Sri Lanka gets first Saint; Canada gets a new Blessed

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday waived the requirement for a second miracle in the canonization cause of Blessed Joseph Vaz, CO, clearing the way for the naming of the first Sri Lankan saint.  Blessed Joseph Vaz was born in India in 1651, but is known for his missionary work in Sri Lanka, and is considered the “apostle” of the country.

The announcement came after Pope Francis met with Cardinal Angelo Amato S.D.B., Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Other decrees approved by the Holy Father on Wednesday included a miracle for Blessed Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception (born Adelaide Brando), the Italian foundress of the Oblation Sisters of the Holy Sacrament, and a miracle for Venerable Marie-Elisabeth Turgeon, Canadian foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. 

Full list of decrees promulgated by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints provided by the Vatican Information Service (VIS)

MIRACLES

- Blessed Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception (nee Adelaide Brando), Italian foundress of the Oblation Sisters of the Holy Sacrament (1856-1906);

- Venerable Servant of God Pio Alberto del Corona, Italian professed priest of the Order of Preachers, bishop of San Miniato and founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Holy Spirit (1837-1912);

- Venerable Servant of God Marie-Elisabeth Turgeon, Canadian foundress of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (1840-1881).

The Pontiff also approved the votes of the Ordinary Session of the Cardinal and Bishop Fathers in favour of the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz, Indian priest of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri, founder of the Oratory of the Holy Cross of Miracles in Goa (1651-1711).

Finally, the Holy Father decided that a Consistory will be convoked shortly for the canonisation of Blessed Joseph Vaz and Blessed Maria Cristina of the Immaculate Conception, nee Adelaide Brando.