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October 20th, Canonization of 14 Saints

Pope Francis announced the canonization of 14 new saints at a Synod of Bishops. This is the fourth synod to have canonized, following those of 2015 (3 saints), 2018 (7 saints, including Paul VI and Oscar Romero), and 2019 (5 saints). The new saints proclaimed include Father Giuseppe Allamano, Sister Elena Guerra, Sister Marie-Léonie Paradis, and eleven Martyrs of Damascus.

Giuseppe Allamano (1851-1926), canonized today, is known for founding the Institute of the Consolata Missionaries and the Consolata Missionary Sisters. Although he never went on a mission, he devoted his life to missionary formation and the renovation of the Consolata Shrine.

Sister Elena Guerra (1835-1914) lived a life dedicated to education and devotion to the Holy Spirit, publishing works that also influenced the Church. Her cause for canonization was reopened after a miracle attributed to her intercession in 2010.

Sister Marie-Léonie Paradis (1840-1912) founded the "Little Sisters of the Holy Family", dedicating herself to serving in colleges and seminaries. She was beatified in 1984, with a subsequent miraculous healing recognized for her canonization.

The Martyrs of Damascus, eight Franciscan friars and three lay people, were killed in 1860 during persecutions against Christians in Lebanon and Syria. Their canonization represents a message of peace and dialogue in a troubled Middle Eastern context.

These saints, with their exemplary lives, offer a call to faith and mission.

16 October 2024