VATICAN CITY, APRIL 24, 2002 (Zenit.org).- Four canonizations and 12 beatifications — almost all of people who lived in the 20th century — are on the way.
Decrees clearing the way for the proclamation of four saints and 12 blessed were promulgated Tuesday in the presence of John Paul II. All except three lived in the last century.
Among those to be canonized is Blessed María Maravillas de Jesús (1891-1974), who played a key role in the Order of Discalced Carmelites. She founded 10 convents in Spain and one in India.
The miracle that opened the way to canonization for her is the case of Manuel Vilar, now 5, who lives in Nogoya, Argentina.
Doctors say the boy died, scientifically speaking, on July 19, 1998, after falling into a swimming pool. He was not breathing when pulled from the water.
The child was rushed to hospital. After a while, his heart began to beat again, inexplicably. Today he enjoys an ordinary life without any consequences.
Dr. Edgardo Labarba, who treated the child in the hospital, said: «The Church has worked on the case as if it were conducting a judicial investigation, with interrogations, checking of evidence, and everything else.»
Also among the future saints is Blessed Genoveva Torres Morales (1870-1956), an orphan who as a child lost a leg through amputation. Despite these difficulties, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Holy Angels, called «The Angelicas,» who are dedicated to helping the elderly.
John Paul II also approved a miracle that occurred in 1989, which makes canonization possible for Jesuit Father José María Rubio (1864-1929), apostle of Madrid´s poorest neighborhoods.
The other blessed headed for canonization is Orsola Ledochowska (1865-1939), nee Giulia Maria, Austrian, foundress of the Congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Agony.
Among the 12 future blessed, five are martyrs; their process does not require the approval of a miracle.
Three are Bulgarians. They were killed in Sofia by the Communist regime on Nov. 11, 1952. They are Pietro Vitchev, Paolo Djidjo and Giosafat Chichkov, priests of the Augustinians of the Assumption, killed in hatred for the faith.
The other two martyrs who will be beatified are Ugandans Davide Okelo and Gildo Irwa, lay catechists, killed Oct. 18 and 19, 1918, in Uganda.
The following also are to be beatified. The decree of a miracle attributed to their intercession was promulgated Tuesday.
–Andrea Giacinto Longhin (1863-1936), Italian, of the Order of the Friars Minor Capuchins, bishop of Treviso.
–Pierre Bonhomme (1803-1861), French, priest of the Diocese of Cahors and founder of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary.
–Marco Da Aviano (1631-1699), ne Carlo Domenico Cristofori, Italian, priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
–Gabrielle Maria Allegra (1907-1976), Italian, priest of the Order of Friars Minor.
–Marie de la Passion (1839-1904), nee Hélene de Chappotin de Neuville, French, foundress of the Institute of Franciscan Missionaries of Maria.
–Dolores Rodriguez Sopena y Ortega (1848-1918), Spanish, foundress of the Congregation of Sisters of the Dolores Sopena Catechist Institute.
–Carita Brader (1860-1943), nee Marie Josephine Caroline, Swiss, foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of Immaculate Mary.
In addition, the Holy Father recognized the heroic virtues of these servants of God:
–Giuseppe Morgera (1844-1898), Italian, priest of the Diocese of Ischia.
–Gioacchino Da Canicatti (1831-1905), ne Gaetano La Lomia, Italian, priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins.
–Matilde del Sagrado Corazón Tellez Robles (1841-1902), Spanish, foundress of the Daughters of Mary Mother of the Church.
–Guila Salzano (1846-1929), Italian, foundress of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
–Marianna Saltini, widow Testi (1889-1957), called «Mamma Nina,» Italian, foundress of the Institute of the Daughters of St. Francis of Carpi.
–Esperanza de Jesús (1893-1983), Spanish, foundress of the Handmaidens of Merciful Love and of the Sons of the Merciful Love.
