Six new saints

Blesseds Giovanni Antonio Farina (1803-1888), Kuriakose Elias Chavara of the Holy Family (1805-1871), Ludovico da Casoria (1814-1885), Nicola da Longobardi (1650-1709), Eufrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart (1877-1952) and Amato Ronconi (1226-1292) were canonized by the Pope. The Canonization Mass was celebrated on the Feast of Christ the King.

Pope Francis commented on the canonization of the six new Saints, saying that each one, in their own way, served the Kingdom of God. Contrasting their lives with the righteous in the Gospel, the Holy Father said that each one responded “with extraordinary creativity to the commandment of love of God and neighbour.”

“They dedicated themselves, without holding back, to serving the least and assisting the destitute, sick, elderly and pilgrims,” he said. “Their preference for the smallest and poorest was the reflection and measure of their unconditional love of God.”

Saint Giovanni Antonio Farina (in the picture) is the founder of the Teaching Sisters of Saint Dorothy (Daughters of the Sacred Hearts), who are very present in the Holy Land. We wish them every blessing on this great day!