The Archbishop of Caracas Raúl Biord celebrated this Thursday in Rome the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández and the nun Carmen Rendileswho will become the first saints of Venezuela. Biord described the event as “a national cause” and “a moment to generate hope.”
“Venezuela is full of joy because we have the first two saints. That means that if they became saints, we can also be saints,” he expressed.
The prelate also highlighted that this double canonization represents a deep joy for the country and a spiritual victory for the Venezuelan faithful.
“We feel so happy that we have finally had a great victory: that they are with God,” he said.
Ceremony brings together global pilgrims
The ceremony, which will be presided over by Pope Leo XIV this Sunday in the Vatican, promises to bring together thousands of believers and pilgrims from different parts of the world.
“Venezuela also recognizes in these two saints, José Gregorio and Mother Carmen, the greatest values of Venezuelans, donation to others,” said Biord, highlighting that both represent the spirit of solidarity and commitment to others that characterizes the Venezuelan people.
A legacy that transcends borders
Regarding José Gregorio Hernández (1864-1919), the archbishop recalled his vocation of service as “doctor, doctor of the poor and doctor of all.”
Mother Carmen Rendiles (1903-1977) highlighted her life dedicated to education and faith, whom she defined as an “educator and school founder.”
For Biord, their stories are “a great joy, an enthusiasm and an incentive to follow their example.”
The archbishop also highlighted the deep popular devotion to José Gregorio, whose figure is present in every corner of the country. “In Venezuela there are mechanical workshops that bear the name of José Gregorio. There are hospitals that bear the name of José Gregorio. There are businesses that bear the name of José Gregorio,” he commented proudly.
“We feel so happy because they are two of our compatriots who have given the best in the world and who are now elevated to the altars,” Biord added, moved by the significance of the moment.
The archbishop also highlighted that the celebration has transcended borders, with pilgrims who have traveled from Australia, the United States, Chile and Venezuela to participate in the ceremony.
“One of the beautiful things is that the migrants who have had to leave our homeland, especially due to the economic crisis, have taken José Gregorio to other places,” he said.
With information from Efe.
