you." Afterwards, George Preca entered a seminary in Malta. George Preca said that after his spiritual director, Father Aloysius Galea, died on April 8, 1905, he appeared to him a few days afterwards saying, "God has chosen you to teach his people." A few days before his ordination, George Preca nearly died but was saved through the intercession of St. Joseph. Ordained a priest on December 22, 1906 by Bishop Pietro Pace, and he celebrated his first Solemn Mass at the St Cajetan Parish Church in Ħamrun on Christmas Day. Fr. George Preca soon founded the Society of Christian Doctrine, which consisted of a group of lay people leading an exemplary life, well formed in the principles of the Catholic faith and sent to teach the faith to the people. It became called M.U.S.E.U.M., Magister Utinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus. On July 26, 1962, George Preca left this earth and returned to God. More information on his life and the order he founded are available on the Vatican's website.

Fr. Simon of Lipnica (c. 1435 - c. 1482) was a 15th-century Polish Franciscan, who died during the Plague. Born in Lipnica Murowana, in the south of Poland, between the years 1435-1440, Simon of Lipnica was early inspired by the preaching of the Franciscan St. John of Capistrano. Around the year 1460, Simon of Lipnica was ordained a priest of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Like both St. Bernardino of Siena and St. John of Capistrano, spread devotion to the name of Jesus. In 1463, he became the preacher at the Cathedral of Wawel in Krakow. When the Plague broke out in Krakow from from July 1482 to 1483, Fr. Simon comforted and aided the sick and even administered the sacraments to the sick and dying, until Fr. Simon was infected. In an act of great humility, Fr. Simon asked to be buried under the threshold of the church so that all could trample on him. On July 18, 1482, the sixth day of his suffering, Fr. Simon of Lipnica died. Fr. Simon was beatified by Pope Innocent XI on Feb. 24, 1685. Again, additional information is available on the Vatican's website.

Marie Eugenie of Jesus Milleret also called Anne Marie Eugenie (1817 - 1898) was born to a non-believing, rich family in France after the defeat of Napoleon. Her liberal father was even a follower of Voltaire. Voltaire hated the Church and, according to one famous story, died without the Sacrament of Last Rites because his friends beat the priest in order to stop him from entering the house of the dying Voltaire. Anne Marie Eugenie went to Mass on feastdays but did not truly follow the Church until the mystical experience of her First Communion. By the age of 15, her parents had separated and her father's banks had failed. Anne Marie Eugenie journeyed with her mother to France, but her mother soon died on cholera only a few hours after receiving the illness. Anne Marie Eugenie was alone. At this time, Anne met Father Combalot, who recognized that he had found the person who was designated to be the foundress of the congregation he had dreamed of for a long time. Fr. Combalot soon convinced her that only by education could she evangelize minds, make families truly Christian, and thus transform the society of her time. At the age of 22, Marie Eugenie founded Religious of the Assumption, a group of nuns dedicated to consecrate their whole life to extending the Kingdom of Christ in themselves and in the world. She once said, "All is from Jesus Christ, all belongs to Jesus Christ, all must be for Jesus Christ." On March 10, 1898, Anne Marie Eugenie died peacefully. More information is available on the Vatican's website. Her organization still remains but, unfortunately, after examining the website of the Religious of the Assumption, it seems that the organization is sliding towards modernism by not requiring nuns to wear the habit. How disappointing.
On January 3, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI canonized these four holy people and declared them to be saints. Let us pray the Te Deum in thanksgiving and pray for their intercession!

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Coming Canonizations in 2007

An Ordinary Public Consistory was held by Pope Benedict XVI to announce the canonization on June 3, 2007 for the following Blesseds. The Brazilian priest will be canonized on May 11 when Pope Benedict XVI visits Brazil:

George Preca, priest and founder of the Societas Doctrinae Christianae

Szymon of Lipnica, priest of the Order of Friars Minor

Charles of St. Andrew, priest of the Congregation of the Passion

Antonio de Santa Ana, priest of the Order of Discalced Friars Minor and founder of the Convent of the Conceptionist Sisters "Recolhimento da luz."

Marie Eugenie de Jesus, founder of the Institute of the Sisters of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Image Source: REUTERS/Osservatore Romano/Pool (VATICAN)

Sources:

United Press International
Argent by the Tiber

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Canonization of Mother Guerin and three others!

It is with great jubilation that the Church celebrates the canonization of four blesseds, thereby declaring them saints. Such a declaration ensures that the four are in Heaven today interceding for mankind. For more information on basics of the Church's teaching on saints, see my posts What is a Catholic Saint and how does one become one?, Why pray to saints?, and Are saints even alive?

Today the universal Church rejoices as it declares that Mother Theodore Guerin, Rafael Guizar Valencia, Rosa Venerini, and Filippo Smaldone are in Heaven! Hallelujah!



(Photo Source: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Rafael Guizar Valencia (April 26, 1878 - June 6, 1938) was the Catholic bishop of Veracruz, who cared for the wounded and dying in Mexico's Revolution between 1910-1917.

On April 26, 1878, he was born to Prudenzio Guizar and Natividad Valencia, wealthy and pious landowners in Mexico. In 1901 he was ordained a priest, and he founded the Congregation of Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope in 1903. Rafael Valencia traveled throughout Mexico on missions. In 1911, the persecution of the Church began in Mexico.

Fr. Valencia's missions were stopped and his congregation was disbanded. He started a Catholic magazine in Mexico City, which was quickly shut down by the government of Mexico. In order to continue his ministry, he disguised himself as a traveling merchant to minister to the poor and preach to them. He was shot several times by soldiers and condemned to death.

Fr. Valencia escaped to the United States and later to Guatemala, where he sent a year preaching missions. From 1917 to 1919, Raphael Guizar Valencia preached in Cuba. On August 1, 1919, he was named bishop of Veracruz-Jalapa, Mexico. Fr. Valencia continued; his missionary work in Colombia at that time, but he finally returned to Veracruz, Mexico on January 4, 1920.

The government persecution of the Church in Mexico increased. The diocese's seminary was shut down, so Bishop Valencia transfered his students to Mexcio City so to learn properly. He was a saintly man and cared especially for his diocese's seminary.

In 1931 Governor Tejada of Veracruz decreed that there could only be one priest per 100,000 Catholics. Bishop Raphael responded by closing all churhces in his diocese in protest. Tejeda ordered that Raphael be shot on sight, so Raphael went straight to the governor's palace and walked into his office. Fearing the uprising if he killed Bishop Valencia, the death sentence was revoked. Raphael spent the rest of his life fighting to continue the work of the Church in the face of the government opposition. He died of natural causes on June 6, 1938.

In 1950, his body was exhumed and found to be incorruptible - it had not decayed at all according to witnesses. From henceforth, he shall be known as Saint Rafael Guizar Valencia!



(Photo Source: Vatican)

Filippo Smaldone (July 27, 1848 - June 4, 1923) was born in Naples, Italy. While still in the seminary, Filippo Smaldone worked extensively with deaf-mutes in Naples, Italy. In 1871, he was ordained. While working with plague victims, he contracted the disease too, but he was miraculously cured through the intervention of Mother Mary under the title of Our Lady of Pompei.

At one point, Fr. Smaldone was depressed over the frustration of his mute students, so he asked to give up his teaching and instead work in the foreign missions; his spiritual advisor convinced him to stay. In March 1885, with the aid of Father Lorenzo Apicelia and several nuns he had trained, a school for deaf-mutes was at last founded by Fr. Smaldone in Lecce, Italy. The school would become the foundation of the motherhouse of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Hearts.

Father Filippo soon expanded the work of his schools to include not only the mute but also the blind, orphaned, as well as abandoned children. He also founded the Eucharistic League of Priest Adorers and Eucharistic Leage of Women Adorers and was the Superior of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales. On June 4, 1923, he died due to a combination of diabetes and a heart condition. From henceforth, he shall be known as Saint Filippo Smaldone!



(Photo Source: Vatican)

Rosa Venerini (February 9, 1656 - May 7, 1729) entered a convent after the death of her finace. When her father died, she returned home to care for her mother. At this time, Rosa Venerini started to invite neighborhood women to pray the rosary in her home. Her had little religious education, so she began to teach them. Rosa's spiritual director, Jesuit Father Ignatius Martinelli, convinced her that she was called to be a teacher instead of a contemplative nun.

With two of her friends, she opened a free pre-school for girls in 1685, and in 1692, Cardinal Barbarigo asked her to oversee training of teachers in his diocese of Montefiascone. Rosa organized schools in many parts of Italy, including Rome, and by the time of her death there were 40 schools under her direction. She frequently met opposition and some of the teachers were shot at with bows and their houses were burned. But, she was not swayed from her ministry. She was a friend and co-worker with Saint Lucia Filippini.

Today, the so-called Venerini Sisters work with Italian immigrants in the United States and elsewhere. Rosa Venerini died on May 7, 1728, in Rome. From henceforth, she shall be known as Saint Rosa Venerini!


Mother Theodore Guerin (October 2, 1798 - May 14, 1856) is an American saint. She joined Sisters of Providence at Ruillé-sur-Loir, France on 18 August 1823, and she was sent to the diocese of Vincennes, Indiana, USA on October 22, 1840. Along with five other sisters, she established the Academy of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on July 4, 1841, at Terre Haute, Indiana, which was the first Catholic women's liberal-arts college in the United States. She estalished several schools throughout the Midwest as well as an orphanage for girls and one for boys in Vincennes, Indiana.

On May 14, 1856, Mother Guerin died at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, of natural causes. She is buried at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, USA. Her canonization miracle involved the cure of a non-Catholic Sisters of Providence employee. From henceforth she shall be known as Saint Mother Guerin!


Let us thank God for these wonderful saints!!! May they intercede for all humanity! Rejoicing, we pray the Te Deum:



O God, we praise Thee, and acknowledge Thee to be the supreme Lord.
Everlasting Father, all the earth worships Thee.
All the Angels, the heavens and all angelic powers,
All the Cherubim and Seraphim, continuously cry to Thee:
Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts!
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy glory.
The glorious choir of the Apostles,
The wonderful company of Prophets,
The white-robed army of Martyrs, praise Thee.
Holy Church throughout the world acknowledges Thee:
The Father of infinite Majesty;
Thy adorable, true and only Son;
Also the Holy Spirit, the Comforter.
O Christ, Thou art the King of glory!
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest it upon Thyself to deliver man,
Thou didst not disdain the Virgin's womb.
Having overcome the sting of death, Thou opened the Kingdom of Heaven to all
believers.
Thou sitest at the right hand of God in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou willst come to be our Judge.
We, therefore, beg Thee to help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy
Precious Blood.
Let them be numbered with Thy Saints in everlasting glory.

V. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thy inheritance!
R. Govern them, and raise them up forever.

V. Every day we thank Thee.
R. And we praise Thy Name forever, yes, forever and ever.

V. O Lord, deign to keep us from sin this day.
R. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.

V. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in Thee.
R. O Lord, in Thee I have put my trust; let me never be put to shame.

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Sara Salkahazi & Fr. Mosè Tovini Are Beatified

Sara Salkahazi was beatified on September 17, 2006, at Budapest's St. Stephen Basilica. Salkahazi was a Hungarian nun that saved the lives of dozens of Jews during World War II. She is an example of the sacrificial love that Jesus calls us to show to the whole world.

On Dec. 27, 1944, Sara Salkahazi was killed by the Arrow Cross - the Hungarian allies of the Nazis, for hiding Jews in the building used by her religious community, Sisters of Social Service.

Her beatification was the first held in Hungary since 1083, when Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, was beatified along with his son, St. Imre, and St. Gellert, an Italian bishop who helped convert Hungarians to Christianity. It was the custom for hundreds of years to celebrate beatifications in Rome. Now, canonizations will be held in Rome, but Pope Benedict XVI is allowing beatifications in other parts of the world.

She was the first Hungarian beatified that was not a member of the aristocracy or royalty.

Speaking at the Beatification Mass, Rabbi Jozsef Schweitzer said of Sister Sara, "I know from personal experience ... how dangerous and heroic it was in those times to help Jews and save them from death. Originating in her faith, she kept the commandment of love until death."

If you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Sara, please contact:

Szociális Testvérek Társasága
Bartók Béla út 61. III./6, 1114
Budapest, HUNGARY

Father Mosè Tovini, a priest of the Brescia diocese in Italy, was also beatified on September 17, 2006! He was beatified in the Cathedral of Brescia, Italy.

Fr. Mosè Tovini was born on December 27, 1877, and lived as a priest in the diocese of Brescia, Italy. He taught mathematics, philosophy, sociology, apologetics, and dogmatic theology at the Brescia Seminary. He is best known for his ardor in teaching the Catechism. He died on January 28, 1930 in Brescia, Italy. If you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Mose, please contact:

Santuario delle Grazie
Via Grazie, 13
25122 Brescia, ITALY

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Sara Salkahazi is to be Beatified

Blessed Sara Salkahazi is scheduled to be beatified on September 17, 2006, at Budapest's St. Stephen Basilica. Salkahazi was a Hungarian nun that saved the lives of dozens of Jews during World War II. She is an example of the sacrificial love that Jesus calls us to show to the whole world.

On Dec. 27, 1944, Sara Salkahazi was killed by the Arrow Cross - the Hungarian allies of the Nazis, for hiding Jews in the building used by her religious community, Sisters of Social Service.

The coming beatification will be the first held in Hungary since 1083, when Hungary's first king, St. Stephen, was beatified along with his son, St. Imre, and St. Gellert, an Italian bishop who helped convert Hungarians to Christianity. Because Pope Benedict XVI started allowing beatifications in other countries and not just the Vatican, the beatification will be the first in Hungary in centuries. It was the custom for hundreds of years to celebrate beatifications in Rome. Now, canonizations will be held in Rome, but Pope Benedict XVI is allowing beatifications in other parts of the world.

She will be the first Hungarian beatified that was not a member of the aristocracy or royalty.

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Pope St. Pius X

Memorial (1969 Calendar): August 21
Double (1955 Calendar): September 3

Pope St. Pius X was born at Riese, a small village in Venetia, Italy, on June 2, 1835. His name, prior to his election as pope, was Joseph Sarto. He lived in a poor family - one of eight children. He was baptized on June 3, 1835, and confirmed on September 1, 1848. He was ordained a priest at the age of 33 and worked for seventeen years as a parish priest before becoming Bishop of Mantua. In 1892, Joseph Sarto advanced to the metropolitan see of Venice with the honorary title of patriarch. On August 4, 1903, he was elected Pope of the Holy Catholic Church. Personally, he is one of my favorite popes in history.

Pope St. Pius X announced in his first encyclical that his papacy would seek to "to renew all things in Christ." He is primarily remembered for allowing children to receive First Holy Communion at a much younger age - the age of 7 instead of 12 or 14. He said, "Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven." Consequently, he encouraged frequent reception of Holy Communion. He is also remembered for bringing Gregorian Chant back, encouraging daily Bible reading and establishing various Biblical institutes, reorganizing the Roman Curia, taking a stand against Modernism, which he called the "synthesis of all heresies."  His Holiness issued the Oath Against Modernism from his Motu Proprio Sacrorum Antistitum on 1 September 1910.  He also worked on the codification of Canon Law.

It was nearly on the 11th anniversary of his election as pope when World War I broke out. Bronchitis soon developed for Pope St. Pius X. He died on August 20, 1914, to what he called "the last affliction that the Lord will visit on me" due to worrying over World War I. He is buried under the altar of the chapel of the Presentation in Saint Peter's Basilica.

In his will, Pope St. Pius X said, "I was born poor, I have lived poor, I wish to die poor." He was canonized on May 29, 1954, by Pope Pius XII - the first Pope canonized since St. Pius V in 1672.  For a thorough description of the Funeral Rite of the Pontiffs including photos of the Funeral of His Holiness Pope St. Pius X, please see my post: The Traditional Funeral Rites of the Supreme Pontiffs.

Patron of: Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia; diocese of Des Moines, Iowa: first communicants; diocese of Great Falls-Billings, Montana; pilgrims; diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Prayer:

O God, Who to safeguard Catholic faith and to restore all things in Christ, didst fill the Supreme Pontiff, Saint Pius, with heavenly wisdom and apostolic fortitude: grant in Thy mercy: that by striving to fulfill his ordinances and to follow his example, we may reap eternal rewards. Through the same our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

Photos from His Canonization:

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St. Maria Goretti

Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which features a side altar dedicated to pro-life saints including St. Maria Goretti. Photo (c) A Catholic Life, 2021.

Optional Memorial (1969 Calendar): July 6

Today the Church remembers St. Maria Goretti, who died a martyr at the young age of 12 in 1902.

St. Maria Goretti was born on October 16, 1890, in Corinaldo, Italy to Luigi Goretti and Assunta Carlini. She was baptized the next morning. She was raised as a pious farm girl, one of six children, who grew in holiness. In 1896 the family moved to Ferriere di Conca and shortly afterward, St. Maria's father died of malaria. The Goretti family was forced to move onto the Serenelli farm to survive.

On July 5, 1902, St. Maria Goretti, at the age of 12, was attacked by Alessandro Serenelli, a farm hand, who wanted to rape her. He had repeatedly suggested impure things to her previously, but this time hatred filled him. St. Maria Goretti refused sexual relations first and foremost because it was a sin outside of marriage. She desperately fought to stop Alessandro, a 20-year-old, from abusing her. She kept screaming, "No! It is a sin! God does not want it!"

Alessandro Serenelli began to choke St. Maria Goretti and then stabbed her 14 times. The young girl survived in a hospital for two weeks, where she forgave her attacker and asked God to forgive him. She died holding a crucifix and a medal of Our Lady.

Years later, while in prison, Alessandro had a vision of Maria. He saw a young girl, dressed in white, gathering lilies in a garden. She then smiled, came near him, and encouraged him to accept an armful of the lilies. As Alessandro took them, each lily transformed into a still white flame; St. Maria then disappeared. This vision led to Alessandro's conversion. He later testified at her cause for beatification. At the end of his life, Alessandro wrote, "I ask pardon of the world of the outrage done to the martyr Maria Goretti and to purity. I exhort everyone to keep away from immoral shows, from dangers, from occasions that can lead to sin."

She was beatified on April 27, 1947, and canonized on June 24, 1950, by Pope Pius XII. Her mother was present at her canonization - the only time a mother has ever been present for her child's canonization. She was the youngest officially recognized saint of the Catholic Church. She is a model of purity - a model all of us should try to imitate. St. Maria refused to break the Commandments and for that, she was rewarded with eternal life. Remember Our Lord's words, that we are to adhere to every Commandment of the Church, even the least important (Mt. 5:18-19). St. Maria is a model for all of us, especially the youth, to follow.

Pope Pius XII presides over the canonization of Saint Maria Goretti at St. Peter's Basilica (photo by Jack Birns, 1950)

Official Prayer to St. Maria Goretti

Oh Saint Maria Goretti who, strengthened by God's grace, did not hesitate even at the age of twelve to shed your blood and sacrifice life itself to defend your virginal purity, look graciously on the unhappy human race which has strayed far from the path of eternal salvation. Teach us all, and especially youth, with what courage and promptitude we should flee for the love of Jesus anything that could offend Him or stain our souls with sin. Obtain for us from our Lord victory in temptation, comfort in the sorrows of life, and the grace which we earnestly beg of thee (here insert intention), and may we one day enjoy with thee the imperishable glory of Heaven. Amen.

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Pope Benedict to Canonize Four this Fall

It has been confirmed - Pope Benedict XVI will canonize four people on October 15, 2006. So far in his pontificate, he has canonized 5 people. This fall he will canonize these people:

• Mexican bishop Rafael Guizar Valencia (1878 - 1938)
• Italian priest Filippo Smaldone (1848-1923)
• Italian nun Rosa Venerini (1656-1728)
• Mother Theodore Guerin 1798 - 1858)

October 16, 2006, Update: I have posted on their canonization!

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Cause for Beatification opened for 149 Spanish Martyrs

Pope Benedict XVI has just opened the cause for beatification for 149 Spanish Martyrs murdered for the Faith in the Spanish Civil War. 

Last fall on October 29, 2005, several martyrs were already beatified. They were Father Francisco Castells Brenuy, Father José Boher Foix, Father José Juan Perot Juanmarti, Father Jose Tàpies Sirvant, María De Los Ángeles Ginard Martí, Father Pascual Araguàs Guàrdia, Father Pedro Martret Molet, and Silvestre Arnau Pascuet.

Thousands were murdered in the Spanish Civil War just because they were Catholic:

In Spain, one of Europe’s most staunchly Catholic countries, large numbers of Catholics were butchered during the 1936-1939 Civil War solely for being Catholic. Unlike the martyrdom in most parts of the world, whole sectors of the religious community were liquidated. At least 6,832 priests and religious were martyred, including 13 bishops. In the 20th century, probably no country witnessed so much bloodshed among its clergy.

The male religious martyred included 259 Claretians, 226 Franciscans, 204 Piarists, 176 Brothers of Mary, 165 Christian Brothers, 155 Augustinians, 132 Dominicans, and 114 Jesuits. The toll among the female orders was lower, but still shocking when we recall that these women could have had virtually nothing to do with the political struggle: 30 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, 26 Carmelites of Charity, 26 Adoratrices, and 20 Capuchins, along with many others.

Source: Catholic Herald

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St. Charles Lwanga & Companions

St. Charles Lwanga was born in 1865 at Bulimu, Buganda, Uganda. He was a servant of King Mwanga of Uganda. In 1885 he converted to Catholicism and for that he was burned to death in 1886 at Namugongo, Uganda because they refused to give in to the homosexual demands of King Mwanga. Yet, St. Charles did not scream in pain as he burned to death. He even helped arrange the sticks for the fire and said he was pleased to die for the True Faith. The Gift of Fortitude was very strong in him. St. Charles Lwanga is one of 22 people that we remember for dying for their faith in Uganda. 

Canonization of St. Charles Lwanga:

"The African martyrs add another page to the Church's roll of honor - an occasion both of mourning and of joy. These African martyrs herald the dawn of a new age. If only the mind of man might be directed not toward persecutions and religious conflicts but toward a rebirth of Christianity and civilization! Africa has been washed by the blood of these latest martyrs, and first of this new age (and, God willing, let them be the last, although such a holocaust is precious indeed). Africa is reborn free and independent."

From the homily at the canonization of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions by Pope Paul VI

    

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Pope Raises Standards for Beatifications

Pope Benedict XVI has called for raising the standards for beatifications, which comes after his predecessor canonized more saints than any previous pope. In his letter to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Pope Benedict XVI says a cause should not be opened unless there is "a proven reputation for holiness."

Source: CWNEWS

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Pope Benedict XVI: 43 Open for Canonization

Pope Benedict XVI recently opened the way for 43 beatifications to take place, an important part on the way to being declared a saint. Thirty-four are martyrs from the Spanish Civil War from 1936 and the religious persecution during that time.

MIRACLES

- Venerable Servant of God Luigi Boccardo, Italian, priest of the archdiocese of Turin, Italy, founder of the Order of Sisters of Christ the King, a contemplative branch of the Poor Sisters of San Gaetano (1861 - 1936).

- Venerable Servant of God Luigi Monza, Italian, priest of the archdiocese of Milan, Italy, founder of the Secular Institute of the Little Apostles of Charity (1898 - 1954).

- Venerable Servant of God Mose Tovini, Italian, priest of the diocese of Brescia, Italy (1877 - 1930).

- Venerable Servant of God Agostino Thevarparampil, known as "Kunjachan," Indian, priest of the eparchy of Palai, India (1891 - 1973).

- Venerable Servant of God Eustachio Van Lieshout, Dutch, professed priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus) (1890 - 1943).

- Venerable Servant of God Maria Teresa di Gesu, nee Maria Scrilli, Italian, founder of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Carmel (1825 - 1889).

- Venerable Servant of God Maria Teresa di San Giuseppe, nee Anna Maria Tauscher van den Bosch, German, founder of the Congregation of Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus (1855 - 1938).

- Venerable Servant of God Maria della Passione di Nostro Signore Gesu Cristo, nee Grazia Tarallo, Italian, of the Institute of Crucified Sisters Adorers of the Holy Eucharist (1866 - 1912).

- Venerable Servant of God Elia di San Clemente, nee Teodora Fracasso, Italian, professed nun of the Order of Discalced Carmelites (1901 - 1927).

MARTYRS

- Servants of God Victorio Chumillas Fernandez, Spanish, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor (1902 - 1936), and 21 companions, of the same Order of St. Francis, martyrs.

- Servants of God Antero Mateo Garcia, Spanish, husband and father, of the Third Order of St. Dominic (1875 - 1936), and eleven companions of the Second and Third Orders of St. Dominic, martyrs.

HEROIC VIRTUES
- Blessed Simone da Lipnica, Polish, professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor, (1440 - 1482), whose cult was confirmed by the Holy See on February 14, 1685.

- Blessed Camilla Battista Varano, Italian, professed nun of the Order of Poor Clares (1458 - 1524) whose cult was confirmed by the Holy See on April 7, 1843.

- Servant of God Carlo Bascape, ne Giovanni Francesco, Italian, of the Congregation of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), bishop of Novara, Italy (1550 - 1615).

- Servant of God Massimo Rinaldi, Italian, of the Congregation of Missionaries of St. Charles, bishop of Rieti, Italy (1869 - 1941).

- Servant of God Paolo Giuseppe Nardini, diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family (1821 - 1862).

- Servant of God Eustachio Kugler, ne Giuseppe, German, professed religious of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God (1867 - 1946).

- Servant of God Isabella De Rosis, Italian, founder of the Congregation of Reparatrix Sisters of the Sacred Heart (1842 - 1911).

- Servant of God Josefa Segovia Moron, first director of the Teresian Institute (1891 - 1957).

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Newly Canonized Saints

Note: For an updated list of the recent canonizations, please click here.

Józef Bilczewski
Gaetano Catanoso
Zygmunt Gorazdowski
Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga
Felix of Nicosia

These people are, like all other saints, true role models showing us that belief in Christ and following his Church is essential to Heaven. Follow the Church's teachings on all Dogmas and matters of faith including birth control, stem cell research, euthanasia, salvation, grace, the Sacraments, and all other issues.

"Wrong is wrong, even if everyone else is doing it. Right is right, even if no one else is doing it."- St. Augustine

Image Source: Photo believed to be in the Public Domain

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