This is happening for the first time in history. Among the five Portuguese people canonized this century are three women and two men. And for the ascent to universal holiness, the most advanced processes are those of two women: Joana Princessa and Alexandrina de Balazar.
Paths to sainthood are dominated by men (of the eleven Portuguese saints, eight are men and only three are women), but this appears to be changing.
The patron saint of the Diocese of Aveiro, Blessed Joana Princessa, should be canonized by decree, given the antiquity of the cult, which is already more than four centuries old.
As for Alexandrina de Balazar, she was beatified twenty years ago and is awaiting clinical and theological confirmation of a miracle so that she can be declared a saint of the Church. Known as “Santiña de Balasar”, she still has a remarkable cult and a shrine will be built and dedicated to her in her home parish.
Of those who have ascended to the altars this century, in addition to Alexandrina de Balazar, those awaiting canonization are Blessed Rita Amada de Jesus and Maria Clara do Menino Jesus, as well as Blessed Mario Felix and Manuel Pereira, those martyrs of the Spanish Civil War.
As for the Portuguese already declared venerable, those closest to beatification are Sister Lucia, seer of Fatima, and Father America, creator of the Casa do Gaiato.
TO LEARN MORE
32 TRIALS IN ROME
In Portugal, there are 32 ongoing trials in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome. Fifteen for beatification and seventeen for canonization. The most popular are the works of Sister Lucia, Father Cruz and Father America. STEPS TO HOLINESS
Essentially, there are four stages of ascent to universal holiness: proclamation as a servant of God, affirmation of heroic virtues (honest), beatification and canonization. The last two require a miracle.
32 TRIALS IN ROME
In Portugal, there are 32 ongoing trials in the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in Rome. Fifteen for beatification and seventeen for canonization. The most popular are the works of Sister Lucia, Father Cruz and Father America. STEPS TO HOLINESS
Essentially, there are four stages of ascent to universal holiness: proclamation as a servant of God, affirmation of heroic virtues (honest), beatification and canonization. The last two require a miracle.
Author: Secundino Cunha
Source: CM Jornal
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