Model for Youth to Be Canonized

(July 23, 2009) A Cistercian monk proposed by Pope John Paul II as a model for youth is set to be canonized this October. Blessed María Rafael Arnaiz Baron, known as Brother Rafael, will be recognized as a saint along with four others who will be canonized October 11. He is the youngest of the group, having died at age 27 in 1938. The postulator of his cause, Cistercian Sister Augusta Tescari affirmed that he found sanctity in the midst of renunciation and sacrifice, as well as the joy of contemplative life, "with the style and the simplicity of a youth. His spirituality is very simple, cantered on the Eucharist, the greatness and goodness of God -- in the dominion of God over his life,” she said. Rafael Arnaiz was born in Spain in 1911 and studied at a Jesuit school. From a very young age, he showed remarkable sensitivity to spiritual themes, as well as interest in painting and art. His studies, however, were soon interrupted by illness. He recovered in 1922 at age 19 and began a degree in architecture in Madrid. In 1932, Arnaiz left aside his studies to do the spiritual exercises where he felt called to become a Cistercian monk. At age 23, he was accepted in the monastery of St. Isidro de Dueñas. During his stay he was constantly sick and had to take leave of absence. Diabetes finally took his life April 26, 1938. His cell in the monastery is preserved as a place of prayer and recollection for the monks of the community.