VATICAN CITY, MAR 21, 2004 (VIS) - This morning in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father celebrated the Eucharist and beatified four Servants of God: Luigi Talamoni (1848-1926); Matilde del Sagrado Corazon Tellez Robles (1841-1902); Piedad de la Cruz Ortiz Real (1842-1916) and Maria Candida dell'Eucharistia (1884-1949). Before praying the Angelus, the Pope encouraged Spaniards to keep up their "hope, courage and generosity," after the March 11 attacks in Madrid.
Speaking about the new Blesseds, John Paul II said that the Italian priest Luigi Talamoni, who taught the future Pope Pius XI in the seminary, "was committed to the ministry of confession and to the service of the poor, those in prison and especially the poor who are sick. What a brilliant example he is for everyone! I urge you all, especially the priests and the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy of St. Gerard which he founded, to follow his example."
The Pope said that Spanish Blessed Matilde Tellez Robles, virgin and foundress of the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of the Church, "consecrated herself through an intense prayer life to transforming the society of her time by taking care of orphan girls, making home visits to the sick, promoting women workers and by collaborating in ecclesial activities. Profoundly devoted to the Eucharist, . her luminous witness is a call to live in adoration of God and in service to our brothers and sisters, two fundamental pillars of the Christian commitment."
Referring to Mother Piedad de la Cruz Ortiz Real, Spanish virgin and founder of the Congregation of the Salesian Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Holy Father said that "she united different groups of young people who wanted to show the love of the provident Father, manifested in the heart of Jesus, to
the poor, giving life in this way to a new religious family. A model of Christian and religious virtue and in love with Christ, Our Lady and the poor, she leaves us the example of austerity, prayer, and charity to those in need."
Blessed Maria Candida dell'Eucharistia of Italy, virgin and nun of the Order of the Decalced Carmelites, "was an authentic mystic of the Eucharist which she made the unifying center of her entire existence, following the Carmelite tradition, especially St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of the Cross. She was so in love with Jesus that she was aware of a constant and ardent desire to be a tireless apostle of the Eucharist. I am sure that from heaven Maria Candida continues to help the Church so that it may grow in stupor and love for this great mystery of our faith."
Before praying the Angelus, the Holy Father greeted the authorities and pilgrims present in the ceremony and addressed Spaniards in a special way, saying: "I encourage you to keep up your hope, courage and generosity in the face of the pain of so many families, the people of Madrid and all of Spain upon the recent terrorist attack. Love is stronger than hated and death!"
HML/BEATIFICATION:ANGELUS/. VIS 20040322 (520)
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