Monday, April 1, 2013

Vatican proclaims 65 new 20th-century Catholic martyrs

Vatican proclaims 65 new 20th-century martyrs

CWN - March 28, 2013


 
The Vatican has issued a series of proclamations proclaimed 65 new martyrs, all from the 20th century.
In a series of decrees issued on March 27 with the approval of Pope Francis, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints testified to the martyrdom of people from Spain, Romania, Germany, Hungary, and Italy. [See the link for a complete listing of the new 20th-century martyrs.]
The Congregation also affirmed a miracle attributed to the intercession of Maria Theresa Bonzel (1830- 1905), the German founder of the Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration. Like the martyrs named on the same day, she is now eligible for beatification.
Finally, the Vatican decrees attested to the "heroic virtue" of 7 candidates: 5 priests, one lay brother, and a laywoman. All could become eligible for beatification if a miracle is attributed to their intercession.
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