Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarchate on Wednesday hails the upcoming canonization by Pope Francis of two nuns who will become the first modern-day Palestinian saints.
Marie Alphonsine Ghattas of Jerusalem and Mariam Bawardy of Galilee, both of whom lived in Ottoman Palestine during the 19th century, will be canonized at the Vatican in Rome later this month.
“In Rome, Pope Francis will declare on May 17 two Palestinian nuns as saints, and we are in full preparation,” Bishop William Shomali tells journalists.
The pair’s canonization “means that holiness is still possible, that… spiritual perfection is still possible,” he says.
“Our Holy Land continues to be holy, not only because of the holy places it hosts, but also because good people live here.”
Pope Francis announced in February that the two nuns would be canonized — the first Palestinian Arabs to gain sainthood.
— AFP
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