Vatican City, Oct 23, 2010 / 09:03 am
The saints are “fascinating guides” to faith, hope and love who show that ordinary people bring God's comfort and light to the world, commented Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi.
On Oct. 17, Pope Benedict XVI canonized the Church's six newest saints in St. Peter Square. Fr. Lombardi commented on this event during his "Octava Dies" (Eighth Day) weekly television editorial this week.
This year's canonizations were particularly special, he explained, because of the origins of two of the saints in the group, Sts. Mary MacKillop and Andre Bessette. They hail from two nations with few canonized saints, Australia and Canada.
Canadian and Australian pilgrims flew their flags throughout the square before and after the ceremony. They were joined in the celebration by many others from Spain, Italy and Poland, the homelands of the four other new saints.
In a canonization, said Fr. Lombardi, the Church solemnly proposes the Christian life of a person, recognizing something that is "already understood" among the people. This understanding, he explained, is that "certain people," the saints, "embody the Gospel in an extraordinary and exemplary way." Thus, they become "spiritual friends for whoever encounters them and fascinating guides to discovering the love of God, faith and hope," he said.
"Canonizations are recognition that the Spirit of God breathes through ordinary people, like Mary and Br. Andre, and [they] produce fruits of virtue that are sources of comfort and light for many others," he continued.
The declaration sainthood is a "true celebration," he said, explaining that through this solemn recognition saints spread their faith, hope and love, even if they are not all universally popular.
"This," noted Fr. Lombardi, "is the most beautiful aspect of the Church."
In service to mankind, he said, the Church helps people from all places to "walk to meet God along the paths of holiness." Turning to all people, he concluded, "we need to learn to see the Church in this perspective and continuously renew her, beginning with ourselves."
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA