By editor - 06 June, 2013
The Redemptoristine sisters are rejoicing in Dublin as Pope Francis has recognised their founder as venerable.
Sr Gabrielle broke what she called the “wonderful news” to the community on Tuesday that Pope Francis had recognised their Italian founder Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa. The Pope approved eight decrees in total of which four were founders of religious orders or associations for having lived the Christian virtues in a heroic way and declaring them “venerable.” Recognition of a miracle attributed to each candidate’s intercession is needed for that person’s beatification.
Italian Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa was the 18th-century founder of the monastic Order of the Most Holy Redeemer also known as the Redemptoristine Nuns. At the age of 20 she entered a convent near Naples and during her spiritual journey she had many mystical experiences and shared friendships with St Alphonsus and St Gerard Majella. Her spirituality involved obedience to conscience, searching for meaning in the gospels and a simple life based on prayer. But Sr Celeste also knew the needs of her time and emphasised the importance of being co-responsible with Christ in giving people real hope and genuine human dignity, especially to those who feel oppressed. She emphasised the need to make Christ present in the world. The Redemptoristines, known by their red habit today, are spread throughout Europe, the USA, Canada, Africa, Asia and Australia.
In Dublin the contemplative Redemptoristines have had a number of vocations in recent months and years. The most recent was on 15th May when Johanna received the Redemptoristine habit and white veil and began her two years in the Noviciate.
On Monday (3rd June), the Holy Father authorized the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to promulgate the following decrees regarding:
MARTYRDOM
– Servants of God Mauro (born Abel Angelo Palazuelos Maruri) and 17 Companions from the Order of St. Benedict, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in 1936.
– Servants of God Joan of Jesus (born Joan Vilaregut Ferre) and 3 Companions from the Order of Discalced Carmelites along with diocesan priest Pau Segala Sole, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in 1936.
– Servants of God Crisanto (born Casimiro Gonzalez Garcia), Aquilino (born Baldomer Baro Riera), Cipriano Jose (born Julian Iglesias Banuelos), and 63 Companions from the Marist Brothers of the Schools (Little Brothers of Mary), along with 2 laymen, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain between 1936 and 1939.
– Servants of God Aurelia (born Clementina Arambarri Fuente) and 3 Companions from the Servants of Mary, Ministers of the Sick, killed in hatred of the faith in Spain in 1936.
HEROIC VIRTUES
– Servant of God Joao de Oliveira Matos Ferreira, auxiliary bishop of Guarda, Portugal, and titular of Aureliopolis in Lydia. Founder of the Association of the League of the Servants of Jesus (1879-1962).
– Servant of God Nicola Mazza, priest of the Diocese of Verona, Italy, and founder of several institutes of education (1790-1865).
– Servant of God Maria Celeste of the Holy Redeemer (born Giulia Crostarosa), founder of the Order of Redemptoristine Nuns (1686-1755)
– Servant of God Teresa of Saint Joseph (born Teresa Toda Juncosa), founder of the Teresian Carmelite Sisters of Saint Joseph (1826-1898).
