By Sr Christine Masivo, CPS
The canonization drew pilgrims from every corner of the world, bringing testimonies of how their witness of faith has inspired them and touched their hearts. The saints’ lives radiated faith and holiness in their lives, with courage, compassion, and quiet faith lived in daily life.
In interviews with Vatican News, a number of the pilgrims share their sentiments.
Saint Vincenza Maria Poloni’s life reflects holiness in everyday charity
The Sisters of Mercy of Verona conveyed their joy for this great happening in her lifetime and for their congregation.
“Our hearts are full of joy for the gift of Mother Vincenza, who lived an ordinary life serving the sick, the needy, the poor, and loving Christ. Her sanctity came not from great deeds but from small acts of love done with great joy,” said Sr Christina, a member of the congregation St Poloni founded.
“She is a heroine of love. She called the poor ‘our Lords,’ teaching us to love Christ in them, and said true holiness is found in simple acts of mercy,” Sr Hongera Adam said. “I learn to imitate her and live a simple life in my being present to the poor.”
Esther Madaha, a lay missionary from Dodoma, said, “St Vincenza has been a beacon in my faith, through her way of life and example of dedication to the poor, the sick, and the less fortunate in the society, and a comfort in my life of prayer. Her canonization inspires me to live mercy in my own daily life.”
The canonization and the words of the Sisters of Mercy renewed their mission, to continue their foundress’s work in serving Christ in the poor with humility and love.
St Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles Martinez, the silent flame of Venezuela
From Venezuela, Sr Adrian of the Sisters of the Handmaids of Jesus (Servants of Jesus of Venezuela), shared her joy as their foundress, St Maria del Monte Carmelo Rendiles, was declared the first Venezuelan saint.
She overcame physical challenges and founded this religious congregation, which was dedicated to pastoral ministry.
“She was a woman of deep Eucharistic love, and defended the Eucharist while loving the Church passionately in her little acts into extraordinary things. Our whole congregation celebrates,” Sr Adriana continued. “Her life shows us that holiness can be lived in the small things, in silence, in everyday service. That is the legacy she leaves to us all.”
St Maria Troncatti, a missionary of peace and healing
Saint Maria Troncatti a Salesian of Don Bosco continues to inspire countless people worldwide. “St Maria Troncatti showed us that mission begins with love for the poor, the sick and the least in our societies. She reminds us that holiness is not distant, it is the gift of those who serve with joy,” said Sr Gisele Masha, a Salesian Sister.
Her holiness is marked by humility and compassion, and after her death in a plane crash in 1969, reports of miracles, including the healing of Juwa Juank Kankua Bosco, a Shuar man, miraculously recovered from a fatal injury on his head, with no hope for recovery.
“Through the intercession of St Troncatti, he was healed,” attests Sr Gisele. “The canonization brings new life to the Salesian family as the second sisters to be canonized in the congregation.”
Saint Peter To Rot, renewing the faith of Oceania
Two lay women pilgrims from Papua New Guinea, Samantha and Cathy, shared what Saint Peter To Rot means to them and to the people of Oceania.
Samantha described the experience as a deeply personal journey of renewal. “The canonization inspired me to deepen my faith,” she said. “His martyrdom helped to strengthen my own faith in standing up for Jesus in times of trial; it’s an inspiration for me and many other Papua New Guineans.”
Cathy, from the Diocese of Lae, confessed that, “witnessing the canonization in Rome, as a Papua New Guinean, seeing our own elevated to sainthood is truly inspiring. St Peter To Rot lived a disciplined and devout life, valuing the sanctity of marriage and refusing to give in to the pressure of polygamy during persecution. As laypeople, he proves that holiness is not reserved for clergy; it’s found in daily fidelity, self-discipline, and love for Jesus.”
This canonization is a reminder that sanctity can be lived in the simplicity of ordinary life and courageous faith. As Cathy concluded, “He shows us that loving God from Monday to Sunday, not just on Sunday, is what makes life truly holy.”
Sr Rose Lone and Sr Susana Vei from the Sisters of Faith from the Solomon Islands said that this canonization gives them joy and satisfaction in life as religious women; they were encouraged to persevere in their vocation no matter how challenging it may be, just like St To Rot. His courage is a true reflection of what it means to be a true follower of Christ and to die for Him. He is a role model for married couples and families.
A communion of holiness
The testimonies of these faithful witnesses from Oceania to Africa to Latin America remind the world that holiness is not bound by geography or status.
Whether through martyrdom, mercy, silent service, or missionary zeal, these four saints show that sanctity blossoms wherever love for Christ and neighbor is lived fully.
As one pilgrim said after 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.” – Vatican News
