The beautification process of the seven Greek Catholic bishops of Romania who were killed by the communist regime between 1950 and 1970 will be conducted by Pope Francis on 2nd June 2019. The postulators of the bishops cause for beautification and vice rector of the Romanian Seminary in Rome, Fr Vasile Man said to the CNA Reporters that these bishops were already considered martyrs for the faithful and they are known for their courage, faith, fidelity to the Holy Father.
Bishops Valeriu Traian Frentiu, Vasile Aftenie, Ioan Suciu, Tito Livio Chinezu, Ioan Balan, Alexandru Rusu, and Iuliu Hossu were the Catholic bishops who were killed in hatred of the faith between 1950 and 1970 during the Soviet occupation of Romania and the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu. The beautification process will take place during the celebration of Divine Liturgy presided over Pope Francis in the Transylvania region of Romania.
The event is very significant for Romanian Catholics since the beautification is proclaimed by Pope Francis instead of a Papal Delegate who usually presides for beautification and this gesture marks the Holy see’s recognition for the imprisoned, persecuted and outlawed by the communist regime.
Source: Catholic News Agency
