Pope Francis has officially announced the upcoming consistory dedicated to the canonizations of two important figures within the Catholic Church: Blessed Bartolo Longo and Blessed Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros. This announcement, made during the Pontiff's stay at the Gemelli Polyclinic, highlights the Vatican’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose lives exemplified service and faith.
The announcement occurred following approval from the ordinary session of cardinals and bishops of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which Pope Francis authorized to promulgate decrees concerning new saints and blesseds. Longo, who founded the famous Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii, held great influence not only among Italian pilgrims but also from around the globe. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 26, 1980, and his life story is marked by dedication and charity.
Giuseppe Gregorio Hernández Cisneros, known as the "physician of the poor," was another key figure chosen for canonization. Born on October 26, 1864, Hernández dedicated his life to serving those less fortunate and was also part of the Third Regular Order of Saint Francis. Tragically, he died following an accident on June 29, 1919, when he was on his way to visit someone who was ill. His legacy as a devoted medical professional continues to inspire many.
The details surrounding Hernández’s life underline his unwavering commitment to the sick, reflecting values central to the Church’s mission of charity. His push toward priestly ordination was interrupted by illness, yet he returned to Venezuela to serve his community through medicine, illustrating the intersection of faith and service.
During the consistory, Pope Francis will also discuss other individuals destined for canonization, including Salvo D’Acquisto, who was killed by the SS during World War II, and Father Emil Joseph Kapaun, an American chaplain who died as a prisoner of war in North Korea. Each of these figures displayed extraordinary feats of courage and selflessness, making their recognition significant for the Church today.
What is the significance of the consistory itself? According to the Vatican, the term "consistory" derives from the late Latin word "consistorium," which means "assembly" or "meeting." The consistory functions as a formal gathering of the Pope and the cardinals to discuss and decide on key issues affecting the Church. There are different types of consistories – ordinary ones address new cardinal appointments and canonizations, whereas extraordinary consistories often tackle urgent matters or specialized issues.
Pope Francis’s timing for calling this consistory appears deliberate, likely aligned with the upcoming Holy Year. It not only prepares for upcoming canonizations but also signals to the Curia his intent to move forward with key Church decisions during his papacy.
The discussions will reiterate the core values of the Catholic Church, built upon faith and service, as the Pope emphasizes the importance of recognizing saints as models for the faithful. The consistory serves as both administrative function and symbolic gesture of continuity within Church traditions and the collective memory of its followers.
Each consistory holds historical weight and can act as reflections of the broader societal contexts within which the Church operates. It paves the way for the Church to engage with its members actively and honor those who have made extraordinary contributions to faith through their lived experiences.
Traditionally, newly appointed cardinals receive their red hats and rings during the consistory, marking their new responsibilities and commitment to the Church. The last extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Francis took place to address family issues and pastoral care, showcasing the flexibility of this gathering to adapt to contemporary Christian challenges.
Pope Francis's intention to recognize saints reflects his broader agenda to inspire the Church community to embrace figures of genuine faith and charity. Canonizations immerse the Church community with lived examples of holiness, mentoring the faithful toward living out the values espoused by Christ.
Interestingly, the very first consistory is recorded to have occurred during the early centuries of the Church, but it was Pope Nicholas II who established the role of cardinals as central to the papal election process. Notably, the red vestments worn by cardinals symbolize their readiness to sacrifice for the Church.
Regardless of when this consistory will take place, its announcement showcases the Vatican’s proactive stance to guide the Church’s future amid the myriad challenges of contemporary society. Historical precedents dictate the importance of honoring those figures who represent faith and exemplify acts of charity, thereby ensuring the Church’s mission remains vibrant and relevant.
Only time will reveal the outcomes from the consistory and how they will affect the Church moving forward, but the anticipation around these canonizations illuminates pathways to hope and inspiration for millions of believers worldwide.