This Sunday, August 23, we celebrate the life of Saint Rose of Lima, the first woman declared a saint in the Americas, alongside other saints and martyrs recognized by the Catholic Church.
The good deeds, sacrifices, and inexplicable events attributed to the divine have led to the beatification and canonization of numerous individuals by the Vatican. Each day, we commemorate those who dedicated their lives to the service of the Catholic Church.
In particular, the celebration of Saint Rose of Lima, patroness of Peru, the Americas, and the Philippines, takes place on August 23, although some regions honor her on August 30. Saint Rose of Lima is remembered for her deep life of faith and charity.
In addition to Saint Rose, the feast for this Sunday includes other saints and martyrs such as Saint Asterius of Egea, Saint Fructuosa, Saint Minervus, Saint Anthony of Gerace, Saint Eugene of Ardstraw, Saint Zaccheus of Jerusalem, Blessed Francis Dachtera, Saint Flavian of Autun, Saint Claudius of Egea, Saint Neon of Egea, Saint Lupus of Nove, Blessed John Bourdon, and Saint Cyriacus of Ostia.
The process of beatification and canonization, which formalizes the declaration of someone as a saint, involves several steps: first, the person is designated as a servant of God, then is deemed venerable, subsequently beatified, and finally canonized. This last step allows the faithful to publicly venerate the canonized person, grants a liturgical feast day, and recognizes their ability to intercede before God.
It is estimated that there are currently up to nine thousand saints recognized by the Church, according to the Roman Martyrology. In recent years, figures such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have been responsible for the canonization of hundreds of saints. Currently, Catholicism has over 1.360 billion adherents worldwide, with the Americas being the continent with the highest concentration.
In recent years, the increase in Catholics has been significant in Asia and Africa, while the presence of the faithful in Europe has declined and remained stable in Oceania.
Source: www.infobae.com
