Holy Father Pope Francis while addressing the gathering at St. Peter’s Square during the canonization of seven new saints defined the signs and the symbols of sanctity. A pope, who championed dialogue and mission. An archbishop, who was murdered for defending the defenseless, Two priests and two women religious, who dedicated their lives to serving the poorest and most in need and a layperson who died of bone tuberculosis when he was only 19 years of age, are the newly canonized saints.
Aside from the gigantic images adorning the façade of St Peter’s Basilica, the presence of the new saints was evident in the seven reliquaries that stood to one side of the altar throughout the celebration. But His Holiness Pope Francis chose three particularly personal elements to demonstrate his closeness to Paul VI and Oscar Romero, especially.
The chalice used by His Holiness Pope Francis during the Canonization Mass was a favorite of Paul VI. As was the Pastoral Cross which accompanied him on many of his apostolic journeys around the world. And to celebrate Oscar Romero, Holy Father Pope Francis wore the bloodstained cincture of the slain His Grace Archbishop of San Salvador, the one he was wearing when he was shot while celebrating Mass in the Chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence, on March 24th 1980.
Source: Vatican news
