CANONIZATIONS AND A CALL FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

VATICAN CITY, JUN 10, 2001 (VIS) - At 10 a.m. today, Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, John Paul II celebrated Mass in St. Peter's Square and canonized four Italian Blesseds: Luigi Scrosoppi (1804-1884), Agostino Roscelli (1818-1902), Bernardo da Corleone (1605-1667), Teresa Eustochio Verzeri (1801-1852), and Lebanese Blessed Rafqa Petra Choboq Ar-Rayes (1832-1914).

In his homily, speaking of the first female Lebanese saint, Rafqa Petra Choboq Ar-Rayes, virgin, and nun of the Lebanese Maronite Order, the Pope called for peace in the Middle East, saying: "Through her intercession, we ask the Lord to open hearts to the patient search for new ways of peace, bringing the days of reconciliation and agreement soon!" This saint, the Holy Father emphasized, in the sufferings of the last 29 years of her life, "always showed a love which was generous and impassioned for the salvation of her brethren."

Speaking of St. Luigi Scrosoppi, priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri and founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence of St. Gaetano Thiene, John Paul II said that "he exercised charity in an exemplary way, above all with regard to orphaned and abandoned girls." This virtue "was the secret of his long and untiring apostolate, nourished by constant contact with Christ."

"From faith," the Holy Father said speaking of St. Agostino Roscelli, priest, founder of the Congregation of Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Genova, "he knew how to draw comfort in times of sadness, in harsh difficulties, and in painful events. Faith was the solid rock which he knew to cling to in order to never give in to discouragement. He felt the responsibility to communicate this same faith to others, above all to those whom he encountered in the ministry of confession."

The Pope said of St. Bernardo da Corleone, religious of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins, that from "continuous conversation with God, which found its propelling center in the Eucharist, he drew the lifeblood for his courageous apostolate, responding to the social challenges of the time, which was not free from tensions and anxieties. ... The humble example of this Capuchin is an encouragement to never tire of praying, since prayer and listening to God are the soul of authentic sanctity."

"Abandoning herself to the action of the Spirit, Teresa Eustochio Verzeri, virgin, foundress of the Institute of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, lived the particular mystical experience 'of the absence of God.' Only an unshakable faith prevented her from losing confidence in this provident and merciful Father. ... This is the teaching which she leaves us. Even in the midst of difficulties and inner and outward sufferings it is necessary to keep alive faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

At the end of the Mass and before the Angelus, John Paul II greeted in various languages the faithful who participated in the canonization ceremony.

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