Public consistory to decide on canonization of 6 candidates

(February 12, 2010) An ordinary public consistory will be held next Friday in the Vatican to vote and decide on canonization of 6 candidates to sainthood - a priest, a brother and four nuns. Among them is Blessed Mary MacKillop, who will become Australia's first saint. Others are a Polish priest of the Canons Regular of the Lateran, Fr. Stanisław Sołtys, Canadian Holy Cross Brother André Bessette, Spanish nun Sr. Candida Maria De Jesus Cipitria Y Barriola, Italian nun Sr. Giulia Salzano and Clarist nun Sr. Battista Varano, also of Italy. A miracle each attributed to the intercession of the six candidates had been approved earlier by the Church and Pope Benedict, clearing the way for their canonization. Friday’s consistory is most likely to declare the dates for their canonization ceremonies.