Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has approved new decrees for the causes of saints, opening the way for the beatification of two people and recognizing four others as Venerable.
Pope met Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, on Thursday and authorized the publication of the decrees.
The decrees recognize the martyrdom of Guatemalan priest Fr. Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio and a miracle attributed to the intercession of Sr. Maria Ignazia Isacchi. With these decisions, both will be proclaimed Blessed.
Pope also recognized the heroic virtues of Nerino Cobianchi and three religious sisters, Crocifissa Militerni, Maria Giselda Villela and Maria Tecla Antonia Relucenti, who are now declared Venerable.
Fr. Augusto Rafael Ramírez Monasterio was born in Guatemala City on November 5, 1937, into a large Catholic family. He joined the Franciscan Order and was ordained a priest in 1967 after studies in Spain.
In 1978, he became guardian and parish priest of San Francisco el Grande in Antigua, Guatemala, during the country’s civil war. He dedicated himself to parish work and to helping the poor and vulnerable.
He was arrested in June 1983, tortured and later released, but remained under surveillance and received death threats. On November 7, 1983, he was arrested again by soldiers and killed while being transferred to the outskirts of the city. The Church has recognized that he was killed out of hatred for the faith.
Sr. Maria Ignazia Isacchi, born Angela Caterina in Stezzano, Italy, on May 8, 1857, joined the Ursuline Sisters of Somasca at a young age. She later became Superior General and moved the congregation’s motherhouse to Asola.
She led the institute until 1924 and was later named Superior General for life as an honorary title. She died on August 19, 1934, and was declared Venerable in 2022.
A miracle attributed to her intercession involves the healing of Sister Maria Assunta Zappella in 1950 from a serious intestinal illness. After a novena, the sister suddenly improved, and doctors reported a rapid and complete recovery that could not be medically explained.
Among the new Venerables is Nerino Cobianchi, a layman born in the Italian province of Pavia on June 25, 1945. He was deeply involved in parish life, youth work and scouting. He organized prayer groups and took part in charitable activities, including helping victims of the Irpinia earthquake in 1980 and supporting missions in the Sahel region.
Even after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 1996, he continued his charitable work until his death on January 3, 1998. His life was marked by prayer, daily Mass and service to others.
Crocifissa Militerni, born Teresa in Calabria on December 24, 1874, dedicated her life to prayer and care for the young, the sick, the elderly and the dying. She helped establish a nursery school and lived with humility and detachment from material goods. She died on March 25, 1925.
Maria Giselda Villela was born in Brazil on January 12, 1909, and later became prioress of a Carmelite monastery in Pouso Alegre. Known as Mãezinha, meaning little mother, she was loved for her kindness and spiritual guidance. Though she lived in enclosure, many people sought her advice and comfort. She died on January 20, 1988.
Maria Tecla Antonia Relucenti was born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, on September 23, 1704. She founded the Congregation of the Pious Worker Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and served as Superior for life. She worked in education and formation and helped write the congregation’s rules. She died on July 11, 1769 and is remembered for her strong faith and charity.
With these decrees, the Church moves one step closer to honoring new models of Christian life and service from different times and countries.