(ZENIT News / Phoenix, 03.31.2025).- A near-tragic accident in Phoenix, Arizona, has turned into a story of faith, community, and what Vincent Robinson’s family believes to be a miracle. The 14-month-old boy, who was found unresponsive in the family’s backyard home pool, not only survived but made a full recovery—something his parents, Caitlin and Wesley Robinson, attribute to divine intervention, more specifically, to the intercession of Cardinal Pell.

The events of that fateful Sunday, March 2, unfolded in an instant. The Robinsons were preparing to visit relatives for lunch after Mass when they realized their youngest child was missing. What followed was every parent’s nightmare. Wesley discovered Vincent at the bottom of the home pool, lifeless. Rushed to the hospital, the toddler had no pulse upon arrival. Medical staff worked tirelessly for 52 minutes to revive him, eventually placing him on full life support. The prognosis was grim, and the family braced for the worst.

As news of the accident spread, an outpouring of prayers and support followed. Vincent’s uncle, Father Dan Connealy, drove two hours from Flagstaff to be with the family, arriving so shaken that he forgot to bring his prayer book for the last rites—an oversight that, in hindsight, he wouldn’t need to correct.

From the moment Vincent was admitted, prayers surged from family, friends, and beyond. The Robinsons reached out to the saints they had always venerated—especially those connected to their children and the family’s own history of loss. Among them was Cardinal George Pell, whom they had met during his visit to Phoenix in 2021. Inspired by their personal encounter with the late prelate, they specifically asked for his intercession, along with that of Blessed Conchita, a Mexican mother of nine who had lost her youngest child to drowning.

As Ash Wednesday arrived, a novena began, invoking the help of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. The flood of prayer requests was met with an unexpected and astonishing development—by late Wednesday night, hospital staff showed signs of cautious optimism.

“We knew something had changed when they told us we were now limited to two visitors at a time,” Wesley recalled. “In end-of-life situations, they usually allow as many as want to come.”

By Thursday, an MRI scan delivered a result no one had dared to hope for—Vincent’s brain, heart, and lungs showed no damage. What had started as a desperate struggle for survival quickly turned into a stunning recovery.

On March 13, the ninth and final day of their novena, Vincent was discharged from the hospital in perfect health. Doctors, while hesitant to label the case as miraculous, admitted that his rapid and complete recovery was difficult to explain.

The Robinsons, however, have no doubts. “We asked for a miracle, and we watched it unfold,” Caitlin said. “The doctors may struggle to explain it, but for us, the answer is clear.”

The experience has transformed the family, deepening their faith and solidifying their belief in the power of prayer. Caitlin, now expecting their ninth child, describes the past month as life-altering. “We always believed in the intercession of the saints, but now we’ve seen it in action. The Church Triumphant is not distant—it is present, fighting for us.”

Wesley, reflecting on the darkest days of their ordeal, said, “We know many people pray for miracles that don’t come in the way they hope. For whatever reason, God decided that Vincent’s time wasn’t up. We may never fully understand why, but we want to share this story, to encourage others, and to remind families that faith is real, and prayer is powerful.”

Cardinal Pell’s Unexpected Role 

The story of Vincent’s survival reached Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, who shared it at the launch of a new biography of Cardinal Pell. The news had come to him through Father Joseph Hamilton, Pell’s former secretary, who had been contacted by Father Connealy in the days following the accident.

For those who knew Cardinal Pell, the idea of his intercession is deeply fitting. Described by Archbishop Fisher as a man who embodied faith, hope, and charity in both life and suffering, Pell endured a wrongful conviction and 400 days in prison without giving in to bitterness or despair. Instead, he grew in grace, praying even for his persecutors.

While the Robinsons do not claim that their son’s survival is an official miracle attributable to Pell, they hope that their story will inspire others to seek his intercession. “If nothing else,” Caitlin said, “we want people to realize that those in heaven really do hear us. We are not alone in our struggles.”

For the Robinsons, this experience has reinforced an often-overlooked truth: the home is where faith begins. “We hope that one of the lasting fruits of this experience is that families remember the importance of the domestic church,” Wesley said. “Our homes are where we first learn to pray, where we first encounter God. If our children can hold onto the miracle they witnessed, then perhaps they will carry that faith into the rest of their lives.”

As for Vincent, he remains blissfully unaware of the drama surrounding his survival. Now one month older, he is the same lively child as before—except, as his parents say, with a story that will follow him for the rest of his life.

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The unauthorized sale of relics is not a new phenomenon, but the case of Carlo Acutis—a modern-day Catholic figure revered for his devotion to the Eucharist and his pioneering use of digital evangelization—has drawn particular concern.

«In the vast world of online sales, a market has emerged for relics of various saints, including St. Francis of Assisi, complete with price lists. This is absolutely unacceptable,» Bishop Sorrentino stated in a March 26 announcement.

While it remains unclear whether the relic in question is authentic, the bishop emphasized that, regardless of its legitimacy, such transactions are deeply offensive to the faith. «Even if these items were fabricated and the whole thing were a fraud, it would not only be a financial scam but also a serious insult to religious belief,» he said.

Under Catholic Church law, the sale of first- and second-class relics is strictly forbidden. First-class relics—such as body parts or hair from a saint—are considered sacred and cannot be bought or sold under any circumstances. Only donations, properly authorized, are permitted. Even second-class relics, which include items used or worn by a saint, are subject to similar restrictions.

More significant relics, such as body parts or organs, require Vatican approval before being transferred. The Church maintains that relics should be venerated, not commercialized, and their misuse is seen as a violation of both faith and ethics.

The controversy surrounding the sale of Acutis’ relics comes at a time of great anticipation for his canonization ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on April 27 in St. Peter’s Square. The event will coincide with the Church’s Jubilee for Adolescents, a fitting tribute to the young Italian, who passed away from leukemia in 2006 at the age of 15 and is celebrated as a role model for Catholic youth worldwide.

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Tolkien was a devout Catholic. For maintaining their faith even in the face of opposition from their paternal family, their family financial aid was withdrawn when his father died. Ronald felt that his mother was a true martyr of the faith for her firmness in the face of difficulties, reinforcing his beliefs. She attended Mass daily with deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. Her oldest son, John, was ordained a priest.

In several letters, Tolkien stressed the power of the Eucharist to strengthen the faith. In a 1941 letter to his son Michael, he described the Most Holy Sacrament as a source of “delight, glory, honour, fidelity and the true path of all love on earth,” a passage quoted by Pope Francis in his Christmas Mass homily in 2023.

After getting engaged in 1913, his girlfriend Edith converted to Catholicism and they married on March 22, 1916. They had four children. Tolkien was born in the Orange Free State, today part of South Africa, and translated the Ave Maria and the «Sub Tuum Praesidium» into Quenya, an artificial language of Arda that he placed in the fictitious universe created for the narration of his novel. He was inspired by the Virgin to create the figure of Galadriel, a character from «The Lord of the Rings.”

Tolkien’s novels were popular: “The Hobbit” was published in 1937, and was written originally for his children. “The Lord of the Rings,” subdivided in three volumes, was published between 1954 and 1955. In 1953 he wrote Jesuit Father Robert Murray, commenting that this narration was “an intrinsically Catholic work.”

Several groups have promoted Tolkien’s Beatification. In 2015, Father Daniele Ercoli of Turin, and English Catholic Associations asked Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham to begin the author’s process of Canonization.

Archbishop Longley expressed his gratitude for the efforts of the Tolkien Society and delegated the promotion of the Cause of Beatification to Father Julian Booth. The Cause continues open.

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The diocesan investigation was begun by the Ecclesiastical Court of the Archdiocese of Trento. After obtaining the consent of both  the Archbishop of Trento as well as of the Cardinal Vicar of the Holy Father for the diocese of Rome, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints transmitted the rescript, granting the transfer of the jurisdiction of the forum to the diocese of Rome.

The Court that carried out the diocesan investigation in Rome was made up of Monsignor Giuseppe D’Alonzo, Episcopal Delegate; Don Andrea  De Matteis, Promoter of Justice; and Marcello Terramani, Acting Notary. Doctor Paolo Vilotta is the Postulator of De Gasperi’s Cause of Beatification and Canonization.

All procedural documents, in duplicate, sealed in sealed containers, were delivered to Paolo Vilotta, designated as gatekeeper, with the task of transmitting them to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

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The announcement, made by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, reflects the continued resonance of Mother Teresa’s mission of mercy. The decree, signed by Cardinal Arthur Roche, acknowledges the countless requests from bishops, priests, religious communities, and lay faithful who sought a formal place for her commemoration in the Church’s liturgical life.

Although she was canonized in 2016, many still call her simply «Mother Teresa,» a title that speaks to the deep personal connection people feel toward her. During her canonization, Pope Francis remarked that her sanctity is «so close to us, so tender and fruitful, that we instinctively continue to call her ‘Mother.'» The decision to include her in the Church’s official calendar only reinforces this sentiment, ensuring that future generations will continue to reflect on her extraordinary witness of love and service.

Born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910 in what is now North Macedonia, Mother Teresa left home as a teenager to join the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland before beginning her work in India. There, she heard what she described as a «call within a call»—a divine summons to serve «the poorest of the poor.» She left her convent, walked the streets of Calcutta, and devoted herself to the dying, the abandoned, and the destitute. In 1950, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, which continues to serve the marginalized in over 130 countries.

The decree introducing her liturgical memorial highlights the profound impact of her work. It describes her as a «tireless worker of charity» who restored dignity to those the world had discarded. It also recalls Christ’s words from the Gospel of Mark: «Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.» These words, the document notes, encapsulate Mother Teresa’s entire life.

The Church portrays her as a modern Good Samaritan, someone who saw suffering not as an abstract concept but as a personal call to action. The decree notes how she embodied mercy, becoming «the salt» that gave flavor to love and «the light» that illuminated the darkness of suffering. Her mission was not simply to provide physical aid but to answer a deeper, spiritual hunger—the longing for love, dignity, and belonging.

One of the most profound moments of her journey came from the Gospel itself. The decree recalls how Jesus’ words from the cross—»I thirst»—became the driving force of her mission. She understood this not merely as a physical thirst but as Christ’s plea for love, for souls, for presence. Every action she took was her response to that cry, an effort to quench the thirst of Christ by serving Him in those who were suffering.

By adding her to the General Roman Calendar, the Church is not just honoring a saint—it is inviting the faithful to reflect on a radical call to love. The liturgical texts, which will now be included in Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, will guide prayers and readings that encourage believers to follow her example of humility and service.

Her legacy was recognized far beyond the Church. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she refused the traditional banquet, asking instead that the funds be given to the poor of India. She walked into places others feared to go, offering her hands to lepers, AIDS patients, and those left to die on the streets. She stood before world leaders and called them to account for their failure to care for the weak.

Although she passed away in 1997, Mother Teresa’s work continues. Her Missionaries of Charity remain a presence in the most neglected corners of the world, serving those who have nowhere else to turn. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 2003, and Pope Francis canonized her in 2016, during the Jubilee of Mercy—a fitting moment for a woman who embodied that very virtue.

Now, with her name officially inscribed in the Church’s calendar, her message remains ever-present: Love, in its purest form, is found in serving others. And that is a lesson the world will always need.

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Born in 1973 in San Martín de los Andes, Cecilia María grew up as one of ten siblings in a military family. Despite the challenges of frequent relocations, she was deeply inspired by the faith she encountered through her family and education. Her calling to the Carmelite order began to take shape during her university years, when the writings of St. Teresa of Ávila awakened in her a desire for intimacy with Christ.

After a winding journey of discernment—including time in two other Carmelite communities—Sister Cecilia María finally found her home in the Carmelite convent of Santa Fe. There, she embraced the contemplative life with a warmth and humanity that would become her hallmark.

 A Life Radiating Joy

Those who knew Sister Cecilia María describe her as a beacon of joy and empathy. Her smile, often visible even in her final days of suffering, became a symbol of her profound spiritual peace. “She had the gift of connecting with people,” recalls Sister Fabiana Guadalupe Retamal, a fellow Carmelite. “Even in her hardest moments, her smile came from the depths of her heart. It wasn’t forced—it was a reflection of her trust in God.”

Sister Cecilia María’s humility extended to her candid self-reflection. In the throes of her illness, she admitted to a fellow nun, “My great sin was doing things my way, my whims. There were times I scared myself with my stubbornness.” Yet even these admissions were accompanied by a characteristic lightheartedness and a readiness to laugh at her own shortcomings.

A Public Witness to Grace in Suffering

In late 2015, during the Advent season and the Jubilee Year of Mercy, Sister Cecilia María received a devastating diagnosis: cancer of the tongue, with metastasis to a lymph node. Despite the pain and grueling treatments, she exuded a sense of peace that astonished those around her.

A poignant image of her, lying in a hospital bed with a serene smile on her face, went viral shortly before her death in June 2016. The photo encapsulated her ability to radiate hope and beauty even in the face of profound suffering. In one of her final letters to her family, she wrote, “I feel the pain growing, but I am not alone. Together, we will follow the Lamb.”

A Legacy of Faith and Intercession

Since her passing, Sister Cecilia María’s reputation for sanctity has only grown. Pilgrims visit her convent, and her intercession is sought by many who are moved by her story. Testimonies of graces and favors received through her prayers are pouring in, contributing to the evidence required for her canonization process.

The beatification process officially commenced with Archbishop Fenoy’s edict on February 14, 2024. The first public session, including a special Mass, will take place on February 23, 2025, at the Carmelite convent of San José and Santa Teresa in Santa Fe.

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An Extraordinary Sacrifice During Revolutionary Turmoil

The story of the Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne is one of unyielding faith amid persecution. During the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror, when religious orders were disbanded and clergy faced brutal suppression, these nuns, led by Mother Teresa of Saint Augustine, vowed to offer their lives for the end of the Revolution and the restoration of the Church in France.

Expelled from their convent in 1792, the sisters secretly continued their communal life of prayer and penance until their arrest two years later. On July 17, 1794, they were guillotined in Paris, one by one, singing hymns of praise until the final moments. Their courage left a profound imprint, symbolizing faith’s triumph over fear.

A Legacy That Resonates Through History

The nuns’ ultimate sacrifice inspired not only religious devotion but also cultural works. Their story is immortalized in Francis Poulenc’s 1957 opera, “Dialogues of the Carmelites”, based on Georges Bernanos’s play, which itself drew from Gertrud von Le Fort’s novella “The Song at the Scaffold”.

Their memory was officially honored in 1906 when Pope Pius X beatified them. Now, with their canonization, their influence extends globally, offering an enduring example of resilience and conviction.

The Rare Path of Canonization Equipollente

Pope Francis’s decision to canonize the Compiègne martyrs through “equipollent canonization” underscores their already established sanctity. Unlike the traditional process requiring formal investigations, miracles, and a public ceremony, this declaration relies on historical documentation and long-standing veneration.

This process, though uncommon, has been used before by Pope Francis, notably for saints such as Peter Faber and Margaret of Castello. It affirms the Church’s recognition of individuals whose lives exemplify exceptional holiness, even without the procedural requirements of modern canonization.

A Feast of Faith and Memory

The Feast of the Martyrs of Compiègne remains July 17, a solemn remembrance of their final act of devotion. Buried in a mass grave at the Picpus Cemetery in Paris, their sacrifice is commemorated by a simple stone marker.

Faith Beyond Death

The canonization of these 16 martyrs is more than a recognition of their death; it is a celebration of the transformative power of faith. Their hymns silenced the jeers of the crowd, their sacrifice preceded the fall of Robespierre, and their memory continues to inspire those who seek hope amid adversity.

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King Baudouin’s decision to temporarily step aside remains one of the most striking moments in Belgian history. His refusal to compromise his deeply held Catholic beliefs earned him both admiration and controversy: abdicated in order not to pass the abortion law in the country. While political leaders sought to pass the controversial legislation, Baudouin chose a path that prioritized his moral convictions over political expediency—a stance that has become a cornerstone of his legacy.

Pope Francis, during his apostolic visit to Belgium in September 2024, described the late king as a beacon of courage in an era increasingly marked by moral ambiguity. “King Baudouin’s unwavering commitment to his faith and to the sanctity of life shines as a light for our times,” the pope declared, calling on the Belgian bishops to champion his cause for sainthood.

In a statement released by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, it was confirmed that the process officially began on December 17, 2024, with the establishment of a historical commission. This panel, comprising leading experts in Belgian history and archival research, is tasked with gathering and evaluating documentation related to King Baudouin’s life and deeds.

The commission’s work will delve into the extensive archives, seeking evidence of Baudouin’s virtues and spiritual impact. The aim is to demonstrate that his life embodied the qualities of heroism in faith, hope, and charity required for beatification.

During his visit to Belgium, Pope Francis made a poignant stop at King Baudouin’s tomb in the Royal Crypt beneath the Church of Our Lady of Laeken. Joined by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, the pope reflected on the late king’s example of leadership grounded in integrity. “In a world where laws increasingly stray from the sanctity of life, Baudouin’s choice was a prophetic act,” the pope remarked.

The culmination of the papal visit came during a Mass at a stadium named in Baudouin’s honor, where Pope Francis formally announced the opening of the cause. “May his life inspire current leaders to govern with a conscience rooted in truth and compassion,” he implored.

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A Fusion of Science and Faith 

Cícero Moraes, renowned for his digital reconstructions of religious figures, collaborated with experts to bring Saint Nicholas to life through advanced forensic facial reconstruction techniques. The project, which combines science with the rich traditions of the Catholic Church, sought to humanize the relics of the revered saint and offer a glimpse into the past.

Moraes worked alongside Dr. José Luis Lira, a scholar of Catholic saints, and Dr. Thiago Beaini, a dentist specializing in forensic analysis. Using cranial data collected during the 1950s restoration of the crypt in the Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari, Italy, where the saint’s remains are housed, the team meticulously recreated his visage.  

The Process Behind the Portrait

The reconstruction process relied on facial approximation techniques that use skeletal remains to infer physical features. This method, widely employed in forensic science, bridges the gap between archaeology and modern visualization.

“We bring the saints’ faces closer to reality, offering a tangible connection to their historical existence,” explains Moraes. “This isn’t just about visualizing the past; it’s about fostering empathy and understanding. While faith transcends appearance, a face can spark a personal connection.”

The research was documented in a scientific article published by Ortog Online, detailing the intricate steps of the reconstruction.

Beyond the Bearded Icon

The result? A strikingly human image of Saint Nicholas, with features that align with the time and region he lived in—far removed from the jovial Santa Claus of modern folklore. This new depiction portrays a solemn, weathered face, reflecting the life of a man who was known for his humility, piety, and acts of generosity.

The reconstruction offers more than a historical portrait; it also serves as a tool for examining the saint’s life and legacy. “By studying his remains, we not only honor his memory but also uncover details about his physical health, diet, and even the conditions of his time,” notes Moraes.

A Face to Remember, Not to Worship

While the project has been met with fascination, Moraes is quick to emphasize that the image is not meant to alter faith. “The veneration of saints isn’t rooted in their physical appearance but in their virtues and deeds,” he says. “This is a bridge to understanding, not a pillar of devotion.”

Reconnecting with History

This isn’t Moraes’s first foray into religious reconstructions. He has previously recreated the faces of figures like Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Catherine of Genoa. Each project serves as a reminder of the enduring intersection between history, faith, and science.

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A Jubilee Marked by Light

Pope Francis pointed out how this special pilgrimage of Saint Lucy’s remains symbolizes not only an act of faith but also a call to communion and hope. In his message, the Holy Father said that this movement of the Saint to her birthplace embodies “the mystery of a God who always takes the first step,” reminding the faithful that they are called to be “men and women of the first step” in their own life of faith.

The Saint, known as the protectress of sight and symbol of light in the midst of darkness, will return temporarily to the place where she was born and where, according to tradition, she offered her life for Christ. For Syracuse, this event is much more than a ceremonial act: it is an opportunity to renew spiritual fervor and to strengthen its ties with Venice, the city that kept her remains for centuries.

Lucy, Witness of Faith and Woman’s Dignity

In his letter, Pope Francis reflects  on the figure of Saint Lucy, not only as martyr but also as a powerful example of the unique contribution of women in the life of the Church and society. “Lucy is a woman and her holiness indicates up to what point women have their own ways of following the Lord,” wrote the Pontiff.

He recalled that since Jesus’ times, women have played a crucial role in the transmission of the faith, being bearers of a love and an intelligence that have illumined the ways of the Church. According to the Holy Father, Saint Lucy’s testimony continues to challenge any power that attempts to relegate women’s voice to invisibility and silence.

The Pope pointed out that the Saint is a vigorous symbol of dignity and vision, an invitation to Christians to look beyond the shadows of egoism and lies that destroy fraternity.

An Exchange of Gifts Between Two Cities

The translation of Saint Lucy’s remains not only unites two cities, but also becomes a tangible sign of unity and fraternity between the particular Churches of Venice and Syracuse. The Holy Fafher stressed that “there is light where there is an exchange of gifts, where a treasure is richness for others.”

This act of communion challenges the logic of confrontation and rivalry, recalling that true wealth is not found in accumulating but in sharing. Saint Lucy, whose name means “light”, becomes again a beacon for a world that urgently needs gestures of solidarity and reconciliation.

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