Pope Francis Approves Miracle Attributed to Blessed Elena Guerra, Paving Way for Canonization

Pope Francis has approved a miracle attributed to Blessed Elena Guerra (1835-1914), an Italian nun known for her devotion to the Holy Spirit and correspondence with Pope Leo XIII. This approval prepares the path for her canonization as a saint in the Catholic Church.

Elena Guerra was a friend of Pope Leo XIII and the teacher of St. Gemma Galgani. She is known for her spiritual writings and devotion to the Holy Spirit. The Vatican's announcement of this approval is a significant step towards her eventual canonization as a saint.

The approved miracle involves the healing of a Brazilian man, Paulo G., who suffered a severe head injury in 2010. Members of a local Catholic charismatic prayer group prayed for his recovery, and he began responding within 10 days. Less than six weeks after the accident, he was released from the hospital and continued to show good health.

Why this matters: The approval of this miracle and the advancement of Blessed Elena Guerra's cause for canonization highlights the ongoing process of recognizing and venerating saints in the Catholic Church. It also underscores the importance of prayer and devotion to the Holy Spirit in the lives of the faithful.

In addition to approving the miracle attributed to Blessed Elena Guerra, Pope Francis also recognized the martyrdom of a Spanish priest and layman killed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936, opening the path for their beatification. The Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints announced these decrees following a meeting with Pope Francis.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to Blessed Elena Guerra.
• Elena Guerra was an Italian nun known for devotion to Holy Spirit.
• Approved miracle involved healing of a Brazilian man after accident.
• Approval advances Elena Guerra's cause for canonization as a saint.
• Pope also recognized martyrdom of Spanish priest and layman in 1936.