Pope Leo XIV canonized physician Jose Gregorio Hernandez and nun Carmen Rendiles Martinez, Venezuela's first saints. This event took place against the backdrop of an economic crisis and political instability in the country, uniting thousands of believers.
Pope Leo XIV declared Dr. José Gregorio Hernández and nun Carmen Rendiles Martínez as the first saints of Venezuela, immortalizing their devotion to faith and service to people. This was reported by Newsweek, according to UNN.
Details
It is noted that this event became important for Venezuelans both in St. Peter's Basilica and in the country itself, which is experiencing an economic crisis and political instability.
The ceremony took place against the backdrop of recent events: the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to opposition leader María Corina Machado and US military operations in the Caribbean, which led to the death of more than two dozen people due to strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels.
During Sunday mass in St. Peter's Square, tens of thousands of people witnessed the proclamation of seven new saints from different countries, including two from Venezuela. Among the new saints:
- Ignatius Shukrallah Maloyan;
- Peter To Rot, the first saint from Papua New Guinea;
- Vincenza Maria Poloni;
- Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles Martinez;
- Maria Troncatty;
- José Gregorio Hernández Sinceros;
- Bartolo Longo.
Today before us are seven witnesses, new saints, who, thanks to God's grace, have kept the lamp of faith, becoming lamps themselves, capable of spreading the light of Christ
– said the pontiff in his address.
Venezuelan flags fluttered in the squares, and pilgrims wore T-shirts with images and names of the new saints. Despite political turmoil and economic crisis, people united to watch the ceremony online.
About the new saints
José Gregorio Hernández, known as the "doctor of the poor," did not charge for treating low-income patients and often paid for their medicines himself. He worked as a doctor in Caracas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was a professor of practical pathology, and founded the department of bacteriology at the University of Caracas.
Mother Carmen Rendiles Martínez was a nun and founder of the Servants of Jesus order. Born in 1903 in Caracas with one arm. She and Hernández were depicted in numerous murals in Venezuela and neighboring countries.
Reference
Holiness is the official recognition by the Church that a person has lived a life dedicated to faith and service, and is now in heaven, serving as an example of Christian devotion and virtues.
Recall
Pope Leo XIV criticized the "bubble of comfort and luxury" of the rich, confirming agreement with his predecessor Francis regarding social and economic injustice. In his first magisterial document "Dilexi te," he emphasized Christianity's constant concern for the poor.
Forbade the OCU from performing his funeral service and called for the creation of a single independent UOC: Filaret published his spiritual will19.10.25, 23:58 • 3874 views
