Archbishop Raymundo Damasceno of Aparecida, president of the Brazilian Bishops Conference confirmed on Vatican Radio that Blessed José de Anchieta, known as the Apostle of Brazil, will be canonized by Pope Francis in the beginning of April.
The Brazilian prelate said on Thursday that a less formal ceremony will take place in which the Holy Father will sign a decree that will declare Blessed Anchieta a saint. Archbishop Damasceno also said that a Mass will be held in Rome at the end of April that will be presided by the Pope.
In Brazil, a solemn ceremony will take place during the General Assembly of the Brazilian Bishops Conference, which will also be held at the end of April. Several other celebrations are expected to take place across the country.
Blessed José de Anchieta will be canonized along with Blessed Marie de l’Incarnation, known as the Mother of the Canadian Church and Blessed Francois de Laval, the first bishop of Quebec.
