How the Vatican is getting ready for the canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII




Both Rome and the Vatican are getting ready for the canonization ceremony of John Paul II and John XXIII. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesman
"If St. Peter's Square is full and if the crowd extends all the way to the Tiber River, then we estimate about 200 to 250,000 people. It will be tight.”

The Mass will be held on Sunday April 27th at 10.00a.m. Pope Francis will preside over it, but  there may be another Pope there as well.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesman
"Clearly there is an expectation, especially after Benedict XVI attended the last consistory. In an interview, Pope Francis described him as an  institution, encouraging him to take part in the life of the Church. Without a doubt he has been invited, but it's still a month away. We'll have to see if he decides to go.”

Front and center will be the two women who were miraculously cured through the intercession of John Paul II.  From Costa Rica, Floribeth Mora and from France, Sister Marie Simon Pierre.

Later that afternoon, St. Peter's Basilica will be open to the public so that pilgrims can pray before the tombs of the two new saints.

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesman
"The slab that currently reads Blessed John Paul II will be changed with the word 'Saint.' So his tombstone will be replaced for the celebration.”

Part of the celebration will begin a day before. On Saturday April 26th, at 9.00 a.m. 11 Roman parishes will be open for Confession. In addition, pamphlets on the life and deeds of the future saints, will be available in several languages.

MSGR.WALTER INSERO
Communications Director, Vicariate of Rome
"The Church doesn't make saints. What the Church will do is recognize that these two great Popes, John Paul II and John XXIII, lived a saintly life.”

With less than a month to go, the Vatican has launched a website for the coming canonization: www.2papisanti.org 

-

Comments

Post a Comment

Comments are moderated and are published at the blogger's discretion.

Blog Archive

Show more

Popular posts from this blog

The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi

Image
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the...
Read more

Saint Michael de Sanctis: Patron of Cancer Patients

Image
Today is the feast of Saint Michael de Sanctis, also known as St. Michael of the Saints, a Spanish Discalced Trinitarian priest, the patron of cancer patients. Michael Argemir was born on September 29, 1591 at Vic, Catalonia, Spain. At age 6, he told his parents that he planned to become a monk and began modeling his life after Saint Francis of Assisi. Michael’s parents died when he was about ten years old. He then served as an apprentice with a local merchant. During this apprenticeship, he continued his fervent devotion to the Lord, especially to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the age of 12, he joined the Trinitarian Friars at Barcelona, taking his vows at St. Lambert’s monastery in Saragosa four years later.  Shortly afterwards, Michael expressed a desire to join the reformed group of Trinitarians and was given permission to do so. He went to the Novitiate at Madrid and, after studies at Seville and Salamanca, he was ordained a priest. Twice he served as Superior of the...
Read more

St. Raymond Nonnatus, Patron of Expectant Mothers, Midwives, and Newborn Babies

Image
The saint of the day for August 31 is St. Raymond Nonnatus. He is the patron of expectant mothers, midwives, obstetricians, infertile couples, and newborn babies. Raymond was born at Portella, Catalonia, Spain in 1204, the son of wealthy parents. He was delivered by cesarean section when his mother died in childbirth. Hence his name non natus (not born). In his childhood, he seemed to find pleasure only in his devotions and serious duties. His father, sensing that Raymond was drawn to religious life, ordered him to manage one of the family farms. Raymond readily obeyed but spent his time with the shepherds and workers, studying and praying until his father abandoned the idea of making his son a worldly success. Raymond later joined the the Order of Our Lady of Mercy or the Mercederians, which was founded by St. Peter Nolasco, who devoted to ransoming Christians captured by the Moors. He succeeded Peter as chief ransomer and went to Algeria to ransom slaves. He remained as h...
Read more