These portraits hanging on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica show the Catholic Church's four newest saints. They were raised to the altars during this emotional ceremony.
They included the first married couple to be canonized in the same ceremony; a Spanish nun who died less than two decades ago; and an Italian priest who evangelized to the poorest of his country.
This was the moment when Vincenzo Grossi, Mother Maria Purísima de la Cruz, Louis Martin, and Celia Guerin were raised to the altars.
Later, people connected to the saints brought relics that will stay at the Vatican.
Several sisters from Mother Maria de la Purisima's order came to the Vatican. Children who were saved by the intercession of the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux brought forth their relics.
In his homily, Pope Francis explained that Christ's humble attitude and service shows how to avoid worldliness.
POPE FRANCIS
'His answer is an invitation to follow the way of love and service, rejecting the worldly temptation to excel and rule over others. Faced with those who struggle for power and success, the disciples are called to do the opposite.â?
Further, Pope Francis explained that they were people who exercised the true authority of the Church because they lived without honors and only to serve others. He said that being worldly and living as Christ are mutually exclusive
POPE FRANCIS
'Ambition, careerism, and following Christ are incompatible. Honors, success, fame, earthly wins and the logic of the crucified Christ are incompatible. However, if there is a compatibility, it's between how Jesus was accustomed to suffering and our own suffering.â?
Pope Francis concluded by asking Christians to follow the example of Jesus, who served everyone with charity. He especially requested that they accompany the most lonely and those who have lost hope.
The Vatican's organist played music for the ceremony. In a nod to the new Spanish saint, a popular farewell song from Sevilla played while Pope Francis left St. Peter's Square in the Popemobile.
The Secret of Therese from ROME REPORTS on Vimeo.
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