Canonization plans for 6 new saints, including Bl. Mary Mackillop, Bl. Andre Bessette

February 12, 2010

The Vatican has announced that an ordinary consistory will be held on February 19 to approve plans for the canonization of six new saints, including Blessed Andre Bessette and Blessed Mary MacKillop. An ordinary consistory is a meeting of all the cardinals who are in Rome at the time, at which the Holy Father presides.

In December, Pope Benedict XVI approved decrees testifying to the authenticity of miracles attributed to six candidates for canonization. The February 19 session will be asked to approve plans for their canonization ceremonies. The six new saints will be:

1. Blessed Stanislaus Soltys (Kazimierczyk) (1433-89), a Polish religious whose liturgical cult was formally recognized by Pope John Paul in 1993;
2. Blessed André Bessette (1845-1937), a Canadian Holy Cross brother who reputation for sanctity and for miracles drew countless thousands of people to the Oratory of St. Joseph in Montreal;
3. Blessed Mary MacKillop (1842-1909), who founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart and will become Australia’s first canonized saint;
4. Blessed Giulia Salzano (1846-1929), foundress of the Congregation of the Catechetical Sisters of the Sacred Heart;
5. Blessed Camilla Battista da Varano (1458-1524), an Italian Poor Clare nun; and
6. Blessed Candida Maria de Jesus Cipitria y Barriola (1845-1912)., the Spanish founder of the congregation of the Daughters of Jesus.M

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Consistory on Several Causes of Canonization (VIS)
• Popes Pius XII, John Paul II declared 'venerable' (CWN, 12/19/09)