Pope Francis issued a decree on June 27, during the Ordinary Consistory in the Vatican, approving the canonization of Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux. The canonization ceremony due to take place during a massive celebration at St. Peter's Square on October 18 coinciding with the World Mission Day. This day is quite close to October 16, which commemorates the election day of St. Pope John Paul II, and falls on the same day in 1997 when he declared that their daughter is Doctor of the Church.
But October 2015 is totally different. It is the year marking the convening of the Synod on the Family and discussing the challenges it faces in the world of today. Such issues are of concern to the children of the Church, and to the world as well, more than any time in the past.
The Pope will mark the canonization of the first couple ever. This will serve as a significant lesson to the families seeking means to maintain their values, in the world of globalization, violence as well as internal and external challenges.
Is there actually in the world of today something known as canonization of families?
So far, several ''individuals'' who lived in pious families, or relatively pious ones, have been canonized. There are several consecrated people whose parents played an active role in the refinement of their religious personalities and in their consecration. Months ago, Pope Francis marked the 200th anniversary of St. John Bosco in his hometown, Turin. One of the bishops told the Pope that we cannot think of St. Don Bosco without thinking of his mother, Mother Margherita, who is proceeding on the path of sainthood.
Today, the Pope will announce for the first time the sainthood of a married couple, in order to confirm the unity of the family in line with the views that had been expressed by Pope John Paul II on ''Love and Responsibility''.
So, to all married people who proceed on the right path of Christian life en route to happiness, and to all those suffering in their married life, we have an appointment on October 18. This appointment is designed to reinforce the role of the family, to confirm its sound identity, and to highlight the invaluable life between man and woman which can lead them to sainthood.
With the current summer season marking wedding celebrations, or rather the days when young people seek marriage, I would say: Oh young man and woman, do not look for your other half to be only wealthy and educated. Seek someone where your common life will be conducive to have both of your photos hung on the front side of St. Peter Church, with both of you simultaneously canonized.
It worthy to note that the canonization of the couple coincides with the canonization of Italian Father Vincenzo Grossi, founder of the Institute of the Daughters of the Oratory, and Spanish Sister Maria of the Immaculate Conception, superior general of the Sisters of the Company of the Cross. This provides cogent evidence of the huge diversification of missionary within the Church… husband and wife, priest and nun. Yet, all roads meet at the most sublime, holy and pure station… the eternal station… heavenly Jerusalem.
Oh new blessed family--alongside your daughter Therese, the Italian priest, and the Spanish nun--do pray for us.
