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Holy Cross Family Rejoices in Canonization of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis

Author: General Administration

St. Marie-Léonie Paradis

The canonization of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis by Pope Francis on Sunday, October 20, was a cauase for great celebration among the Holy Cross Family. One of 14 canonized that day in St. Peter’s Square, St. Marie-Léonie Paradis began her religious life as a Marianite of Holy Cross before founding the Little Sisters of the Holy Family in Canada.

“We share in the joy of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family with the canonization of their Foundress,” said Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Superior General of the Congregation of Holy Cross. “We are grateful that the sanctity of a former spiritual daughter of Blessed Basile Moreau has been officially recognized by the Church.”

Learn more about St. Marie-Léonie Pradis

Joining Br. Bednarczyk in officially representing the Holy Cross Family at the canonization were Br. Prodip Placid Gomes, C.S.C., Second General Assistant; Sr. Sharlet Wagner, C.S.C., President of the Sisters of the Holy Cross; Sr. Raymonde Maisonneuve, C.S.C., General Animator of the Sisters of Holy Cross, and her Councilors, Sr. Yanick Sylfradin, C.S.C., Sr. Doreen Cloutier, C.S.C., and Sr. Sonia Porras Mendoza, C.S.C.

Fr. Claude Grou, C.S.C., Superior of the Canadian Province, was invited by the Little Sisters to be part of a special group of concelebrants at the Mass. For many decades, the Little Sisters had served at houses of the Congregation in Canada, including at St. Joseph’s Oratory.

Canonization of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis

Also attending the Canonization from the Holy Cross Family were the Most Rev. Lawrence Subrato, C.S.C., Archbishop of Chattogram; Br. Adolf Mugume, C.S.C., Communications Director; and Fr. Thomas Gomes, C.S.C.

The other saints canonized that day were St. Giuseppe Allamana, founder of the Consolata missionary orders, St. Elena Guerra, foundress of the Oblates of the Holy Spirit, and the “Martyrs of Damascus”, eight Franciscans and three lay Maronite Catholics who were killed in Syria.

In his homily, Pope Francis highlighted the new saints’ common dedication to a life of service. “They made themselves servants of their brothers and sisters,” he said, “creative in doing good, steadfast in difficulties, and generous to the end.”