VATICAN CITY, JAN. 20, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI has authorized the promulgation of decrees recognizing heroic virtue and miracles attributed to almost a dozen Servants of God.
On Saturday, the Pope received in private audience Archbishop Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, and authorized the congregation to promulgate the following decrees.
Miracles attributed to the intercession of the following:
-- Ciriaco María Sancha y Hervás (1833-1909), Spanish cardinal archbishop of Toledo, founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity.
-- Carlo Gnocchi (1902-1956), Italian diocesan priest and founder of the "Fondazione Pro Juventute."
-- Bernardo Francisco de Hoyos (1711-1735), Spanish professed priest of the Society of Jesus.
-- Raphael Rafiringa (1856-1919) (born Louis), Madagascan professed religious of the Institute of Brothers of Christian Schools.
-- Eustachio Kugler (1867-1946) (born Joseph), German professed religious of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God.
Proclamation of the heroic virtue of the following was also approved:
-- Juan de Palafox y Mendoza (1600-1659), Spanish bishop of Osma.
-- Robert Spiske (1821-1888), Polish diocesan priest and founder of the Congregation of Sisters of St. Hedwig.
-- Carolina Beltrami (1869-1932), Italian founder of the Immaculatine Sisters.
-- María Salvat Romero (1926-1998) (born Maria Isabella), Spanish superior-general of the Sisters of the Cross.
-- Liberata Ferrarons y Vives (1803-1842), Spanish laywoman of the Third Order of Carmelites.
Last month, the Holy Father also approved a decree promulgating the heroic virtue of José Tous y Soler (1811-1871), Spanish professed priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins and founder of the Capuchin sisters of the Mother of the Divine Shepherd.
