Venezuela Celebrates Canonization of First Saint José Gregorio Hernández and Others by Pope Leo XIV
Venezuela is set to celebrate the canonization of its first saint, José Gregorio Hernández, known as the “doctor of the poor,” by Pope Leo XIV. The ceremony will take place in St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of Venezuelans are expected to attend, with many more watching the livestream in Caracas. Hernández, a beloved figure in Venezuela, was a doctor who provided free medical services to the poor and was killed in 1919 while helping a needy elderly woman.
The canonization Mass will also honor Mother Carmen Rendiles Martínez and Peter To Rot, the latter being Papua New Guinea’s first saint. Pope Francis approved Hernández’s canonization based on his widespread veneration among the faithful, bypassing the usual miracle confirmation process. Hernández’s image is ubiquitous in Venezuela, adorning street art, hospitals, and home altars, making his canonization a significant event for the nation.
The canonization of Hernández holds special significance for Venezuela, offering a moment of celebration amid the country’s economic crisis and escalating tensions with the United States. The event comes shortly after Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize and amidst mounting tensions with the U.S. over military actions in Venezuela. The country’s economic woes, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, have led to widespread poverty and emigration.
In addition to Hernández, other individuals being canonized include Archbishop Ignazio Choukrallah Maloyan, Sister Vincenza Maria Poloni, Maria Troncatti, and Bartolo Longo. Each of these new saints has a unique story of faith and service, contributing to the rich tapestry of Catholic saints. The canonization ceremony will be a momentous occasion, bringing together believers from around the world to honor these exemplary individuals and their enduring legacies.