The National Catholic Register published a lengthy and edifying article by Courtney Mares covering Pope Francis’ canonization of fourteen new saints yesterday — Sunday, October 20, 2024. The fourteen include the eleven “Martyrs of Damascus” who died for their faith in Syria.
Here is an AI-produced summary of the article: 1
- The canonized include St. Giuseppe Allamano, an Italian priest and founder of the Consolata missionary orders, celebrated for his global missionary influence.
- St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, a Canadian religious sister, founded the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, dedicated to serving priests with humble service.
- St. Elena Guerra, known for her devotion to the Holy Spirit, founded the Oblates of the Holy Spirit and promoted the novena to the Holy Spirit.
- The eleven “Martyrs of Damascus” consist of Franciscan friars and laymen killed in 1860 for refusing to convert to Islam, embodying faith and martyrdom. (Of these eleven, the laymen, Saints Francis, Mooti and Raphael Massabki, are mentioned as blesseds in the article on this site, The Maronittes and Their Saints.)
- The Mass in St. Peter’s Square highlighted service as a key virtue of the new saints, underscoring their sacrificial and steadfast dedication.
- Thousands gathered in Rome, including pilgrims from multiple continents, to witness the canonization ceremony, which concluded with traditional Spanish music.
- Pope Francis emphasized peace and solidarity with suffering regions worldwide and urged prayer and support for missionaries on World Mission Sunday.
Read the article at the National Catholic Register…
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