ROME, JAN. 26, 2001 (ZENIT.org).-
For the first time, the Church might soon raise a journalist to the glory of the altars.
Manuel Lozano Garrido, better known as «Lolo» in his native Andalusia region of Spain, spent 28 years in a wheelchair and was blind for the last 10. Yet he was able to write intense articles and books.
Lozano was a victim of inflammation of the vertebrae known as spondylitis. He was able to use his pain to find new meaning in his life, reflected in the nine spiritual books he wrote, as well as the magazine Sinai, which he published for the sick. He also collaborated in writing for magazines and newspapers centered on evangelization.
Lozano´s cause of beatification is virtually complete, the promoter of the cause, Rafael Higueras, said, during a presentation Tuesday of Lozano´s books. Higueras said that the collection of testimonies and documentation is now complete which proves «the virtues and exemplary life led by Manuel Lozano Garrido.»
The promoter of Lozano´s cause of beatification also said that the process for attesting to the first miracle attributed to «Lolo´s» intercession, which is an imperative for beatification, has been declared valid. Two of the five doctors who must confirm an inexplicable cure have already pronounced themselves favorably.
The cause of beatification is being studied by consultors and cardinals, the last step before it is presented to the Pope for his consideration.
Manuel Lozano Garrido was born Aug. 9, 1920, in Linares, Jaen, and began his professional work as a journalist in religious media, including the newspaper Ya and the Associated Press.
In 1942 he became gravely ill with spondylitis, which deformed his body and left him an invalid. Despite his onerous afflictions, he dictated nine books to his sister Lucy and to friends.
The religious publishing house Edibesa has published Lozano´s works, including «The Stars Are Seen at Night» and «The Naked Tree.» It also published «Joy in Suffering,» Lozano´s biography written by Higueras.
As a journalist, Lozano was awarded one of Spain´s most traditional honors, the 1969 Bravo Award, conferred by the Spanish bishops´ conference.
Lozano died on Nov. 3, 1971. His last will is a revelation of his life: «Friends: We will not see one another for some time; I anticipate my meeting with the Father; I thank you for being with me at my death, as you were by my side when I was in my wheel chair. I am yours and I renew my appointment with Joy. Look after Lucy, and remember that everything is grace.»
