2 Priests Beatified in Milan

Father Luigi Monza and Monsignor Luigi Biraghi

MILAN, Italy, APRIL 30, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Milan's cathedral was the setting, for the first time since 1662, for the rite of beatification of two priests and founders.

Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, archbishop of Milan, presided over the beatification ceremony of Father Luigi Monza and Monsignor Luigi Biraghi.

"We have great need to have many blessed and saints, so that their example of life will denounce the evil present in us, but above all so that it will awaken and strengthen the drive toward the authentic good," the cardinal said in the homily.

Also present was the papal legate, Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, prefect of the Congregation for Sainthood Causes, who read the formula of beatification in the Pope's name.

"With our apostolic authority, we grant that the venerable servants of God, Luigi Biraghi and Luigi Monza, be called henceforth blessed and that their feast be celebrated in places and according to the rules established by law: every year, on May 28 for Luigi Biraghi and on Sept. 28 for Luigi Monza," said Cardinal Saraiva Martins.

Father Monza (1898-1954) founded the Little Apostles, a community of consecrated women that seeks to bring to society the charity of the early Christians.

"Our Family," an institution that looks after handicapped children in several countries worldwide, is a product of the Little Apostles.

Monsignor Biraghi (1801-1879) was doctor of the Ambrosian Library and undertook intense charitable works and support of mission countries.

In 1838 he founded the Sisters of St. Marcellina, dedicated in numerous countries to the cultural and moral education of young people, and to the missions.

 

 

 

 

 

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