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Ärende: Vatican Information Service (Press Release)
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                               VIS-Press releases

BENEDICT XVI CANONIZES FOUR BLESSEDS

VATICAN CITY, JUN 3, 2007 (VIS) - Today, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity,
the Pope presided at a Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter's Square during
which he canonized the Blesseds: George Preca (1880-1962), Szymon of Lipnica
(1435-1482), Karel van Sint Andries Houben (1821-1893) and Marie-Eugenie de
Jesus Milleret (1817-1898).

Among those participating in the ceremony, which was held under pouring rain,
were Edward Fenech Adami, president of Malta, Mary McAleese, president of
Ireland, Lech Kaczynski, president of Poland and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,
president of the Philippines.

In his homily, the Holy Father explained how "each individual saint shares in
the richness of Christ, drawn from the Father and communicated at the
appropriate time. Sanctity is always the sanctity of Jesus, it is always He -
the 'Saint' - that the Spirit molds in 'holy souls' in order to create friends
of Jesus and witnesses of His sanctity."

Making reference to George Preca, the first Maltese saint and founder of
"Societas Doctrinae Christianae," Benedict XVI described him as "a priest
entirely dedicated to evangelization, through his preaching, his writings, his
spiritual guidance and the administration of the Sacraments, and above all
through the example of his life." May this saint, he said, "help the Church, in
Malta and in the world, always to be the faithful echo of the voice of God, the
Word incarnate."

Speaking of the Polish St. Szymon of Lipnica of the Order of Friars Minor, "a
great son of Poland, witness of Christ and follower of the spirituality of St.
Francis of Assisi," the Pope indicated how, "full of the mercy he found in the
Eucharist, he did not hesitate to bring succor to victims of the plague, and
himself contracted the illness which took him to his grave. Today we
particularly entrust to his protection those suffering from poverty, sickness,
solitude and social injustice. Through his intercession we ask to be granted
the grace of persevering and active love for Christ and for our fellow man."

"During his many years of priestly ministry in England and Ireland," said the
Pope referring to the Dutch priest Karel van Sint Andries Houben of the
Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, "the people flocked to
him to seek out his wise counsel, his compassionate care and his healing touch.
In the sick and the suffering he recognized the face of the crucified Christ,
to whom he had a lifelong devotion."

The French saint, Marie-Eugenie de Jesus Milleret, foundress of the Institute
of Sisters of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, "reminds us," said Pope
Benedict, "of the importance of the Eucharist for Christian life and for
spiritual growth. ... She was especially aware of the importance of giving new
generations, and in particular young girls, an intellectual, moral and
spiritual formation to ensure they become adults capable of taking
responsibility for their families, and of offering their contribution to the
Church and to society.

"Throughout her existence," he added, "she found the strength for her mission
in a life of prayer, uninterruptedly linking contemplation and action. May the
example of St. Marie-Eugenie inspire men and women today to transmit to young
people the values that will help them to become strong adults and joyful
witnesses of the Risen Christ."
HML/CANONIZATION/...VIS 070604 (550)

SUMMARY

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