Vatican City: In a historic and deeply spiritual ceremony on World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV canonized seven new saints, drawing pilgrims from across the globe to the Vatican. The canonization was celebrated not only as a triumph of faith but also as a profound reminder of resilience, courage, and holiness in everyday life. Pilgrims described the ceremony as a moving personal experience, reaffirming their commitment to live their faith authentically.
Among the newly canonized, Saint Vincenza Maria Poloni stands out for her life of humble charity. The Sisters of Mercy of Verona, her congregation, expressed immense joy at the recognition of their foundress. “Mother Vincenza’s sanctity was found in ordinary acts of love done with great joy,” said Sr. Christina. Sr. Hongera Adam added, “She called the poor ‘our Lords,’ teaching us to find Christ in them. Her example inspires us to live with simplicity and mercy.” Esther Madaha, a lay missionary from Dodoma, reflected, “St. Vincenza has been a beacon in my life, showing me how to bring mercy into daily actions and care for the needy.” The canonization has reinvigorated the mission of the Sisters of Mercy to continue her legacy of humble service.
From Venezuela, St. Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles Martinez was hailed as a silent flame of holiness. Sr. Adrian of the Sisters of the Handmaids of Jesus described the joy of celebrating Venezuela’s first canonized saint. Despite physical challenges, St. Maria founded her congregation and dedicated her life to pastoral ministry. “Her love for the Eucharist and her quiet service show that holiness is lived in small, faithful acts,” said Sr. Adriana. Her canonization is a testament to the power of steadfast faith and quiet devotion.
St. Maria Troncatti, a Salesian of Don Bosco, continues to inspire missionary zeal and compassion. Sr. Gisele Masha recounted stories of her humility, service, and miraculous intercessions, including the healing of Juwa Juank Kankua Bosco. “Her canonization revitalizes the Salesian family and reminds us that holiness begins with love for the poor and marginalized,” Sr. Gisele affirmed.
Saint Peter To Rot, a lay martyr from Papua New Guinea, inspired pilgrims with his steadfast faith in Oceania. Samantha, a pilgrim from PNG, said, “His martyrdom strengthens my own faith in standing firm for Jesus during trials.” Cathy from Lae highlighted his disciplined life, devotion to marriage, and courage in resisting societal pressures. “St. Peter To Rot shows that holiness is found in daily fidelity and love for God, not only in extraordinary acts,” she said. Sr. Rose Lone and Sr. Susana Vei from the Solomon Islands added that his canonization encourages them to persevere in their religious vocations, no matter the challenges.
The testimonies of pilgrims from Oceania, Africa, and Latin America reflected a universal truth: holiness transcends geography, status, and circumstance. Whether through acts of mercy, missionary dedication, silent devotion, or martyrdom, these saints demonstrate that a life fully offered to Christ inspires the world. One pilgrim summed up the spirit of the canonization: “These saints are not just for the Church they are for the world, showing us how to live faith with courage, compassion, and joy.”
The canonization of these seven saints marks a renewed celebration of faith, reminding believers worldwide that sanctity is accessible to all who live with love, courage, and devotion in ordinary and extraordinary ways.