Vatican Advances Canonization Causes for Five Servants of God, Including Kerala Founder
The Vatican Dicastery for the Canonization of Saints has moved forward the causes for sainthood of five individuals – including Fr. Joseph Panjikaran, founder of the Dharmagiri Sannyasinee Sabha in Kerala, India – recognizing heroic virtues and confirmed miracles. These developments, announced on Thursday, December 18, represent significant steps toward potential canonization for these devout figures.
Kerala’s Fr. Joseph Panjikaran Recognized for Heroic Virtue
The founder of the Dharmagiri Sannyasinee Church, Daivadasan Fr. Joseph Panjikaran, is among those whose lives are being formally recognized by the Catholic Church. Born on September 10, 1888, in Uzhua, Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamali, and passing away on November 4, 1949, in Kothamangalam, Fr. Panjikaran dedicated his life to establishing the Sannyastha Sabha, known as Dharmagiri Sannyasinimar – the Medical Sisters of St. Joseph. This organization was specifically created to provide vital patient care and treatment services. A senior official stated that the Holy See’s recognition of his “heroic virtues” underscores his profound commitment to serving others.
International Figures Join the Path to Sainthood
Alongside Fr. Panjikaran, the Vatican also acknowledged the lives of several other individuals from across Europe. These include Enrico Ernesto Shaw, a German family man born in Paris, France, on February 26, 1921, and who died on August 27, 1962; Ignacio Alaix Vaquero and ten associates, Spanish martyrs killed between 1936 and 1937 during opposition to the faith; Fr. Bernardo Athonna, a Capuchin minor priest from Italy; and Saint Catherine of the Holy Spirit Domenica, an Italian founder of the Dominican House of Divine Providence.
The Vatican confirmed a miracle attributed to the intercession of the blessed servant of God, Enrico Ernesto Shaw, and validated the martyrdom of Ignacio Alaix Vaquero and his ten companions. The heroic virtues of Fr. Joseph Panjikaran, Fr. Berardo Athonna, and Saint Catherine of the Holy Spirit Domenica were also formally recognized.
Beatification of Dhanya C. Celebrated in Kerala
In a related event, Dhanya C., the founder of the Nishpaduka Carmelite Third Church and Teresian Carmelite Nun Church, was beatified by the Church on Saturday, November 8, at 4:30 pm at the Vallarpadam Basilica. According to reports, Dhanya C. is now exalted as blessed.
These recent decrees from the Vatican Dicastery for the Canonization of Saints mark a crucial advancement in the journeys of these individuals toward potential sainthood, offering inspiration to the faithful worldwide.
