Madrid, Spain, May 31, 2012 / 11:04 am
The diocesan phase has concluded for the sainthood cause of Rebeca Rocamora, a Spanish catechist who died in 1996 at the age of 20 after a long illness and was known for her tireless service to others.
The announcement was made on Pentecost Sunday by Bishop Rafael Palmero of Orihuela-Alicante at the parish of St. Peter the Apostle in Granja de Rocamora, where Rebeca was baptized in 1975. Her family and many of her friends were in attendance.
The dossier on her life of virtue and reputation of holiness will be sent to the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints. Rebeca Rocamora's cause for canonization was opened in 2009.
The Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante said Rebeca’s life “was always linked to the Church. Despite suffering from a severe illness at the age of 10, she did not lose her faith and even became a catechist. Her story has left a mark on her family, friends and neighbors.”
Bishop Palmero opened her cause on March 14, 2009, “so that her example would serve as an inspiration to young people and to catechists.”
Rebeca was born into a devout Catholic family on Sept. 7, 1975, in Granja de Rocamora. Blond haired and blue-eyed, she stood out for her smile, innocence and vitality.
In 1985 she contracted a grave illness, which she accepted with courage and strength, becoming an example of joy, humility, simplicity and charity for others.
According to the diocese, “Later on, a new and unforeseen illness befell her, and her soul matured quickly. She encouraged everyone and accepted her plight. Many testimonies bear witness to the human and Christian virtues she lived intimately on a daily basis in a hidden but extraordinary way and which point to a heart filled with great and profound faith.
During her final days, her response to those who insisted she pray for good health was: 'The Lord already knows that if it is of benefit to me, he will grant it. I pray that he will increase my faith.'”
Rebeca died at the age of 20 on Pentecost Sunday, May 26, 1996, leaving behind a testimony of a life full of youth and service to God. More information on Rebeca can be found at:
www.rebecarocamora.es