The Blesseds to Be Proclaimed Saints:
Maria Troncatti
A religious sister of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and an Italian missionary in Ecuador. She served as a nurse, educator, and peacemaker among indigenous populations, devoting her entire life to the poor. In every task, sacrifice, or danger, she felt supported by the maternal presence of Mary Help of Christians. On August 25, 1969, in Sucúa (Ecuador), the small plane carrying Sister Maria Troncatti crashed shortly after takeoff, near the edge of the jungle that had been her “homeland of the heart” for nearly fifty years. It was the place of her tireless service among the Shuar people. That day, Sister Maria made her final flight — the one that brought her to Heaven.
Pier Giorgio Frassati
A layman active in politics and charitable work. He was deeply involved in social development and helping the sick and poor. His example continues to inspire many people to draw closer to faith.
José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros
A layman, professor, and man of deep academic and theological knowledge. He dedicated himself to helping the needy and is greatly loved in Venezuela for his life of faith, service, and devotion to the sick.
Vincenza Maria Poloni
An Italian religious sister and founder of the Sisters of Mercy of Verona. She is credited with the miraculous healing of a Chilean woman, Audelia Parra. She is remembered for her care for the sick and marginalized.
María del Monte Carmelo Rendiles Martínez
A Venezuelan and founder of the Servants of Jesus. Known to all as “Mother Carmen,” she will become Venezuela’s first saint. She is honored for her kindness, humility, and evangelical wisdom.
Bartolo Longo
An Italian layman and lawyer, founder of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompeii. After a period of involvement in spiritualism, he converted and became a passionate promoter of the Rosary and a dedicated servant of the poor, orphans, and Christian charity. He is regarded as one of the greatest apostles of the Rosary in the 20th century.
Ignatius Choukrallah Maloyan
An Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Mardin (Turkey), martyred during the Armenian genocide in 1915. He is a powerful symbol of faithfulness to the Christian faith even in the face of brutal persecution.
Peter To Rot
The first Blessed of Papua New Guinea. A layman and catechist, he was martyred during World War II for defending the sanctity of Christian marriage against the policies of the Japanese regime.
