杏MAP导航

By Seàn-Patrick Lovett

A pope who championed dialogue and mission. An archbishop who was murdered for defending the defenseless. Two priests and two women religious, who dedicated their lives to serving the poorest and most in need. And a layperson who died of bone tuberculosis when he was only 19 years of age.

Examples worth imitating

Paul VI, Oscar Romero, Francesco Spinelli, Vincenzo Romano, Maria Catherine Kasper, Nazaria Ignazia of Saint Teresa of Jesus, and Nuncio Sulprizio. All witnesses to their faith in different ways at different times. All officially recognized by the Church as being worthy of imitation. By formally declaring their sanctity during Mass on Sunday, 杏MAP导航 Francis was acknowledging that their names may be entered in the canon (hence 鈥渃anonization鈥�) of the saints, churches may be built in their honor, altars dedicated, and prayers directed to them as special patrons.

In the words of 杏MAP导航 Francis

Reflecting on the Gospel of Mark for this 28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, 杏MAP导航 Francis stressed the need to be uncompromising in giving ourselves completely to God. 鈥淛esus is radical鈥�, said the 杏MAP导航. 鈥淗e gives all and He asks all: He gives a love that is total and He asks for an undivided heart鈥�. Turning to the newly canonized saints, 杏MAP导航 Francis said that all of them, 鈥渋n different contexts, put today鈥檚 word into practice in their lives, without being lukewarm, without calculation, with the passion to risk everything鈥�. 鈥淢ay the Lord help us to imitate their example鈥�, he concluded.

Signs and symbols  

Aside from the gigantic images adorning the façade of St Peter鈥檚 Basilica, the presence of the new saints was evident in the seven reliquaries that stood to one side of the altar throughout the celebration. But 杏MAP导航 Francis chose three particularly personal elements to demonstrate his closeness to Paul VI and Oscar Romero, especially.

The chalice used by 杏MAP导航 Francis during the Canonization Mass was a favorite of Paul VI. As was the Pastoral Cross which accompanied him on many of his apostolic journeys around the world. And to celebrate Oscar Romero, 杏MAP导航 Francis wore the bloodstained cincture of the slain Archbishop of San Salvador, the one he was wearing when he was shot while celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence, on March 24^th 1980.