Pope Francis has approved decrees that will advance the sainthood causes of five individuals. Among those recognized are Blessed Peter To Rot of Papua New Guinea, Blessed Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan of Turkey, and Blessed María Carmen of Venezuela. Peter To Rot will be the first saint from Papua New Guinea, and Ignatius Maloyan was martyred during the Armenian genocide. The Vatican has yet to announce dates for the canonization ceremonies, but these decrees mark a significant step in the process.
about 1 month ago
Pope Francis has approved decrees from the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, advancing the sainthood causes of five individuals 1 2 4. The decrees pave the way for three new saints, one blessed, and one venerable 1.
Blessed Peter To Rot of Papua New Guinea, Blessed Ignatius Shoukrallah Maloyan of Turkey, and Blessed María Carmen of Venezuela will be proclaimed saints 1. To Rot, a lay catechist martyred during World War II, will be the first saint from Papua New Guinea, recognized for defending Christian marriage 1 4. Maloyan, an Armenian Catholic Archbishop, was martyred in 1915 for refusing to convert to Islam during the Armenian genocide 1 2 4. María Carmen, a Venezuelan religious sister, will be the first native-born saint of Venezuela, known for her service to the Catholic faithful in schools and parishes 1 4.
Italian diocesan priest Carmelo De Palma will be beatified after a miracle was attributed to his intercession 1 2. Brazilian priest José Antônio de Maria Ibiapina has been declared a "venerable" of the Church 1. Ibiapina, in the 19th century, transitioned from a career as a lawyer, judge, and congressman to a life of priestly service among the poor 2 4.
Sanctity, or holiness, is a fundamental concept within the Catholic Church, reflecting the nature of God and the call to all believers. The Church teaches that sanctity is not merely an attribute of a select few but a universal calling for all baptized Christians. This understanding is rooted in the belief that sanctity is a gift from God, bestowed through grace and nurtured through the sacraments and a life of faith.
Sanctity, as defined by the Catholic Church, signifies a profound union with God, resulting in moral perfection. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, sanctity belongs to God by essence, while creatures possess it only by participation through divine grace. This means that any holiness exhibited by individuals is a reflection of God's holiness, which they receive as a gift.
Pope Francis emphasizes that sanctity is not something that can be earned through personal merit but is granted by Jesus Christ. He states that sanctity is the most beautiful face of the Church, representing a rediscovery of oneself in communion with God. This perspective highlights that every Christian, regardless of their state in life, is called to pursue holiness.
The Church teaches that all baptized individuals share a common vocation to holiness. This call is deeply rooted in the sacramental life, particularly through Baptism and the Eucharist, which empower believers to live out their sanctity. Pope John Paul II affirmed that every Christian is invited to pursue holiness and fulfill their unique state of life, whether as a layperson, religious, or clergy.
Moreover, sanctity is expressed through love of God and neighbor, as well as through the practice of the Gospel virtues. The International Theological Commission notes that sanctification involves a sharing in God's holiness, progressively transforming individuals to reflect Christ's image. This transformation is a continuous journey, marked by the grace received through the sacraments and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sanctity is not confined to those who withdraw from the world to pray; rather, it is manifested in everyday life. Pope Francis encourages all individuals to seek holiness in their daily activities, whether at work, home, or in community service. He asserts that every state of life provides opportunities for sanctity, urging believers to open themselves to God's grace in all circumstances.
The Church also recognizes that holiness involves a commitment to moral living, as articulated in the teachings of St. Paul, who emphasizes the importance of living in a manner befitting saints. This includes adhering to the commandments and engaging in acts of love and service, particularly towards the marginalized and suffering.
In summary, the Catholic Church's teaching on sanctity underscores that holiness is a divine gift available to all believers. It is characterized by a deep relationship with God, expressed through love and service to others. The journey towards sanctity is supported by the sacraments and the active participation of the faithful in the life of the Church. Ultimately, every Christian is called to embrace this path, reflecting God's love and grace in their lives.